Question:
Can Bypass surgery be done laparoscopically at 600 lbs?

If anyone knows a good surgeon in NY that they would suggest, do share.    — madam_mezel83 (posted on November 10, 2009)

November 10, 2009
I think if the hospital/surgeon had insturments that were long enough to get through the fat layer it's theroretically possible. Usually the weight of the fat is too great for the surgeon to manipulate the instruments so that is why in someone at 600 pounds the surgery must be done open.
   — rkurquhart

November 10, 2009
My surgeon prefers lap RNY to open, but I do not know the weight limits for this, I would make sure and ask questions, look for several surgeons and attend their seminars or support groups in the area to see if you can come up with an answer. Good luck to you!
   — eyeflirt4fun

November 11, 2009
I will tell you that my surgeon does not perform surgery on anyone over 350 lbs. But he works with people non surgically as well to lose enough weight to get to where he can do the surgery.
   — cydthekid50

November 12, 2009
If you use this website, right above the blue tool bar where Q&A are, is a box "search" or under that it says "browse bariatric surgeons". Also, I have seen on Big Medicine where the doctors have the patient lose like 50-90 lbs pre op. (low calorie/fat diet) They also have created a devise that holds up the skin when they do tummy tucks due to the weight of the skin, so maybe they can use that to help with the lap procedure. They generally would do an RNY open, since it is harder to get to the stomach due to the enlarged liver and the intestines are in the way at that pre op weight. Just look on this website and you will find one in your area. Ask them, then go to a consultation once you find a doctor you like, have them check your insurance to make sure it (the surgery is covered) the consultation might not be covered) but the surgery is. Depending on your insurance. Most insurance companies have an exclusion clause but we all get around it because the doctor just has to deem the surgery medically necessary. I hope I was able to help you some.
   — Kristy

November 13, 2009
Someone who went to the same surgeon I did weighted over 600 lbs. He had a VSG laproscopically over a year ago and has lost 315 lbs so far. The surgeon is Dr James Foote in Grand Rapids MI. People come from all over to go to this practice since they do nothing but WLS.
   — Nancy W.