Question:
Is there a weight minimum for having the BPD/DS?

This procedure is used on both the morbidly obese and the super morbid obese, but I heard that if you are on the low end of the spectrun (BMI 40) that the surgeon will not consider it and you must have an RNY instead. The concern is that you will lose too much weight and that it is a procedure only for those that need to loose more than 200 lbs. only. Is this true?    — Danine N. (posted on May 11, 2001)

May 11, 2001
Hi...I had open bpd/ds on October 12, 2000. I weighed 212 and am 5'1". I am now at my 7 month anniversary *tomorrow*..and, I have lost 82 pounds...so, I am down to 130. I am very happy with my surgery and my postop life has been pretty easy. If there is anything I can do to help you in your journey, don't hesitate to email me...love, Terri ([email protected] or [email protected])
   — Terri G.

May 11, 2001
It may depend on your surgeon. My BMI was 44.5 and I needed to lose 120 lbs. My surgeon noted that the DS was the preferred surgery for super obese, but that I was not in that category. We discussed the quality of life issues which concerned me, as well as my metabolism problems which made a distal procedure ideal for my long term success. My surgeon was quite comfortable with doing the DS for me once he knew I understood exactly what the options were, and what I was getting into. My husband is also having the DS, with a BMI of 45 and a need to lose 130 lbs. Same scenario for him. - Kate -
   — kateseidel

May 11, 2001
I am having the BPD/DS because I have pre cancerous stomach polyps which rules out having any surgery that would seal off part of my stomach. I will reduce my chances of develping cancer because the part of the stomach where the polyps are will be removed and I will still loose weight. A good alternative for me although not my first choice.
   — [Anonymous]

May 11, 2001
I am having the BPD/DS because I have pre cancerous stomach polyps which rules out having any surgery that would seal off part of my stomach. I will reduce my chances of develping cancer because the part of the stomach where the polyps are will be removed and I will still loose weight. A good alternative for me although not my first choice.
   — [Anonymous]

May 11, 2001
I haven't heard of a minimum weight requirement... There might be a doctor out there who would vary the requirements, but generally, it's the same as any other surgery type of having a BMI over 40.....
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 13, 2001
Danine, I had an open BPD/DS on 4/11. My BMI was 40,and I was 274.9 at my 1st weigh in. I did gain about 5-8 lbs before surgery. For me my surgeon felt the RNY was potentially life threatening since I had surgery in AUg. 2000 for acid reflux. I do have a friend who also had BPD/DS and she isn't "super obese". Speak with your surgeon and be sure you get the surgery you want what ever that may be! Best of luck in your research and you upcoming surgery! I love having the BPD/DS. I'm not denied anything and in 30 days I'm down 30 lbs and 10 1/2 "!
   — Linda M.

May 14, 2001
The concept that the DS surgery is ONLY for the super morbidly obese is a rather antiquated one, but some surgeons may still hold that opinion. I would definately shop around and compare. Many surgeons may not automatically recommend the DS to those with the 'lower end' mo bmis, but if you show you are knowledegable about it, explain your reasons for the preference and show that you understand about the required aftercare, they will not deny this surgery to you. In other words, go in with studies, information and a strong preference and the surgeon really can't deny the DS (unless, of course, there are health reasons which would necessitate the RNY only -- like if you had IBD - irritable bowel disease like Chron's or ulcerative colitis). :) I didn't have any problems with my surgeon and I had a starting bmi of 45. I've known many others who had lower bmis (even in the high 30's) who have had the DS performed! :) I know of at least two surgeons here in NYC where bmi is not an issue: Dr. Gagner at Mt. Sinai (supposedly his colleagues as well but I can't be 100 pct sure of that) and Dr. Ren at NYU Medical Center. It is NOT a surgery only reserved for those who need to lose 200 lbs or more -- Many, many people with lower morbidly obese bmis are having the DS and very, very few have the complication of excessive weight loss (which is correctable -- a revision surgery which lengthens the alimentary/food channel and/or common channel would occur after other methods like enzyme supplementation, etc. have been exhausted). I honestly have only heard of one person who experienced this. THe best place to begin to learn about others' experiences is the group [email protected]. If you ask there, I KNOW you'll get a wealth of responses and personal experiences! All the best, ([email protected])
   — Teresa N.