Hi. This is the first time I am participating in a topic on this site. I just wanted to put my dilemma out there and see if I can get some advice. After being overweight for about 20 years, trying many different diets, like everyone else, I decided to do some research on WLS. After several months of looking into this and speaking with other WLS patients, I decided that the sleeve gastrectomy would be a great fit for me. After some more research, I decided on a bariatric group that I wanted to go with. I met with the surgeon last week. He spent about 45 minutes with me in his office discussing weight loss surgery. He also told me that since my BMI is 35 and I have no other issues, he would not be comfortable performing the sleeve gastrectomy on me. He recommended I go for the lap band surgery. I had already discussed this with my PCP, and she and I both agreed that I should not have lap band surgery. Since my insurance requires at least six months of weigh-ins and screening with other specialists (cardiologist, psychotherapist, sleep apnea doctor), the doctor suggested that I come in every month for a weigh-in and meet with these specialists for the benefit of the insurance company. My dilemma is, since I probably will not qualify anyway for the sleeve gastrectomy, and I don't want a lap band, what are my options? I don't know if any other doctors will flat out reject doing this procedure on me and if I should pursue it any further. To say I am disappointed is an understatement. I feel that the people who participate in these forums are pretty familiar with the procedures and requirements and could be helpful to me. Do you think I should just give it up now and try to do it on my own again, or could there be an alternative for me? I know the way I wrote this may be quite a ramble, but I hope I made some sense. Thank you for any advice you may offer.

Edited November 4, 201312 yr by ad1203

In my opinion, you should see other doctors to see if you get a different answer. My doc told me that gastric sleevers lose less weight than lap band or bypass patients. Since you have less to lose, it makes sense that a sleeve would be a good choice. As well, there is less potential for post-surgery issues with digestion over the long haul.

There are a lot of doctors out there, so you don't need to stick with the one who gives you ONE opinion. This is a big step.....you would feel OK getting a second opinion about any other major surgery, right? Check other clinics and hospitals.....do some research online to find other surgeons who might have a different philosophy.

Good luck!

I have an appointment with another surgeon tomorrow. Whatever he tells me, I will NOT be getting a lap band. I just don't feel that is something that I want. I heard too many negatives with it. I have looked into Mexico also, but my husband is not on board with that (yet). I am thinking that if this doctor tells me he won't do it, then it isn't meant to be for me and I will have to rethink my lifestyle. Thank you for all the input. It is always encouraging and helpful to hear from others who have gone through this ride.

I am not counting myself out yet. I met with another surgeon today, and it looks more promising. He didn't agree with the lap band procedure for me and if I qualify, he will perform a VSG on me. I just have to jump through the hoops now. I have an appointment for a sleep apnea test and my insurance requires me to weigh in with my PCP once a month for six months, so I am on that for this month. I hate to have to look for the negative, but if I have sleep apnea, it is almost a done deal. I appreciate everyone's input on this crazy journey.

I am not counting myself out yet. I met with another surgeon today, and it looks more promising. He didn't agree with the lap band procedure for me and if I qualify, he will perform a VSG on me. I just have to jump through the hoops now. I have an appointment for a sleep apnea test and my insurance requires me to weigh in with my PCP once a month for six months, so I am on that for this month. I hate to have to look for the negative, but if I have sleep apnea, it is almost a done deal. I appreciate everyone's input on this crazy journey.

YAY I'm glad you found a sleeve doc. Good luck with your pre-op diets and with the sleep study!!

I was a 41 bmi, with co morbitities., they discovered sleep apnea in Pre op testing..

I had been overweight for 30 years.

My insurance company required a 6 month program. That was fine. I lost 30 pounds on the 6 month program. The best part if the program was it got me in the groove. I was living and eating as if I was sleeved.

I originally wanted a lap band, but, after research I decided to go VSG.

I heard too many bands had to be replaced. ( one guy had it done 7 times)

Also I liked the VSG because it was permanent.

Check with another doctor. And try to live the postoperative life.

My advice is too start your pre-op work up . GERD , sleep apnea may show up on those work ups. Look for another surgeon; lap band is falling out of favor in the medical community due to potential complications down the road. BTW I was approved with a BMI of 36 on my first try. My only comorbidity is GERD. It's possible.

Have you had a sleep study and been checked for sleep apnea? Tell them you need this to qualify for the surgery....They helped me out.

Have you had a sleep study and been checked for sleep apnea? Tell them you need this to qualify for the surgery...

I only had a bmi of 35 when I started the process. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and high cholesterol during preop testing and my insurance covered my surgery.

I received some good (?) news today. After participating in a sleep study, I found out that I have sleep apnea. Yeah, I think. That is a plus as far as my insurance coverage is concerned. Taking the next step and thinking positively.