Question:
Dr. who will operate on a 454lb person

I had surgery 04/05/10. I have a sister that weighs 454lbs and she is very discouraged because she went to a doctor who told her she had to lose 70 lbs before he could do a RNY on her. We live Birmingham, AL. Do you know of any Dr.s who would consider working with her to do the operation? Help!    — hopechest1966 (posted on August 1, 2010)

August 1, 2010
I was 440lbs when my doctor operated on me,but I also proved to him I was a good canidate by losing 125lbs before surgery.If she has lost weight and proved she was a good canidate then I could suggest the bariatric team at Greater baltimore medical center in Maryland. All doctors and surgeons want paitents who have shown they are commited to the new way of life since surgery is not a quick fix or a silver bullet. It takes alot of work to lose weight even after the surgery. After all its just a tool to help us.I wish your sister luck in her journey.
   — Andy Lafferty

August 1, 2010
BeeGee, Unfortunately I don't know about any bariatric surgeons in your area, let alone those who might operate w/o requiring a preop weight loss. I'd like to encourage you to keep up your search though, because I had my banding (NOT an RNY) at 384 lbs and my doctor did NOT require me to lose weight before hand, nor did he require a preop diet. I have done just fine with my weight loss..losing 151 lbs in 17 months to date. I would also encourage your sister to attempt the weight loss while she looks for a surgeon she can work with. It is not hopeless, just more difficult without a tool. Hang in there!!
   — Lisaizme

August 1, 2010
I can't help you with a doctor in your area, but I would like to make you aware of why doctors are reluctant to do surgery on a patient that large without their willingness to loose some weight pre-op. Laproscopic surgery is faster, easier on both patient and doctor and has a faster recovery time. Trocars, (instruments inserted through small incisions) are used to perform the surgery. In some cases, the length of the trocar is less than the depth of the patients abdomen, necessitating open abdominal surgery rather than laproscopic. It is for the patients safety that they are asked to loose some weight pre-op. Your sister would probably prefer the laproscopic surgery to open abdominal for many reasons. It's worth loosing a few pounds. It's not an easy path for any of us, but I wish you both the very best!
   — Bonnie H.

August 1, 2010
I would suggest consulting with Dr Aceves in Mexicali, Mexico. He is a compassionate & competent physician. It may involve a two step surgery (start with vertical sleeve gastrectomy and a second procedure after weight loss).
   — tony S.

August 2, 2010
I know this is not local. But I was a very high risk patient due to bile damage and erosion's and bleeding in my stomach. I was also turned away by many doctors. I did get a referral to a Dr. David Provost in Denton Texas. He was wonderful. He did have to remove my entire stomach and part of my intestinal tract, but he was qualified and prepared for anything. From what I have been told is that almost all doctors put you on a pre-op diet. It has nothing to do with commitment, it is because most obese people have fatty liver disease and for your safety they want you on a diet to reduce the size of your liver, it makes it easier and safer for the doctor to access the areas he needs to for the surgery.
   — dowens67

August 2, 2010
I agree with Tony - check with Dr. Aceves. There was a young man having surgery at the same time I did (vertical sleeve) who was much heavier than your sister and his surgery was done laproscopically, as was mine. Plus, she will not find better care in any hospital in the US than she will receive at Almater Hospital in Mexicali.
   — boernecheryl

August 2, 2010
I went to Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Juarez. So far I have had no problems at 5 weeks out. I had the VSG done and started out at 539 lbs. I was self pay and went through a place called BeLight Bariatric, who worked with me on financing as well. Currently I am down to 475 lbs. I had to do a two week preop diet, but had no set amount to lose beforehand. Oh, total cost was $6950 for surgery and hospital stay, and $1500 for airfare. I am not sure if he does RNY though.
   — JoelConner

August 2, 2010
Hello I don't know about doctors in your area but Dr. David C. Voellinger, MD, FACS, FASMBS 2300 Randolph Rd Charlotte, NC 28207-1586 Phone: (704) 347-4144 Fax: (704) 347-4148 Did my surgery and he has no BMI limit and his staff will work with you. Call Megan I have informed her a little about your case. Good Luck
   — imonly30yo