Re: Who has had BPD/DS weighing 400lbs?

April 29, 2001

this group of doctors also looks at the medical history in

determining the surgery..at least dr inabnet did. I was not

concerned whether I had open or lap, only that I was approved by him

to be his patient..he recommended the 2 part because of my bmi as

well has recent congestive heart failure episode & a stroke within

the last 6 months(no remaining deficits)..also serious sleep apnea---

the length of time under anesthesia is significantly reduced the

first part, by going 2 stages--1st part the surgery is 1 1/2-to 2 hrs

versus 5-6hrs, according to the doctor. the bonus, for me, in the 2

part is being able to have the lap--but it wasnt a deciding factor.

I want this surgery, it is my last chance at a " normal " weight life &

I respect my doctor for wanting to do it in the least risky manner.

We will still lose lots of weight fast, then we will have the 2nd

part & be just like all of our other switch brothers & sisters. We

just have to hold on a little longer. But, I have even heard of some

doctors requiring weight loss before the surgery (lots of weight)--

now at least we do get some help with the restritive stomach, getting

the initial 100lbs off.

, do you have your date yet? I am waiting on my time--was

supposed to be 12, but now they wont know for a few more days. same

with insurance--should have the final say in a few days--still shoudl

be no problem, just waiting for the doctors office to get paperwork

to the insurance company for the pre-cert.

talk to you soon..take good care

ogretta

pre-op

may 11, 2001

dr inabnet

> To jpcirone-

>

> Hi! Sounds like you've seen someone in the Mt. Sinai group (correct

me if

> I'm wrong). I will be having my surgery done by Dr. Pomp at Mt.

Sinai.

>

> Their reasoning for doing the DS open on us " super morbidly

obese " (BMI >60)

> persons is very sound. When they analysed all of their vast

surgical data,

> they noticed a dramatic rise in the complication/mortality rate

with lap DS

> done on individuals with a BMI greater than 60. The prefered

method for

> patients of this size is now open surgery. However, for those with

their

> heart set on a lap surgery, they do offer the two step approach.

>

> You might want to check out this web site:

> www.geocities.com/FashionAvenue/Stage/1853/wls400plus/index.htm

> I came across it early in my research and since I was flirting with

the 400

> pound mark, I thought I'd check it out. It is a general WLS site -

not DS

> specific - but it will give an idea of what surgery might be like

for you.

>

> Good luck with everything!

>

> from Philly

> BMI 63, age 39

> Open DS w/ Dr. Pomp, 9am on Wed., June 20, 2001

> Aetna USHC, HMO - Doc thinks they will pay!

April 29, 2001

I just read 's posting about having the procedure done open for

people with bmi's over 60. stated that the norm now is doing it

open. I don't necessarily agree with that. I, too am having the procedure

done at Mt. Sinai with Dr. Gagner and when I had my initial consultation he

felt because my bmi was 67 that doing the procedure in two steps

lapriscopically was the way to go. He never mentioned even doing the

procedure open even in one step. So, I think what the group is now

discovering that it is safer to do the procedure in two steps. Of course you

may want to do it open and in one step as I know someone else decided, but

that decision is yours to make.

Terry

Dec. 5, 2000 sleeve gastrectomy 350

April 3, 2001 277

June 26, 2001 - second part...YEAH

73 pounds gone and never to return

**there is a light shining brightly at the end of my tunnel**

April 29, 2001