My doctor told me today that the backup plan is gastric bypass, if he makes a mistake with the stapling gun. Have you seen this happen? He said he only had to do this once when a patient couldn't swallow food after four months.

Not sure if I understand the question 100%. So your doctor is planning on the possibility of him making a life threatening error in surgery? Maybe a new physician would be a good option? :-\

I know. It freaked me out. He is a nice guy and this is a center of excellence, so what else can I do?

To be honest, I would research into some more qualified physicians that will perform your surgery with 100% knowledge and excellence. If they are a bariatric physician or any surgeon for that matter, they should have NO problem executing a Gastric Sleeve procedure (of course, if this is a procedure they offer). I would find a physician that you KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt will perform the Sleeve surgery to his best ability. Your life and your health are worth waiting to find a capable physician.

Hmmm...my surgeon mentioned to me that the sleeve is unique in that it can be 'easily' converted to a bypass, but he definitely didn't call it a backup plan. He was talking about it in reference to losing enough weight.

Maybe your surgeon was just trying to tell you that things can go wrong but even if it does, you'll be ok ? Yeah, it would have me freaked out too, but you're probably going to be just fine.

Hmmm...my surgeon mentioned to me that the sleeve is unique in that it can be 'easily' converted to a bypass' date=' but he definitely didn't call it a backup plan. He was talking about it in reference to losing enough weight.[/quote']

He said it so causal. I was like "o.k." Honestly, when I think about I don't care if it is bypass. I just want to get rid of diabetes and sciatica. Maybe I am over reacting. He was giving me the back up scenario.

Historically, the Sleeve was not a technique created as "a" WLS, so to speak. If people wanted/needed bypass surgery, but were not good surgical candidates, they would have the sleeve done until they lost a reasonable amount of weight, and would then go back for bypass. The results they were finding were so good, they began listing it as one of the "3" main options. Three years ago when my sister had the Band put in, the sleeve was glossed over and not highly recommended.

If he only mentioned it casually, I wouldn't get too freaked out.

Hey Disney - I think maybe what he was trying to say is maybe if things don't look good for the sleeve for you that he would switch it to the bypass??? Things happen in surgery and I think he wants to prepare you for that. I wouldn't freak out about it. If it really is weighing (punny - I know) on you - contact the nurse or doctor and discuss it further!

How is you diet going today?

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Hey Disney - I think maybe what he was trying to say is maybe if things don't look good for the sleeve for you that he would switch it to the bypass??? Things happen in surgery and I think he wants to prepare you for that. I wouldn't freak out about it. If it really is weighing (punny - I know) on you - contact the nurse or doctor and discuss it further!

How is you diet going today?

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Thanks so much! I decided I don't care. Either way, I am ready to lose weight, diabetes and sciactica. So I am not going to sweat it! Actually, I can eat sooner on bypass.

Good for you! The MOST important thing is your health and well being!!!!! ((((Disney))))