Question:
Am I too big for the surgery?
I currently at about 500 (getting depressed here)and I have a BMI of over 70 I have just found out that I need to get my weight down to 350 so that I can perform the post op procedure "gastrograffin swallow" This test allows the surgeon to check for patency and gastric leaks prior ton initiating a diet. This is done under fluoroscopy (x-ray). The equipment only allows for someone up to 350 to be looked at. Does sound normal to everyone. I have read about alot of 350+ people having a RNY and I haven't heard about the 350 limit. Please let me know!!! If I could get down to 350 from where I am now my eating habits would probably been modified enough not to need the RNY in the first place. — Jeff J. (posted on June 2, 1999)
June 2, 1999
I don't know why they can't do a operation of you because you are 500 lbs.
I had my stomach stapled and I was 450 lbs. I think you better look into it
futher because there is something else they can do. If you wish to email me
feel free to do so. For futher info.
— Janice K.
June 2, 1999
I think the gastrograph & swallow is a good idea. But not all doctors
require this before surgery. If you want to talk about it, please email me.
— vitalady
June 2, 1999
I have heard of the weight limits for X-ray tables. If they can get
hospital beds too size, they should be able to take that a step further to
the X-ray table...what if you were in an accident and broke your neck?
However, the procedure you are referring to is only done by a few doctors
post op, not all of them....my suggestion is to talk with the doc and see
whether you HAVE to have it done, or meet with another doctor who is more
sensative to your needs.
— PollyAnna F.
June 2, 1999
I am someone just considering surgery so others probably know a lot more
but when I attended a seminar with Dr. Newhoff here in Phoenix, he
discussed performing the RNY on a man over 700 pounds so I don't believe
there can be a 350 pound cutoff; I sure hope not because I am over that!
Lisa
— Lisa Marie M.
June 2, 1999
jeff:
i haven't a clue what that test is,
however i weighed in at 450 and had an
RNY on march 1st. there are lots of us
well over 350 who have had a gastric
bypass surgery. there is a great support group for those people who weigh
in over 400. we have about the same to lose as alot of people who also
have the
surgery. check us out at: http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/WLS400plus
— Linda O.
June 2, 1999
Hi,
I have a BMI of 72.3 and I weigh 446. I am having a RNY via laporoscopy
on 6/4. Everyone can be x-rayed and constrast dye (Gastrogafin or
Redi-Cat) The quality of the x-ray may be reduced depending on where your
largest fat deposits are, but an open MRI or CAT scan and ultra-sound are
all available if the gastrografin swallow x-ray is not conclusive. Don't
submit to that, as it is not true and perhaps your surgeon is afraid. OK,
so find one who feels comfortable and has great references. You should not
have to lose 150 pounds to have the surgery that can save your life now.
God Bless.
— [Anonymous]
June 2, 1999
From a non medical professional type person who was 516 lbs at the time of
my RouxEnY ... HOGWASH!!!!!! I think you need to do more research! I did
fine ... and I'm down over 200 lbs since my surgery 4 years ago. Good
Luck! :)
— Sherrie G.
June 2, 1999
i had the VBG RNY.....on 5/5/99 and there was no mention of any post op
studies....i am eating pretty much anything i want...and discovering what
no longer sits well....and i've lost 38 pounds as of 6/1/99
— LINDA L.
June 2, 1999
Tracey: I was 428 when I had my RNY on March 26,99. I have now lost 60 lbs.
My BMI was 76.9. You must be dealing with wrong people. Call BTC at 1 888
707-2700
I'm sure their information will be a little different. There are different
variations of the procedure to accommodate your position. If you could get
down to 350- on your own -why would you need the RNY. Their reasoning does
not make any sense. If you were cleared for this operation-thats the
reason why- to help you lose weight.
Please don't give up. Seek the information you need. You are worth it. I
was over 400 lbs. and I came through my operation fine. You will too.
GOOD HEALTH. Sheila
— Sheila W.
June 2, 1999
Most fluoroscopy tables only hold people up to 300#. The newer ones are
good to 350#. This has nothing to do with the surgery. It is up to the
surgeon if he/she wants to do a RNY on you. Some will and some won't
because of the complications.
— Anna D.
June 2, 1999
If I were you I would seriously consider a Gastric bypass with duodenal
switch or bilipancreatic diversion. It is a bit riskier if you don't take
your vitamins post op but it is much better for people with higher BMI's.
Feel free to call me with any questions or e-mail me. 760-360-3468. If you
can't do this surgery because of where you live then the only possible
alternative I would consider is the RNY DISTAL!!
Good luck,
Allison
1-9-97 358 lbs
6-2-99 165 lbs
5'6" tall
— Allison Mupas
June 3, 1999
Somehow the surgeons who operate on those individuals over the 350 pounds
must manage to get some type of fluorescein study to see if there are any
leaks and to see if the stoma is open and allowing the fluids to pass into
the instestines. If you find a doctor who is willing to operate at your
weight, be sure he/she tells you how they are going to accomplish the study
after the surgery. Don't assume that they will! Kim Wright's sister was
400 pounds, and they DID NOT DO THE GASTROGRAFIN STUDY. She had a leak.
It was not discovered until 8 days later when she spiked a temp of 105, and
had massive peritonitis (despite the fact that she had been complaining of
pain for 5 days prior to that). In a nutshell, she went into septic shock,
was reoperated on, could not be weaned from the respirator because of
septic shock. The nurse accidentally disconnected the respirator trying to
transfer her postop. She went into cardiorespiratory arrest, was
resuscitated but remained in a coma for a month. Because of the
peritonitis she could not be sutured closed and her stomach incision was
left to heal by itself. Somehow, because of the infection she developed a
syndrome called Guillan Barre, which means she cannot lift her hands or
move her legs. She was transferred to a rehab hospital and has been there
since. She had the operation in October and has not been home since. She
still cannot lift her hands or move her legs. The doctors believe she will
eventually regain her strength and the illness (caused by a virus) will
burn itself out. If they had done the gastrografin swallow the day after
surgery, which is the proper protocol, all of the above would have been
avoided. When you find your surgeon, ask lots of questions. If you cannot
find one in your area, or if the hospital does not have the equipment to
accommodate you, find one who does. Maybe you should consider going out of
state for your surgery. I like Dr. Elliott Goodman's response to your
question. Maybe you could find a way to go to NJ for your surgery.
— Deborah L.
April 24, 2003
Hi Jeff.. We had a lady in Montana who weight 850 lbs and she had the
surgery done, due to emotional and phyical problems..I also found a few at
our support group meetings that where weigh beyond 350 lbs and more..Myself
I started out with 330 lbs in June of 2001 and the surgery done I have lost
sofar 136 lbs, now don't get encouraged and keep on trying because this is
the best thing you can do for yourself..Good Luck and GOD BLESS YOU on your
Journey..
— Birgit T.
April 24, 2003
Hi again..well ok forget my post, i didn't read the date on that..duh..so I
see you had it done congrats..
— Birgit T.
April 24, 2003
Note this question was from 99 I e mailed jeff hopefully he will return and
comment since he is a postie.
— bob-haller
April 24, 2003
AMOS MOD HERE:) This old question came up yesterday, and I emailed the
original poster to see how he is doing, and here s his
response<P>Thank you for taking the time to read these messages and
then even more
so to respond and as was stated I did have the surgery and I was 506 at
the time of surgery I simply found another doctor as it turns out this
first doctor was playing all sorts of games with many people. I had my
surgery 11/1/99 and am down around 200 pounds and am still very happy
Thanks again for taking the time to respond
Jeff
— bob-haller
April 24, 2003
Hi I do realize this was an old posting but I do want to add my comment. In
Jan of 2002 I weighed 500 lbs at 5'2 Cleveland bariatric would not do my
surgery cause my BMI was just too high so I lost 115lbs and on July 29 2002
I had open RNY It wasnt easy to lose the weight before surgery, I did no
carb high protein and I lost it. I am glad they made me lose it cause I
know that post op recovery would have been VERY difficult for me if I hadnt
dropped some pounds, but everyone is different. Every doctor has differeny
requirements, good luck and much sucess to all, I know how hard it is.
Di
— Diane Marie B.
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