Question:
High BMI in CA - know any surgeons?

I am actually having surgery on 7/17, but I told my aunt I would research this more for her. She is quite large (I don't even know her actual BMI - but I assume she is over 60) My doctor does not perform surgery on patients with a bmi over 60. She is 5'5 and weighs at least 400 pounds (if not more). She has medicare/medical and would probably benefit more from someone who can do a panni and the surgery at the same time (If there is anyone who does that here in Calif.) Can anyone help? She is very depressed and does not have a good quality of life. I don't think she would care if this was open or lap - she just needs help.    — Neita B. (posted on June 16, 2003)

June 16, 2003
Hi there, I don't know if this will help, but if your aunt can't find a surgeon in Calif to help her and she would be willing to travel to Arizona, Dr. Alan Newhoff in Phoenix is an excellent and experienced surgeon (over 3000 wls surgeries in 25 years). At our group consult he told us he did successful surgery on a man who was 762 pounds. He does open RNY and has an office partner that does lap. He knows what he's doing and he cares about his patients. I don't think he can do the panni at the same time, though. Good luck!
   — beeda

June 16, 2003
My surgeon is in Orange County, Southern California and he is superb. Dr. Milton Owens, 800-554-9544. I know he does patients with high BMI's as I've seen his numerous scrapbooks with before/after photos. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about him. Website is www.coastalobesity.com. Best of luck! Vicki (RNY 4/1/03, down 53 pounds from 260 to 207)
   — Vicki S.

June 16, 2003
I am 5' 10 1/2" and weeighe 420 . . .BMI was 60, I imagine your aunts would be higher . .anyway, Dr Eugene Rumsey out of Pacific Baritric in San Diego did mine . . an I know they do patients even larger. The enitire Pacific Bariatric staff is wonderful and all their surgeons are highly skilled . .I would recommend them highly.
   — Danielle M.

June 16, 2003
Dr. Terry Sanderfer in Corona is a WONDERFUL surgeon...He did mine 2 years ago this coming August and I am absolutely still on cloud 9 with my results...He has wonderful support group meetings 2 times per month and his follow up is very important to him....His phone number is (909)371-1721....Good Luck....I also have several friends that have had their surgeries with him and 2 of them were over 400...Any questions, please e mail me .....
   — Joi G.

June 17, 2003
Dr. Fobi, in Hawaiian Gardens/Buena Park area did my surgery 2 yrs ago. He does the panni at the same time. I know he has operated on people as heavy as 800#. He is listed on this website. I highly recommend him.
   — Janice B.

June 18, 2003
Try USC...they accept medi/medi although it may take awhile they are good surgeons. They have several doctors that are bariactric surgeons...Dr. Crooks, Katkhouda, Sillian are the 3 I can remember offhand. Best of luck!
   — Robin J.

June 19, 2003
Hi. I am 373 pounds. I have medi-cal. I am going to Dr. Kathouda at USC hospital in LA. He is supposed to be one of the best at lap RNY. His phone number is 323-442-5709. I know of a few others on this site that are using doctors at USC. Some of them are over 400 pounds. Give him a call.
   — Cameron Van Winkle