Question:
Surgeon's office pushing VBG - long question..

I had my first of two appointments to fulfill my psych consult requirement by my surgeon and insurance. On top of not liking the psychologist because she was patronizing and rude, I didn't believe her that RNY and VBG have only a ten pound difference for effectiveness in 5 years. Nothing I've read on the Internet supports her assertion. She got 'snippy' when I attempted to debate about the issue so I sat back and went along. I'm not going to turn this into a huge deal because I need this surgery to save my life and sparring with her won't help the matter. My question is how to convince them that the RNY is for me since I'm a sugar junkie and need intervention? Hopefully my surgeon is more open minded, but from the sounds of it the nurse and psychologist make the determination for insurance approval. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks and no disrespect to VBG-ers :-)    — Rhonda J. (posted on October 21, 2002)

October 21, 2002
Just tell the surgeon you will NOT have a VBG PERIOD! You will do the RNY, with them or somewhere else if necessary. Tell them you have some friends whos VBGs failed.... WLS is a BUSINESS and given that your surgeon would doesnt want you to walk away... Although I would check for a different one since their pushing the VBG doesnt sound wise.
   — bob-haller

October 21, 2002
Switch surgeons! It sounds like that office is not comfortable w/ the RNY. It is more complicated for the surgeon, and I would run, not walk, to an experienced RNYer ASAP.
   — mom2jtx3

October 22, 2002
I looked your doctor up in AMOS's files and he's gotten many great reviews. Based on the info there, he does RNY and VBG, though VBG seems a little more common for him. I agree with the previous poster who said to talk to the surgeon personally before making a decision. The nurse and shrink really don't make the decision. Also, try to get in touch with some of his previous patients who had the RNY and see if he has specific requirements for qualifying. Ultimately, you should get the surgery that YOU are confident with even if you have to switch docs, but give him a chance first. Good luck!
   — cjabates

October 22, 2002
Hi, I am from Minnesota too! Anyway, I had Lap RNY with Dr. Ikramuddin on 8/7/02. (-62) My best friend is now checking into surgery and she went to Dr. Rupp's seminar last week. I went with her, and it sure seemed to me that he was pushing VBGs. He also was talking about how dangerous Lap surgeries were...that's why I am doing just fine, right? Even if he will give you the RNY he does NOT transect the pouch which means potential problems down the line. Like a staple line disruption, meaning you have another surgery. I didn't care for him at all, especially how he was saying "vbg is sooo much better and easier then RNY". While that is his opinon, it seems to me that he wants people to have the VBG so he can do more surgeries in a short period of time, therefore make more money. I told my best friend everything I just told you, but I also told her that if she feels comfortable with Dr. Rupp, go with him. But remember, YOU have to live with this surgery for the rest of your life. Not him. So make sure you get what YOU want. I forgot to see what kind of insurance you have, but if you want, check to see if Dr. Ikramuddin is covered...he's wonderful! Good luck, and email me if you want! :o)
   — fropunka

October 22, 2002
Hi again...I just saw that you have HealthPartners. That is what I have too. I don't know if you want Lap or Open but Dr. Ikramuddin does Lap RNYs, and he transects. I have had no problems whatsoever! :o)
   — fropunka

October 22, 2002
Don't let anyone PUSH you into anything. Remember that she is a psychologist and not a bariatric surgeon. You can tell her that I had the VBG 10yrs ago and I am know getting a revision because my staple line has disrupted. I am now 30 lbs heavier than I was when I had the last surgery. Do what you are comfortable with and do not settle for any reason. Just because we NEED this surgery doesn't mean we have to jeopardize ourselves and our choices. Good luck to you. Stephanie Teal.
   — Stephanie T.