Question:
What Doc's in Michigan are doing this surgery with out blood?

I want the Roux en Y surgery and have been approve by the insurance but I now need a doctor that will do the surgery with out the use of a blood transfusion. I live in Michigan. Does any one know one?    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on April 21, 2003)

April 20, 2003
The great majority of RNY operations are performed without the need for blood transfusions (at least according to my surgeon).
   — John Rushton

April 20, 2003
First of all, there's no guarantee that you won't need a blood transfusion with any surgery; however, at BTC where an open RNY is performed, the blood loss is usually less than 50 cc of blood (which is less than 2 ounces). Everyone is type and crossmatched for their specific blood type in the very rare event that it is needed, but if you have a cultural/religious reason for not getting any blood or blood products (such as Jehovah Witness), there is a standard blood refusal form that you can sign. This is quite common. Good luck to you!
   — Lynette B.

April 20, 2003
I am about to leave for the hospital, a good friend of mine George Nowinski is having surgery later today, and I will be there. He is Jehovahs Witness and my surgeon does quite a few. LAP the blood loss is minimal. If anyone cares to please post some well wishes to my surgery page and I will pass them along, George isnt a member here. Hopefully he will join as a postie.
   — bob-haller

April 21, 2003
If you don't want a transfusion of blood for a religious reason, you might want to check into donating your own blood ahead of time.
   — Monica H.

April 21, 2003
If you are concerned about a blood transfusion, you might want to think about having some of your very own blood stored in case you do need one. Then you would not be receiving any foreign blood, just what your body naturally produced. You probably won't need it, but it could be there for you just in case because you never know what complications might occur and this way you would be prepared.
   — Dawn P.

April 21, 2003
Pamela - I found doctors in my area that performed the surgery and then I called their office and asked if they performed surgery without blood. Then when I attended the seminar I talked to the doctor in person and told him of my wishes. I didn't want to waste my time and theirs if they were unwilling to operate without blood. Write me if you'd like. [email protected]
   — Margaret G.

April 25, 2003
pam, i am 6 weeks post-op and i had ryn procedure done laproscopiclly at beaumont hospital in royal oak,mi for this procedure, you do not need blood. i donated 1 unit of my owm just in case of an emergency. my surgeon was dr kevin krause 248 551-8180 good luck
   — Robin