Question:
What is the criteria the surgeon uses in deciding what surgery they will perform?
— Patty.W (posted on August 2, 2002)
August 2, 2002
I haven't had surgery yet, but here are three things I've found out about
wls surgery:
1. Surgery is determined/limited to the surgeon's practice. My doctor
only does open fobi pouch and open bpd/ds, others may only do open rny,
etc.
2. Health, including mental health may make a difference in determining
type of surgery as well. Some people have alot of scar tissue which can
prevent lap surgery. Some lap surgeries turn into open surgeries. I went
into my consult thinking I could "pick a surgery" and I was gonna
have the fobi. However, after my dr. went over my health history and a
questionnare I filled out, he felt the ds would be better suited to my
needs.
3. Insurance may make a big difference. I have read profiles where the
insurance company would not approve a particular surgery, so the patient
had to have a different one.
I'm sure there are many other factors (than the above) doctors take into
consideration. Good luck, I hope this helps!
— Anne F.
August 2, 2002
Most surgeons offer a one (or two) size fits all approach, I've seen, My
docs here do customize to you. They discuss the pluses & minuses of
several different models, and as you narrow the choices, they go over the +
& - again, another few times to make sure you KNOW what you've signed
up for.
— vitalady
August 2, 2002
My surgeon also used age and lifestyle. IMHO, he also used his gut
feelings about how well a patient would comply with the "rules"
of whatever surgery they did want. He gives a written test to be sure you
fully understand everything about your surgery of choice. Your spouse or
support person must sign a paper stating they also understand. I opted for
the DS and the last words to me going into the operating room were,
"Remember, if for some medical reason I can not do a DS, do you still
want an RNY?" I did get my DS and have had great results.
— grammie5
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