Question:
Which co-morbities determines if you will have the VGB or gatric bypass surgery?

My consultation is this week and I am told my Doctor performs the VGB and the Gastric Bypass surgeries. I want the Gastric Bypass surgery but am told that the Doctor will choose which procedure best fits my needs? Which need (or co-morbitity) falls under the Gastric Bypass Surgery and the VBG surgery?    — Kathi L. (posted on November 8, 1999)

November 8, 1999
Strange my doctor let me pick. I decided on the gastric bypass because of my sugar addiction. With the VBG you can eat sugars and milk. With the Gastric Bypass you can't or at least your not suppose to be able to. I haven't try to and won't. So if you have sugar or carbohydrate cravings that might be one of the items he would be interested in otherwise I have no idea how he bases his determination. But if you want a Gastric Bypass and he won't perform it find another surgeon. It's your body!!
   — bperrin

November 8, 1999
Hi Kathi: If your doctor will not do the procedure you want, (unless you don't qualify for the procedure for some medical reason) I would seek another surgeon. I did start out seeking a distal, but had 3 doctors tell me I wasn't heavy enough for that...HA! So, I decided on a proximal, and I'm so happy that I did. Good luck! Jaye Carl, open proximal RNY 7-29-99, 72 pounds gone forever!
   — Jaye C.

November 10, 1999
Usually the co-morbs are diabetes in family, indigestion and/or acid reflux and/of heartburn. My surgeon only does by pass. He says mostly because of the success rate and that is why I chose him. If he did both and would not let me choose, I would find another surgeon. After all you are the one who is going to be living with this not him.
   — Jen L.