I just started thinking about weight loss surgery. I just make the 35 bmi and I need a comorbity to qualify. I have an unusual condition. I got a plate in my head from a surgery that I had in 2009. I can't exercise without terrible pain. I am hoping that if I lose weight. It will help. I think I have high blood pressure but haven been diagnosed yet.

I wonder if anyone thinks I will be able to find a surgeon that will help me? I was also wondering why people chose sleeves over bypass?

I am looking forward to hearing your responses. I live in Massachusetts if someone knows a surgeon

Lisa

First a sleeve has less complications than a bypass. Both surgeries do work well. Generally a bypass is used on one that is super obese. A sleeve can also be changed into a bypass at a later date. I am sure there are great surgeons in Mass. I recommend finding a weight loss clinic that has a standing support group. Take you time an do your own homework. There is a lot of information to digest. Always remembereither surgery is just a tool. YOU WILL HAVE TO WORK FOR IT. This is a life time commitment. It has been well worth it for me.

Where is Mass are you?

We have a lot of excellent doctors here in Mass

@@lisa0617 - can you do walking? You will lose w/o exercising, but even something low impact like walking can help .

I live in Attleboro. I use to walk everyday and I actually gained weight. I can't run or even let my pressure get high or it feels like my head is going to explode. Thank you for responding.

I go to Dr. Fiallo in Springfield. He's fantastic!! He did my band in 2008 and my revision to sleeve in February. My surgery was done at Baystate but he does them at Mercy too. When I'm having trouble with the bone spur in my foot, I sometimes have to do the recumbent bike in the gym. Can you do that? That's the bike that you sit down on, you rest your back on the seat

I have the bike pedals that sit on the floor but I don't lose weight using them. I can swim also but if I can't get my heartrate up it doesn't help. My weight fluctuate alot but it is due to meds I am prescribed. My neuro said my head would hurt less if I lost weight. I live almost in RI. I haven't heard of mercy or Baystate. Thank you for tips.

I have the bike pedals that sit on the floor but I don't lose weight using them. I can swim also but if I can't get my heartrate up it doesn't help. My weight fluctuate alot but it is due to meds I am prescribed. My neuro said my head would hurt less if I lost weight. I live almost in RI. I haven't heard of mercy or Baystate. Thank you for tips.

I suppose you're wanting your insurance to cover this.

Many of us have gone to Mexico because we receive excellent care there, for a more affordable price. If your insurance doesn't cover it, consider this as an option.

It might be beneficial to you to locate an informational seminar in your area and attend. Due to your neurological issues you would likely still need to have a consult with a bariatric surgeon but WLS would help you to lose weight with minimal exercise. It would just be a question as to whether or not your condition makes you a good candidate for surgery.

As to the decision for bypass vs sleeve, currently the sleeve is so popular that for many it's just a matter of preference. For me I didn't want to reroute my internal organs and I was not thrilled at the idea of dumping syndrome. I also had not issues with heartburn or reflux prior to surgery so the sleeve was a better fit for me. I don't think one is better than the other. A good friend of mine had bypass. She is doing well and is very pleased with her results. She was even one of the lucky few to not have issues with loose skin.

I was hoping my insurance would pay. If I had to pay for a trip to mexico from the east coast I mind as well pay in country. My sister had bypass and I do billing for bariatric surgeons so I am aware of the complications. I am scheduled for the seminar tomorrow. I hope I have a better idea what i want tomorrow.