DS - Will a surgeon NOT do the procedure?

My Aunt is interested in the DS and has her consult with Dr. Buchwald on August 2, but she is nervous she might not get approved because she had a "silent heart attack" a few years back (I don't know how many years ago but I can find out). Will this or any other medical reason keep a doctor from performing the surgery? TIA!

Michelle, I think it depends on the surgeon. I would be especially wary of a surgeon who approved her immediately. They are not doing their homework. I had a friend just have to have angioplasty--artery was blocked 90%. His RNY was four months prior. I felt that a doctor should have caught this prior to surgery. I actually opted for a surgeon who made me go through more tests. I figured that the more careful he was about my health prior, the more he would continue to care about it afterward...and make sure I woke up from surgery. I think it will all depend on whether she can have cardio clearance or not. There are several things that may be considered. The more she is under anesthesia, the more risk, so the doctor may opt to do hers in two steps. The doctor might also elect to have lap only instead of open, since your are supposedly not "under" as long. I chose to have open for safety sake. A friend's brother had just died from brain surgery because they did the lesser of invasive procedures.. They ran into complications and could not open him up all the way quickly enough, and he died. I spoke to my doctor about open vs. lap because of this, and he indicated that he would only do open for safety reasons (my first consult would only do lap for safety reasons, so go figure). I guess the best way to find out is to ask your doctor. Michelle

I have read of people having RNY with heart problems. I imagine it is going to depend on the extent of damage to her heart and her overall health. These are questions only her cardiologist and her surgeon can answer. But does it knock her out of the box from the start -- I do not think so. Red

I am becomming a lightweight quicker then I wish, as I want to cure my apnea and diabetes 2, and I have the blessing of my cardiologist for the ds whole hardely. Im A fib, a recent discovery, while doing my routine anual workup that would be similar to the pre ops that every one gets for wls. I just do em every year anyway, long story.

I wouldn't expect her to be denied on the spot, but would instead expect some tests to make sure she is well enough to survive the surgery without any related complications.

I had a heart attack in 2003. The surgeon will run tests to make sure she is in good enough shape. Having previous trouble does not automatically rule out surgery. Jeanie