Question:
Is my BMI too high for Lap RNY?
I am 5'0", 334 lbs., BMI 66. I applied to a surgeon who does lap RNY. Upon reviewing my application, he feels my BMI is oo high for him to do the surgery lap. However, before he declines, he wants to see me first to see if he can do it lap. My body type is very pear-shape, with most of my weight in my legs and buttocks. Has anyone had this problem? — Susan R. (posted on July 4, 2003)
July 4, 2003
Hi, I am an open RNY so I don't have lap experience, but i know that pear
shapes can have lap more often than not, your surgeon needs to see you and
will be able to tell by looking at your depth if he can do lap or not.
Good luck
— Kriola
July 4, 2003
It depends on your surgeons skills experience and tools. Those long lap
tools are very pricey not all surgeons have them. My wifes BMI was over 60
she was done LAP. 293 lbs 4 foot 10. My surgeon does BMIs in the 70s and
above LAP. It all depends on their tools and experience. GOOD LUCK!
— bob-haller
July 4, 2003
I think the standard is that over 50 is usually open, but considerations
for each person's body is certainly something to think of. I think you are
in good hands - a doctor that is cautious but open minded. I didn't even
know people's BMI could be in the 70s except in really rare cases (like Big
Pete) - but each doctor will hopefully know what he can and can't do - as
well as what each person's body is capable of. Even for people that have a
lower BMI, sometimes a lap has to conver to an open, so I would consider
having the lap a great idea, but not the only way to get where you want to
go.
— bethybb
July 4, 2003
I also had a high BMI around 60...the first surgeon that I saw told me
point blank....OPEN! I found a friend that had the surgery LAP....I saw her
doc and had it done by him LAP. I think it all depends on the skill of the
surgeon. With some it goes by the BMI...good luck!
— Marsha P.
July 4, 2003
Different surgeons have different opinions about BMI and lap vs open. The
most important thing is to find a surgeon who is competent and with whom
you are comfortable. Open or Lap, the surgery results are the same - I had
open and went back to work in two weeks with no problems. My surgeon does
lap on a lot of surgeries but refuses to do it with RNY - he says the risks
are greater in his opinion and he's not willing to risk a patient's life
because of a scar. He has been doing weight loss surgery for over 20 years
and his mortality rate is less than one in a thousand; that is awesome
considering that the national average is 1 in 200. So my opinion is to
find a doctor that is good and go with it.
— Patty_Butler
July 4, 2003
My daughter's BMI was 70 and she had a very successful and complete
uncomplicated lap RNY...no tubes, no drains, out of the hospital in 2 days,
and back to work in 10. So much depends on the experience and skill of the
surgeon. Our surgeon routinely performs lap WLS on patients weighing more
than 500 lbs with very high BMIs. Researching the American Society of
Bariatric Surgery web site (www.asbs.org) for board-certified bariatric
surgeons specializing in laparoscopy may give you some leads to a qualified
lap surgeon in your area. Best wishes!
— Diana T.
July 4, 2003
Hi, I had a bmi of 52 when I had my surgery done, my doc usually doesn't do
a bmi over 65 but, he is also new to this surgery too and alot of doctors
will do it with a bmi alot higher so I think you are fine and should be
able to get this done just check around with diff docs. Good Luck!
— Melodee S.
July 4, 2003
You might consider Duodenal Switch instead of RNY. Although not as
well-known, DS is more successful for people with high BMI, and there's no
risk of regaining the weight. There's a DS forum on AMOS, or check out
duodenalswitch.com. Good luck!
— Chris T.
July 5, 2003
my bmi was 64 i had lap and was told he had done lap wls on people bigger
than me, depends on the instruments and the surgeons skill.
— janetc00
July 5, 2003
This is going to be up to your surgeon. The reason he says it is too high
is because when your BMI is that high you carry a lot of fat around your
liver. This makes it really difficult for the surgeon to really see what
he is doing and can cause complications. I totally understand his way of
thinking.
Diana
— Diana W.
July 5, 2003
My surgeon will typically not do a LAP on anyone with a BMI of 50 or higher
or who is 300+ lbs with most of weight being around the stomach area. He
has a partner in his office that handles all the people not having the LAP.
The best bet is to ask the surgeon what he would preform on you and to
explain why or why not a LAP is or isn't an option.
— Renee B.
July 5, 2003
My dr (Dr. Frantzides out of Rush/Chicago) did a 700+lb person lap the day
before my consult. Check around if you're really serious aboout wanting
lap.
— kathy B.
Click Here to Return