Question:
What are the basic surgery types and their abbreviations? Which is the most popular?
I really want to have surgery, I was against it for years. My doctor finally convinced me that I need to do it, but now my employer no longer purchases the rider from Anthem BC/BS. I don't know much about the surgery options (types) and wanted to get some info under my belt before I go toe-to-toe with Anthem and my employer. — witsend (posted on March 14, 2006)
March 14, 2006
The most popular surgery is Lap RNY. It depends on you and I think you
should do much more research before you make a decision. The surgery cost
approx 50k plus. For me it is close to 63k as I had a few issues. Go to a
support meeting in your town and learn what everyone went through. Then
you have to contact your surgeon to see what he will or will not do. Some
doctors will not do all types available.
Good Luck
— Steve Cohen
March 14, 2006
Go to the home page of ObesityHelp.com and READ everything your can get
your hands on about weight loss surgery. There are several different
surgeries and criteria. After you have done your research, discuss wls
with your primary care physician. Join a support group or two and listen
to what post ops have to say about their surgery. The good, the bad and
the ugly.
When you have done your research and still have questions or want
opinions........we'll all be here.
There is a lot to learn and everyone has their opinion about the
surgeries offered. Read up on the different types of surgery before you
are inundated with everyone's personal opinions......just my humble
opinion, of course! Good luck....get reading! <smile>
— LauraA
March 14, 2006
GB= Gastric banding
VBG = Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
Roux-en-Y/RNY/RYGP = Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (most frequently performed.
BPD = Biliopancreatic Diversion
DS = Duodenal Switch
Good Luck!
Cheryl - surgery date 4/14/06
— classite
March 14, 2006
you have several choices, the "lap" refers to Laproscopic"
meaning done with tools thru portals instead of Open hands on. the prefered
is Lap, less structural damage, a little more costly,and or time consuming.
done on all proceedures. next is which proceedcure, common is 1 the rny or
gastric bypass, 2 the lap band, and 3 is the duenal swicht, go to the
forums and drop down the list and read about each of them.
My preference. not that I have one actually i can only have the DS, not
compatible with the rny or the band is the DS.
I am forcing Aetna to provide it for me. it is excluded but they will
make a exception for me. visit the DS forum and ask about it. many pass
the free rny up and pay for a ds in mexico,or brazil about 15k total from
one of the best doctors.
— walter A.
March 14, 2006
I gotta go with Laura on this one. Whichever surgery you end up with, you
have the best chance for success if you *educate yourself*, and thoroughly.
Asking here is only one step, and one best taken later. Read up on this
forum and others. Google the names and abbreviations you've learned here.
There are some decent books out there now. Talk to your doctor. Find some
support groups. Do your homework, develop some specific questions, then
come back here. I stress that you must not rely on us for all or most of
your info. We're not professionals .. we have incomplete, sometimes
inaccurate info and human biases. You need a balanced overview, and you'll
be best served to use several resources. Best of luck to you. :)
— Jeanie
March 14, 2006
— [Deactivated Member]
March 15, 2006
John,
There are currently six types of WLS that are endorsed by the medical
community as effective and defendable surgical procedures.
There are some GREAT online resources to see what is out there, and learn
the details. See:
www.asbs.org
http://www.dssurgery.com/generalinformation/comparison.php
www.duodenalswitch.com
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/information/wlsjourney/surgery+types.php
Probably the best thing you can do for yourself is to meet LOTS of people
who have had surgery - get to know them (i.e., local support groups, etc.)
and find out what their quality of life is like 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 years
post-op.
Also, Yahoo groups have some great groups out there that will tell it like
it is. Join a bunch and get ready to do lots of reading.
Remember - this is about the rest of your life. It is worth every ounce of
effort to make sure you make a sound choice - one that will affect your
health from now forward.
Blessings,
dina
— Dina McBride
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