Question:
The Doctor at BTC has still not contacted me to tell me he won't operate

They took my $85 easily but it has been a week since the secretary told me he would call to tell exactly why he won't operate (expecially when my pulmonologist and cardiologist said to go for it). Even if he did say o.k. now, I'd be nervous to undergo surgery without an ICU. Could one of the medical people answer my question? Would it be that dangerous to undergo surgery if your breathing is only 48%? My oxygen ranges from 88-93 at rest. I have wanted and needed this surgery so badly, but now I'm afraid. Would I be safer in a larger place like MAYO? ( I am considering going there to find out what is wrong with my lungs, all the reports say atelectasis, but local doctor is not doing anything to help me.) I need help in the thinking department--my trusted family doctor is out of town until the 25, and I'm desperate!    — [Anonymous] (posted on June 15, 1999)

June 15, 1999
An oxygen saturation of 88 to 93% at rest is very, very low. I know that you are looking for an answer, especially now that you have discovered that this surgery can really help, but if I were you, I would try to investigate the cause of your lung disease and try to improve it, before considering surgery. My O2 saturation was 98% on room air. It may be that a hospital with a higher level of care and specializing in high risk patients might be an option. But remember that one of the biggest problems postop after abdominal surgery (even for skinny people) is breathing. Pulmonary complications and infection are two of the highest causes of mortality in this operation. I would suggest you start water exercises or water walking. It will help strengthen your lungs tremendously without stressing your joints.
   — Deborah L.

June 15, 1999
My Doctor that did my surgery, Operates on people even if there oxygen level is low. There was a man that I know that was on oxygen all the time! And he did his surgery! Robin
   — Robin C.

June 15, 1999
Call my doctor to ask. He does nothign BUT obesity surgery. 35 years now. It's worth a call to an 800#, right? Email me for the phone number.
   — vitalady

June 16, 1999
i don't have my first doctor appointment until tomorrow. But my gut instinct is for you to find another surgereon. I have asthma so I know what you are going through. You must remember that this is MAJOR surgery and you must feel like your surgeon cares and that you can trust him/her. Did you try getting letters of release from your pulmo doctor that might help. I also know that many insurances will pay 100% for 2nd and 3rd opinions. You might want to find out about that if you go inseach of another doctor. Also, send me your e-mail address. I have an article that someone gave me. It is the only bad thing I have heard about this surgery. I intend to print it and take it with me tomorrow. [email protected]
   — Sandy M.

June 16, 1999
I think, given your circumstances, I would find another surgeon--one who operates at a major medical facility. It just makes good sense to me.
   — Peggy51

October 11, 2003
Are you sure that he won't operate because of health problems? I went to BTC and they also took my $85 and after months of waiting and a lot of phone calls I found out that my insurance approved my surgery but would not let me have it in the BTC Pennsylvania facility. It turns out that they were not "Jayco" approved(I don't know what that means). I felt betrayed because they were not up front with me, they should have told me that on the phone when I made my appointment and they found out my insurance. Best of luck and I hope that you get the answers that you need.
   — Gretchen B.