Question:
I am currently in the process of researching Surgery options. The one I am

most interested in is the RNY. I have had a C-Section in 1992 (twins) and Tubual Ligation at the same time. In 1999 I had a Hysterectomy. Will I be a good candidate for this type of Surgery? I am 5feet tall and weigh 212 and have a BMI of 41. Have a vast family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 1 and type 2 Diabetes, Strokes, irregular heart beats, and many more. I currently have severe migranes and tend to have high blood pressure, acid reflux, chronic arthritis in my knees and arms. I have a extensive diet history of failed diets. I am researching everything I can before I make a decision and before my family doctor makes a decision. I found my Surgeon if I am approved for this surgery. I will use Dr. Richard Stahl.    — Wendy W. (posted on July 23, 2001)

July 23, 2001
I would recommend talking w/ your surgeon of choice and they can tell you best based on your medical history as well as your families what you are best suited to undergo. Good luck.
   — Dawn R.

July 23, 2001
I am researching everything I can before I make a decision and before my family doctor makes a decision.******GOOD FOR YOU...most go into this blind..they know they want surgery but have no idea of all the options out there.. Here is some websites that will give you some pictures of each surgery.. and brief discription.. Hope this helps.. http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/vbowen8 and http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/vbowen http://www.asbs.org Also my profile page has lots of information.. good luck in your quest
   — Victoria B.

July 23, 2001
With your insurance it sounds like you will have no problem being qualified. You may have to have a psy. evaluation but thats all. Good Luck it sounds like you are heading in the right direction.
   — Robin C.

July 25, 2001
Hi Wendy, I can only share the advice I was given. I was under the care of a clinical nutritionist in regard to my weight. Following a very extreme weight loss program about ten years ago - which I believe led to a great loss of muscle tissue and a very decreased metabolism, I was completely unable to lose weight and, in fact, in spite of every program I tried. Medically supervised or not, I gained weight. This nutritionist was the only one who could help me lose. Thus, I have tremendous regard for his knowledge and capability. He is a Ph.D. in biochemistry and, as far as I'm concerned, understands the funcitoning of the body better than anyone else I've ever been in contact with. I tell you all this because, when my husband and I decided we wanted to do WLS, Dr. Rodriguez asked us to let him do research about which procedure he would recommend and which local doctors he would recommend. We, of course, agreed. It took him about 2 months and then we met with him again. He empahtically chose RNY as the best possible surgery. He said it is the safest in regard to nutritonal balance and needs post-op, it had the least possibiliy of negative side effects as well as the best possibility for weight loss and, remarkably, has proven to lessen adverse medical conditons, many of which you seem to suffer from. So, when we were choosing surgeons, we only considered those who performed the RNY. At first, we were seeking someone who did it "lap". However, the surgeon we are using (and I'm having it done on Monday, 7/30), does it open and I've come to believe that is preferable. It only takes him an hour to do the surgery (as opposed to 3 or more hours with the "lap") and, statistically, there have been fewer instances of "leakage". I wish you the best whatever you decide.
   — Nancy Z.