Question:
What is the criteria the surgeon uses in deciding what surgery they will perform?

   — Patty.W (posted on August 2, 2002)

August 2, 2002
I haven't had surgery yet, but here are three things I've found out about wls surgery: 1. Surgery is determined/limited to the surgeon's practice. My doctor only does open fobi pouch and open bpd/ds, others may only do open rny, etc. 2. Health, including mental health may make a difference in determining type of surgery as well. Some people have alot of scar tissue which can prevent lap surgery. Some lap surgeries turn into open surgeries. I went into my consult thinking I could "pick a surgery" and I was gonna have the fobi. However, after my dr. went over my health history and a questionnare I filled out, he felt the ds would be better suited to my needs. 3. Insurance may make a big difference. I have read profiles where the insurance company would not approve a particular surgery, so the patient had to have a different one. I'm sure there are many other factors (than the above) doctors take into consideration. Good luck, I hope this helps!
   — Anne F.

August 2, 2002
Most surgeons offer a one (or two) size fits all approach, I've seen, My docs here do customize to you. They discuss the pluses & minuses of several different models, and as you narrow the choices, they go over the + & - again, another few times to make sure you KNOW what you've signed up for.
   — vitalady

August 2, 2002
My surgeon also used age and lifestyle. IMHO, he also used his gut feelings about how well a patient would comply with the "rules" of whatever surgery they did want. He gives a written test to be sure you fully understand everything about your surgery of choice. Your spouse or support person must sign a paper stating they also understand. I opted for the DS and the last words to me going into the operating room were, "Remember, if for some medical reason I can not do a DS, do you still want an RNY?" I did get my DS and have had great results.
   — grammie5