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.

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

Try one other doctor.

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.

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

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.

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...

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.

Good luck. I hope it happens for you.

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

what city do you live in?

u live upstate

try another doctor

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 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!

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.

I talked to seven doctors in the DFW area before I found one who would try laparoscopically. I was successfully sleeved on 3/23/13 and have lost 62lbs. You should have seen the pictures of my adhesions. I had four incisions & one is larger due to my prior surgeries, but I didn't have to have it done in an open procedure!

My prior surgeries were: perforated common bile duct, pancreatitis, multiple debredments, c-section, three hernia repairs with mesh. While I was in the ICU for the perf bile duct I had multi system organ failure, was trached for five months, eschemic strokes & had to spend five months in med-surgical ICU, a month in step down, three months in in-patient re-hab & six months out.

Needless to say, no one wanted to touch me with a ten foot pole. However, I found Dr. Joseph Kuhn at Medical City Dallas. He has been performing WLS for over thirty years. Find the right doctor and ask what are your options. . You need a surgeon that is older & very experienced. You may have to do an open procedure, but it is worth it!

Best of luck & prayers,