Re: Who Has Had BPD/DS Surgery Weighing Over 400 Lbs?

April 28, 2001

In a message dated 4/28/01 1:46:11 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< However, Doug's recent post indicates that Dr Gagner does very MO folks.

He

started at 500 lbs. And I think Dr G does lap for many of those very MO

folks.

>>

Yes, Dr. G did not have any weight limits (or bmi limits) for lap surgeries

in the past. HOwever, research he had gathered from that time to the present

have showed a strong tendency for those with a bmi of 60 and above to

experience the greatest and most severe (in terms of escalation, etc.)

complications with lap surgeries. So, now they are offering the option of

having the DS procedure done laparoscopically but in two steps. The

intestinal procedure is performed once the person loses a certain percentage

of excess weight.

I remember him mentioning such studies and research to me when I went for my

consult in November '99. I really don't know if Dr. Gagner has an open or

only two part policy now for those with higher bmis ... I would think he (and

his associates) determine this on an individual basis. However, I think

their interest in preferring the lap two part (or open) DS for those with

higher bmis shows they are taking precautionary measures while still offering

lap DS to everyone.

all the best,

teresa

lap DS with gallbladder removal

Dr. Gagner/DR. Quinn assisting/Mt. Sinai/NYC

January 25, 2001

pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45 (5'9 " )

now: 263 lbs (it's still coming off! Yahoo! LOL)/bmi 40?

April 28, 2001

I am having " open " aaltho I'm under 400 lbs. My BMI is 69. My understanding

is that research from Dr. Gagner at Mt Sinai is showing people with BMIs 60+

are better off having open or 2 part lap.

From my point of view, I'm going to one of Gagner's team. I chose them

because of reputation. If that's the way they want to do it, then that's the

way I'm gonna have it. I have to trust their judgment or why did I choose

them?

I'd rather have lap but at this point I just want to get on with it as

safely as possible.

n

n Boden (maboden@...)

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April 28, 2001

It might help if you post the name of the surgeon so that we can understand

who is restricting surgery based on your weight. We are seeing more and

more surgeons talking of a 2 stage surgery for some folks. I think the

inabdominal pressure post op for folks who already have abdominal

compartment syndrome can be deadly. I suspect that the 2 stage surgeries

are being done to reduce the post op morbidity and mortality risks.

However, Doug's recent post indicates that Dr Gagner does very MO folks. He

started at 500 lbs. And I think Dr G does lap for many of those very MO

folks.

in Seattle

----- Original Message -----

> I'm trying to find out who has had BPD/DS Surgery and weighed over 400

> lbs.

>

> A doctor I saw yeserday told me he could only do it open (not lap) and

> besides its being a complex operation (aren't they all?) it is HIGHLY

> risky since I'll be under on the table so long, yet a lap BPD/DS is

> the same amount of time. His point was he feels the cardiac and

> pulmonary stress is higher on a person above 400 lbs. than on one

> below and I'm trying to find out how true this feeling/statement of

> his is.

>

> For those over 400 that had this done, I'm trying to find out what

> complications (if any) happened and who/where the doctor was that yous

> used. I'm willing to travel.

>

> The doctor I saw yesterday offered doing a lap BPD now and a lap DS in

> a year, but not only will that leave me losing just 100 lbs (not the

> 200+ I need to lose) but it subjects me to risks and pain that I'd

> rather not repeat a year later. Plus, open has the advantage of

> removing the gallblader, thus avoiding a future surgery to do so.

April 28, 2001