Question:
Transecting the stomach, I am confused. What should I do?

After reading all the posts from this past week debating whether the transected stomach (RNY)is the only way to go..I still am not sure what the FINAL VERDICT was! I have to see my surgeon for the last time prior to surgery, this coming Wednesday. My surgery is scheduled for 6 days later. (July 18th). I am going to ask him if he does the transected/ divided gastric bypass. If he tells me NO, I am not sure what I should do. I have to go w/ this surgeon due to the fact that he is the only one around here that will accept my insurance. He also allows patients to make monthly pmts for surgery if insurance does not cover it. So, I have to stick w/ him. What if he says that he does the normal open RNY proximal w/ staples and sewing? Is it THAT INADEQUATE of a type of surgery now that I should not have it? After reading all the negative things that were said about staples breaking down, etc...I am kind of afraid to have another kind of RNY other than w/ the transecting of the stomach! HELP!! What do I do?? I do not want to go back in a year or so and have a revision done. Are there post op's here that have had the normal open RNY proximal w/ staples that have not had problems such as were discussed earlier this week on Q & a Page? (I think he does sew and staple, too) He is the chief of surgery, and certified to do bariatric surgery, so shouldn't he know what he is doing?    — kathy S. (posted on July 8, 2000)

July 8, 2000
Sorry, Kathy, I had to laugh with your last sentence("He is chief of surgery and certified to do bariatric surgery, so shouldn't he know what he is doing?") Well, you'd think so but that doesn't mean that he does the best thing-he does HIS thing and sorry, that may not be the best. Now I say to everyone out there, the doctor's are not perfect and we don't have to follow them like idols-many, many doctors told us to lose weight and exercise and did we do it? Was their advise the best? The doctors tell many of us to stay away from WLS and how horrible it is. Do we believe them? At any rate, Kathy, I truly understand that if this is the only doctor with your insurance who offers WLS then you will have to have the type that he does. I agree with Ray that if you want the stomach transected, which is the best way and only way to go (I believe) then you should make this known to him in no uncertain terms that this is what you want. If he refuses and he is truly your only choice, then live with it, make peace with the decision and look forward to whatever comes-not all people have breakdowns of the suture line. But if there is any other doctors with your insurance who do offer the operation with a transected stomach, then go to them for a consult. What is all this aversion to traveling for medical care. OK, I know across the country may be hard but 50 miles or a hundred? People, please don't get lost in the local yokel mentality. There are doctors in other places besides your local hospital so if you do have a choice, then go for it or stop complaining about what is available to you-which really may be a lot but you don't want to avail yourself of the offering. NOW please, I am not putting anyone down or saying that Kathy or anyone else is complaining or that a local doctor isn't competent-absolutely not! My comments are made to stimulate thought and give a different point of view for consideration-not criticism. You can't make an informed decision if you aren't fully informed. And again, the decision you make is personal and may not always be what we want or a first choice, but there have to be compromises sometimes, then moving forward. Good luck, Kathy, and others in whatever decision you make. I am behind you 100% in support and encouragement.
   — Fran B.

July 8, 2000
Kathy, I asked these questions a week ago and I am still wondering how I feel. I also have not asked my Dr. if he does transect or not and so I am kind of nervous. But we didn't know all these things before to know what to ask. I would have to drive 5 hours to another facility to have this done and have to wait till at least October and I need to have it done in August or I'd have to wait till next May. I still am concerned but the best we can do is ask our surgeon and I will probably still go this route because of the above reasons. Good luck girl! We'll do fine. you'll see. Maybe we'll ask our doc if he transects and he'll say yes and we will have worried for nothing! See ya later!
   — Bryytteyes

July 8, 2000
Hi Kathy. I am only 7 months out - but I had an Open RNY done with stapling and stitching - no transection. I have had no problems. I am down 118 lbs - I have about 40 to go. Best of luck to you!
   — Marjie W.