Surgeon Says No...

[JazzyJ 34]

So because of a prior abdominal surgery, my surgeon does not want to do the sleeve (or any other surgery for that matter) because of the fear of complications. While I am grateful for his restraint, I am so disappointed and hopeless about what to do about the weight. I had finally accepted that this was the answer, as I am carrying about 150 extra pounds that I have not been able to get off on my own. After being told that this was really the only way to get the weight off, I am just lost.

[TMyers1471 87]

What prior abdominal surgery did you have that would make him fear complications? (If it is not too personal of a question)

[notime 340]

Try one other doctor.

[Back~To~Amy 307]

I agree with getting a second opinion. Just because one doctor doesn't think you should have it doesn't mean another doctor will too.

[Jenhort 16]

Ohhhh that is so tough! I agree, try one other Dr!! And did they give you any advice for weightloss that is nonsurgical?

[chitowngirl 886]

I would try a second opinion. Try going to a major university, usually those doctors have more surgical experience and are willing to take surgeries that are higher risk. Also if they tell you are not a candidate for the sleeve due to scar tissue may e you will be a candidate for the bypass... Good luck and please let us know how it goes.

[LizInTexas 125]

I, too, am curious about the name of the surgeon. I also have been turned down by two surgeons because of prior surgery (my spleen was removed 30 years ago !). With that said, these two surgeons are ones who advertise on TV and/or Internet sites such as this. Once I started researching surgeons via their reputations with their peers, those who aren't so flush with "best case scenario" patients and advertising dollars, I found a very well regarded surgeon who said there is absolutely no reason other than "reputation concerns" that a surgeon would refuse to do my surgery because of my spleen was removed. In fact, he said that having no spleen would make the procedure easier for him since it offers a less crowded area in which to work. The surgeons who refused are more interested in the "easy money" patients who require the least amount of time and effort possible. Also, as a self pay person, they don't make as much money off me as they do an insurance company. It's one flat fee, no nickel and diming an insurance company to death for this and that... IMHO, surgeons who advertise on TV/Internet are kinda like lawyers who chase an ambulance to the hospital after they've seen a bad car accident.... No offense to anyone intended, just my personal opinion...

[JazzyJ 34]

Thanks-I am going to get another opinion but am not very hopeful. My surgeon teaches at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital already, which is a major teaching hospital. I had an intestinal blockage that had to be resolved through surgery 9 years ago.

[notime 340]

Good luck. I hope it happens for you.

[gatacous 84]

I'm not sure where u live. But my doctors in slidel la. Dr Clark warden. I was sleeved 2yrs ago he is wonderful and has sleeved many of my friends he has taught some surgeons how to sleeved I went with all attention to have lap band. And he gave me the choice. And showed me the option. And took. A lot of time with me. He did ask that I get consent from my heart dr to have it of which I no longer need to use yea me with that I say yes see another dr

[Delta..Make it Happen 29]

what city do you live in?

[Delta..Make it Happen 29]

u live upstate

try another doctor

[SpecialK1960 252]

I agree you need to see another doctor. However, be up front. Tell the doctor that you are getting a second opinion and why. That way the doctor can address the concern your initial doctor had. He can explain in detail what the other doc was concerned about (with specificity) and why he agrees or disagrees. A second opinion is often a bit more complicated than an initial opinion. You need more feedback than normal.

Important, I would not tell him who the other doctor is - at least not up front. If it is a well known doctor with a good reputation, a second doctor is unlikely to want to go "against" his opinion.

Good luck.

[JazzyJ 34]

I live in Massachusetts. There are lots of good hospital options up here, so now I have to decide who to go to for the second opinion. Thanks everyone for the advice!

[notime 340]

I agree you need to see another doctor. However, be up front. Tell the doctor that you are getting a second opinion and why. That way the doctor can address the concern your initial doctor had. He can explain in detail what the other doc was concerned about (with specificity) and why he agrees or disagrees. A second opinion is often a bit more complicated than an initial opinion. You need more feedback than normal.

Important, I would not tell him who the other doctor is - at least not up front. If it is a well known doctor with a good reputation, a second doctor is unlikely to want to go "against" his opinion.

Good luck.

I do not agree that you should tell the second doctor the opinion of the first. Telling him/her might prejudice the opinion you get. In fact, I wouldn't tell the doctor it is a second opinion you are seeking. Go in fresh and get an unbiased opinion.