A fellow I know is/was scheduled for surgery tomorrow with my doctor. He is getting the lapband.

Dr. Cudjoe's assistant called yesterday and told him he might have to postpone his surgery date while he loses more weight. She told him that Dr. Cudjoe had to stop a procedure on a man of about our same build because he couldn't place the band through all of the fat.

Now it's just hearsay, and I'm sure much was lost in the exchange from the man's wife to him to me, but does this sound a little goofy to anyone else? I mean losing weight to have weight loss surgery sounds kind of counter productive. It's like telling a person with a hernia that the surgery can't be performed unless they heal up and don't need it.

Catch 22 anyone?

Waiting for my next visit with the good Doctor so I can get some clarification.

Anyone else heard of this?

Ryan - The most important thing is for you to feel confident with whom ever you choose. I have went to brand new Doctors that knew some new procedures that my old doctors didn't. We will be here, waiting for your post letting us know how your procedure went. As one biker to another, it's going to be a great ride.

Betty:D

Originally posted by donali

Ryan -

I'm glad you've taken the time to consider these questions, so you can be at peace with your decision.

The truth is, no matter how many bands a doc has done, there are no guarantees - there are so many factors when you're dealing with human beings. All we can go with is the odds.

And if we're keeping you propped up, than it's been an easy thing to do - my arms don't feel tired in the least! So keep on leaning, Buddy, and we'll keep on propping...

What she said. And informed choice and trust in your surgeonare...well...it's an informed...uh...?...CHOICE...with a trusted surgeon! That's the best any of us can hope for.

Ryan, as always, we are here to support you, and bat the ball back and forth into different courts. I think it helps to consider many points of view , as you have done. There's alot of wisdom channeled into this communicative process, I know it helped me greatly when I was at the point where you stand.

I'm glad you took extra time to think it through. The part about removing the liver freaked me out a little bit, but a doc's gotta do what he's gotta do. Here, can you hold this liver a sec? I could never be a doctor!

The abdominal scan report showed I had a fatty liver and a bad gall bladder. The day I registered at the surgeon's office, I saw a report on a man, showing he had a fatty liver. I think most overweight people probably do have a fatty liver. We just can't see it. I followed my surgeon's low glycemic foods list - not a diet, just certain foods to avoid. I wanted this surgery bad enough to do my part to help it be successful. You'll do great, Ryan! We don't want your surgeon to have any problems!