I am beyond frustrated...

ReneBean · May 11, 2006

Honey, I started at 350 and had to jump thru massive hoops to get insurance coverage because of my weight - but when I went in for surgery, the Anesthesiologist told me he had recently been part of the procedure on a gal who weighed over 450 and had not a single problem.

Definitely pop the extra dollars to see a 2nd doc for another opinion. I know it's expensive - but what is your life worth? If you drop from renal failure while you lose the weight for this doc - would it not have been worth the extra couple of hundred to see another doc?

I hope you find a good one. I know if you tell us where you are located, someone will probably be able to give you a recommendation.

Hugs and good luck!

Kiana38 · May 12, 2006

Thanks for the advice Rene. I'm in Western Washington and seeing Dr. Oh who comes highly recommended (plus the price is right.)

The updated news is, his receptionist called today to book the EGD next week and scheduled surgery Aug 1 (which is my birthday, ironic enough.) I asked, what if I haven't lost enough weight by then? She replied that he WANTS me to lose but if not, they will still proceed. That seemed kind of fishy to me. He seemed adamant about me losing it first. So I'm just going to try my best and do all the preop.

Tina

shackdog · May 12, 2006

I was 411 preop and told I needed to loose 40 pounds, BMI of 51. I did the pre diet schedule my doc gave me and I lost 26lbs pre op, I am now three weeks out and down a total of 52lbs.

I know it sounds crazy but you will need to loose the weight so the liver will shrink and then they can do the surgery. I to thought it would be inpossible for me to loose that much weight but because I did he did the surgery at 26lbs. It was to take 90min but only lasted 60. I know it sounds like mission inpossible but YOUCAN DO IT.

I also thought if I could loose that kind of weight why should I get the band, but you know what? That is why I was so big, I faltered alot. I need a tool that will help me stay on course. Good luck, if you need any info you can email me at boiseman2001@yahoo.com

Jachut · May 12, 2006

I'd say its a lot of the issue.

He's right in that the more you weigh the higher the risks of surgery but you've certainly taken that into account. When it sounds like the advice is being given with a good big spoonful of judgement, I'd get my nose out of joint too.

At your weight, you're going to have to do the presurgery Optifast and you'd no doubt lose close to what he wants you to lose anyway. That's what's got me stumped. Nearly everyone has to do it so why single you out and just leave you with no assistance to get that weight off?

I think in the end you want a good doctor, not necessarily a nice one though so I dont really think you need to go doctor shopping, whatever weight you can lose is going to help you and make it safer. But putting specific numbers on it I think is stupid.