Question:
What or the different types of surgery and what determines which one you qualify for?

   — darlenebrum (posted on April 12, 2010)

April 12, 2010
Hi Darlene. There's a lot of information in books and on the web about the different types of WLS. There's even great information right here on ObesityHelp. http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/wlsurgery.html Not every surgery is right for everyone. You should see a surgeon to discuss what is best for you. Also if you have health insurance contact the company to see what proceedures (if any) are covered.
   — Caribou ME

April 12, 2010
In my experience I usually found more reliable information on the Internet than by talking to a surgeon. Most doctors do not know much about WLS. Surgeons usually only know the kinds they perform. I suggest looking at the surgical forums here on this site to see what kinds of results folks have had. Also look at what kind of life style changes will be required by each surgery as they can be quite different. There are studies that show comparisons of the long term results of a few types of WLS. Also look at what comorbidities each kind of surgery will help with the most. I hope these suggestions help, Mike.
   — Mike A.

April 14, 2010
GO TO WWW.LAPSF.COM, ON THE LEFT SIDE BLUE BOX CLICK "WEIGHT LOSS AND REVISIONAL SURGERIES" THEN CLICK "INTRO-WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS", SCROLL DOWN TO WHERE YOU SEE THE PICTURE OF A STOMACH-CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE "SURGERY COMPARISON CHART". PRINT THIS EMAIL SO YOU CAN FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTIONS. I also have the chart in my profile but it is hard to see unless you can zoom into make it large and clear. But it is a great chart. This will help you, but your insurance will pretty much determine which one you will get. I had less than 100 lbs to lose, not a sweet eater but portion control was my problem and it so happened that my insurance only approved the RNY and that was the one I wanted and the one my doctor felt was best suited for my weight.
   — Kristy