I went to my preop appointment last week, all excited, no trembling fears... but something my surgeon told me has been eating at me. He said that if the sleeve is cut too narrow, they have to bypass right then instead. WHAT?? I can understand the logic, but I hadn't thought of this... I DO NOT want a bypass and the thought is scaring me to death. He did assure me that he hasn't had to do this yet, but he's only been doing sleeves for a few months. Did your doctor say the same thing? Has anyone had this happen to them or know anyone who it's happened to?

Surgery is scheduled for July 17 and I won't back out, but this new fear is really intense... to the point of losing sleep over.

My surgeon or any other doc has told me this. I haven't heard of anyone experiencing this either. It sounds like your surgeon doesn't have much experience like you stated and is being extra cautious. Have you inquired about another more experienced surgeon? I know they have to get practice in somewhere, but gosh, I wouldn't want that on me. Perhaps that's why they use a bougie as a guide line. Can you ask if he uses one?

Contact him again - and have him explain it again to be sure there was no misunderstanding - have him explain, spcf. how he could make your sleeve too thin if he is using a bolus (tube that goes down your throat that is used as a guide - and why woudl that create a need for bypass, even if it happened?

Yes, I agree with above posts - in the meantime get some sugestions on another doc.

OMG That is crazy!!! If that were to happen, isn't that a law suit waiting to happen? That's very negligent. WTH!!!! My surgeon has never said anything like that to me. I totally understand your fear. That's ridiculous.

Just wondering what if he botches the bypass?does he switch to a feeding peg and colostomy bag.Think I would be outta there!

I think because he explained it to me and made me sign a waiver, it couldn't turn into a lawsuit . I have a made a few calls to other surgeons... but as scared as this has made me, I really don't want to have to start all over either... ughhhhhh

Just wondering what if he botches the bypass does he switch to a feeding peg and colostomy bag

omg, i needed that laugh lolllll

I'm sorry - but I'd definitely find another surgeon. I have never heard of any other poster asking this question. I'd also be a little scared of having this particular doctor operate on me. He sounds very inexperienced. Just my opinion.

Just wondering what if he botches the bypass?does he switch to a feeding peg and colostomy bag.Think I would be outta there!

LMAO! That was hilarious and a much needed laugh!

Just wondering what if he botches the bypass?does he switch to a feeding peg and colostomy bag.Think I would be outta there!

ROTFLMAO!!!!!! Your badddddddddddddddd !!!!!

I have never heard of this before either. This would scare the crap out of me!

I think because he explained it to me and made me sign a waiver, it couldn't turn into a lawsuit . I have a made a few calls to other surgeons... but as scared as this has made me, I really don't want to have to start all over either... ughhhhhh

That is terrible!!!! Say your prayers. Sheesh.

Thank you all so much for your input... I did call a couple other local surgeons and they actually agree with a bypass being the best option during a botched sleeve, but said they've never heard of it actually happening, except in cases where they were sleeving as a preliminary to a bypass (with patient consent). They think he is basically just covering himself 'just in case'... Still... idk. Even if he got the sleeve too narrow, I'd rather have the option of stretching it naturally, rather than a bypass.

Yeah, I don't know about that. His inexperience plus having you sign a waiver that basically says "you're SOL if I mess up" doesn't sit well with me. Like someone else said, I know they have to get the practice on someone....but ummm no. Is he the only surgeon in his practice?

I work with many physicians. In today's environment when some people just wait to sue, some physicians explain every risk so it cannot come back on them as being unexplained. Unfortunately, when this happens it scares many patients. Sometimes that is the point and sometimes the surgeon is just covering liability. If you have had confidence in this surgeon before, don't get too freaked out about it. If you don't have confidence in this physician, for your own health and peace of mind, you need to find someone else.

I know of the reverse happening. I personally know someone who went in for bypass, and my surgeon found too many issues (not exactly clear on the issues) but basically he woke her up, told her she would NOT be able to have the bypass, and that the sleeve or band were her next choices. She choose the sleeve. I think it was mentally hard switching gears (imagine researching ONE type of surgery and ending up with another.) But he DID NOT make the decision for her. She had a day to mull over her choices (spent the day in the hospital, decided sleeve) and was sleeved the next day.

This sounds like a CYA type of thing, but it sounds unusual and I have not heard from anyone else that their surgeon has this as an option.