Too Fat for WLS???

Hi Everyone! I am so happy that I found this message board! I have been looking into wls for a few years now. Two weeks ago I went to the info session that is required by the Dr before your 1st appt. At the weigh-in, I was surprised (not overly) to see that my weight was up to 620 lbs! I thought it was more like 550. It's hard to find scales at this size that will weigh me. I have been heavier than this, and through Phentermine (Fastin) and low carb diet, I lost down to 417. For the past 2 years, the weight has crept back. When I was about 450 lbs, I checked into weight-loss, and was told the the Dr's assistant (a different Dr) that I couldn't have the surgery until I lost down to under 400 lbs. I think I just gave up after that. Being this weight is harder the 2nd time around--I had a taste of being lighter for the first time in my life. My PCP recommends that I have the surgery. I am more sure than ever that this is what I need to get my life back--to lengthen my life even. But, the problem is finding a Dr that will do the surgery on someone my size. I heard of people being my size and larger and having it done. I just don't know where to look anymore. The Dr that I am considering for the surgery, doesn't do it on patients over 500 lbs. He said that it was because of the hospital's policy, not his. Does anyone have any suggestions? (I am in NC, and medicaid is my insurance provider.) Thanks, Lisabelle

Lisabelle, Welcome! Here is the link to Bariatric Surgeons in NC. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/showdocs.phtml Georgeann

Lisabelle, Welcome!!! Oh doesnt it just make you see red when someone decides whats best for you? I'll bet you were heartbroken to hear someone say you couldnt have the surgery to HELP you lose weight because you were too big? what kind of sense does that make? I can see why you would be so discouraged. Doctors dont know how they can hurt us. Fortunately now I think times have changed. I have seen many many many SMO people on here 400,500,600,700 pounds do so well with this surgery. (i hope I'll be one of them). Dont give up hope!!! I had to chuckle when you mentioned being "lighter". Who of us hasnt thought back to when we "complained" about being so fat at 200? Now i wouldkill to weigh 200!! Take care, Lisabelle, and when you need to talk just come here and join us. I have found the nicest, most sincere and supportive people on this messageboard. you can usually find me under here.

Sadly, the fact is that those of us SMO have a higher risk for mortality and "failure" (losing 200lbs and still being 250lbs they consider "failure" by hospital data)... Hospitals restrict the things the surgeons there can do, for their own statistics... sadly.

hi lisabelle: welcome to the board. the email connection is already posted so i won't repeat that. but i wanted to say keep working at it. if the doctor you're considering won't do it, keep looking until you find one that will. it's been done for people in your weight range before and it's extremely worth it. i've read about people who had to lose weight before their surgery. not sure i get why, but i know i was in the 450 lb range and they did a lap rny on me, without requiring weight loss prior to surgery. good luck with your search. i hope you have success finding a doctor. in the meantime, take care of yourself. you're so worth it!!! hugs dorthe

Hi Lisabelle I am in Charlotte NC. I understand how you feel about surgeons telling you that you are too big. I was told that when I first started my journey. I finally found one that I was comfortable with. I am 427 and my BMI is 71. My surgeon said he has done surgery on people that weighed more than me and with higher BMI's. I have to travel a little to to get to my surgeon but Its worth it. I wanted a surgeon that was confident about doing surgery on me. What part of NC are you in?? Keep Looking because there more surgeons out there. Good luck!!!! Kay

HELLO I WEIGHED 671 5 WEEKS AGO AND I HAD SURGERY NOW I AM 594 AND STILL LOSING HANG IN AND COME TO OHIO I KNOW A DOC THAT WILL DO YOU

Hi Lisabelle! You are NOT too fat for WLS!!! There is a wonderful lady on these boards... in fact, you may have seen her name (AMY WILLIAMS) as she is the head of member services for this website! I would suggest that you email her (if she has not already emailed you!!!).. She began her journey at 615#.. and is over a year postop now.. and 300# less!! She is a wonderful lady and I think she will be able to help you a lot! Good luck! Sandy

hello lasabelle. When I had my consult I was too heavy for surgery as well. My hospital had a 400 pound weight limit. I was able to get down to 389 before surgery. I did slimfast for breakfast and lunch and then I did a low carb dinner. It was hard but I was able to do it. Good luck. 411.5/322/160