Question:
Can you have an RNY if you are 500lbs. or over?

The surgeons haven't made a decision yet. They haven't operated on people that weigh over 350-400lbs. Can you have the surgery (RNY) at 500lbs? My PCP approved me & my psycholgst did as well. I am just afraid they won't do the surgery. I have co-commorbties (3-4 of them!) I have dieted a million times! What can I do?    — [Anonymous] (posted on April 30, 2001)

April 30, 2001
My WLS was done at St. Vincents Hospital in Carmel,IN., just north of Indianapolis.There were at least two male patients there that weighed in excess of 650 lbs. One of the guys were having no problems doing his hall walking while I at 374lbs had trouble making 1 lap around.Dr. Margaret Inman performed my Open RNY
   — Suzanne W.

April 30, 2001
You didn't say where you are. I'm in WA state, and know several 500#+ people who are now bouncing off the walls at well under 200#. They did FINE with the surgery, though I believe that our doc takes extra precautions with those over 300, another set with over 400, etc. You want to stick with the more experienced bariatric docs, though.
   — vitalady

April 30, 2001
Hi, my surgeon has been doing this for 17 years..at his info seminar he said there are very few reasons why he would NOT perform the surgery...he has done #400+. He did say he had one patient that weighs 800# and is working with him to get some of that off before he does the surgery....Just look for someone who is very experienced!! Good Luck
   — chance2lv

April 30, 2001
You are a candidate for any of the WLS surgeries ,including the RNY. The issue will be "open" or laparascopic at weights greater than 500 lbs. My surgeon has performed lap RNY surgery on patients weighing more than 600 lbs., but a lap surgery under these conditions requires advanced experience and expertise on the part of the surgeon. My daughter weighed 406 lbs (BMI 70), and had a completely successful and uneventful lap RNY - 2 day hospitalization, no ICU, no tubes, no drains, no external sutures or staples. My cousin weighs approximately 650 lbs. and plans his RNY for this fall. Every lap patient is informed preoperatively of the chance that the surgery may require an open incision, and that would be more true in the case of patients weighing more than 500 lbs. There are bariatric surgeons available who have experience with very obese patients. My advice would be to broaden your research until you locate a surgeon who meets your specific needs. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

May 1, 2001
I weighed 532 lbs preop and had the surgery on Oct 17,2000 and have lost 120 lbs. I had no complications what so ever. Several people I work with had the surgery and weighed less than me and have had a few complications. I think I'm one of the higher weights in my surgeons group of wls patients. I was in the hospital longer than expected and my doc was amazed by my recovery.
   — Jan M.

May 1, 2001
I would look into other surgeons who have had more experience with people who are 500 lbs and over if possible... sounds like the surgeons may not have a lot of training/experience with someone with a higher bmi. But, rest assured there ARE many surgeons who feel comfortable with larger patients. Also, you would most likely get a distal RNY. If you require a distal procedure (in order to get to your ideal weight a distal procedure allows one to lose more), then I would seriously, seriously consider the BPD/DS (bilio-pancreatic diversion/duodenalswitch). The stomach size is larger than the RNY pouch so one can get more nutrition in despite the malapsorption. To learn more about this procedure (which was once only reserved for those with the highest bmis and now is considered for those with lower bmis - mine was 44 pre-op), please go to www.duodenalswitch.com. I wish you the best on your journey! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected],
   — Teresa N.

May 1, 2001
One issue that I have not seen addressed yet is that MANY surgeons are reluctant to accept patients with higher BMI's because they consider you too great a risk for THEIR statistics!!! A caring and compassionate surgeon is what you need. Someone who is truly dedicated to treating morbid obesity and not one just wanting to make a lot of money or pad their success statistics! My surgeon(Dr. Fallang Middletown, Ohio)is one of those who is willing to take the higher risk patients and he truly understands their circumstances. When I had my surgery, there were several patients 500+ that were having theirs. They were given a little more TLC and did great! I can't imagine that this surgery wasn't meant for you-if not, then who?
   — Shelley.

May 1, 2001
Hi! I am 565 lbs and am scheduled to have the RNy done on May 18th. The only problems I know of is that if you are over a certain weight you can't have it done laparascopically. But I don't believe there is a limit on the open procedure. God Bless you, I'll keep you in my prayers. Tammy, [email protected]
   — Tammy V.

May 6, 2001
Call a couple of doctors and ask them. I recommend mine highly, Dr. Bengt Pehrsson in Southern CA. He is a amazing. :) My friend did the open procedure and after a week felt pretty good...I did the Lap two weeks ago and feel pretty normal now. which ever one you choose you will too! Good luck :)
   — Sandra W.

May 22, 2001
Hi! I'd suggesting researching surgeons. Mine does the Lap RNY and has done so on patients upwards of 600lbs--long instruments are used in those cases. All the very best to you!
   — [Anonymous]

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