Is 700 pounds TOO fat for WLS????? HELP!

I posted previously and am looking for ANYONE who knows of a surgeon who deals with supper supper obese patients!!! Please... any leads will be greatly appreciated! I'm trying to help a dear dear friend who is in desperate need of help!! I thank you in advance from the bottom of my heart for any info you can send my way!

Oppps SUPER SUPER OBESE.... not supper!!! Freudian slip!!

My surgen has done surgery on 650 lb patients (NC) so I do not see an issue with starting out at 700lbs.. Sheliie

My surgeon I'm pretty sure does Dr. Mark Shina he's In Louisville, KY (812) 282-3930 is his number you should beable to get a medical transportion place to take her there

Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans does. Dr Richardson is a FANTASTIC surgeon (and I'm a nurse that worked with his postops for over a year). I know the unit has plenty of equipment sized for our SMO needs. They have special beds, chairs, scales, and staff who are used to dealing with SMO patients. I couldn't give a better recommendation to anyone... I am currently in Dallas (following Katrina) but I trust this man so much I've already had one surgery (gallbladder removal) with him and planning the RNY with him in late September... DEFINITELY a great option.

Your friend is fortunate to have you as a friend. Is your friend able to loose weight? AT 562 lbs. I was leary about the surgery...the heavier one is...the higher the percentages for complications. I can lose wt. in the short term so I am trying to loose as much as I can before surgery. I see my surgeon on Monday and I will ask what his limits are...keeping you and your friend in my thoughts and prayers. E.

Hi Marie, I just wanted to check in and see if you got my emails about the surgeons available in our area. Let me know if I can do anything more to help. Good Luck, Sipele K

Hi Marie, as promised I asked my surgeon about your friend. The good news is that they don't turn anyone down at UCLA Medical Center. The other side of the coin is that they require a high weight loss of the SMO before they will do the surgery. I have to lose 70 lbs. before they will schedule my surgery and 30 lbs. before the surgery. My opinion is that this is how they keep their success rate so high. The positive side is that there are fewer complications with a lighter patient. And, of course the discipline I learn along the journey toward loosing the 70 lbs. won't hurt! So...high-ho-high-ho it's off to diet I go. Who knows? maybe...just maybe this time will be the last time and I will finally be successful. I'll remember your friend, and keep us posted...all the best, E.

Hi Ema, You mention in your post that you are required to lose 70 pounds, and I am desperately trying to lose thirty, so that I can have my surgery scheduled. I am not doing too well. What are you doing, and how is it working? Any advice would be very appreciated. Thanks, and take gentle care.- Shelley C