Question:
BMI for Lap. DS

For those of you who have had Lap DS, what was your beginning BMI. I emailed the local surgeon who is listed for doing lap DS, but was told the typical BMI is 49; and if you have previous abdominal surgeries not at all. Well, I haven't had ANY surgeries to this point, but my BMI is around 57.... Anyone had lap DS with a similar BMI? THANKS! CK    — drjakata (posted on December 2, 2003)

December 2, 2003
Cynthia, It depends on the surgeon's familiarity and skill level with the Lap DS. Dr. Rabkin in San Francisco, for example, has reported doing the Lap DS on patients with a BMI as high as 80+. My surgeon does Lap DS on higher BMIs now, too. You might post over at the DS Information Zone (http://www.duodenalswitch.com/openbb/ ) and ask people who their surgeon is and how high a BMI they do. Hope that helps some! Blessings! dina
   — Dina McBride

December 4, 2003
Keep in mind, too, that until they actually get into YOU, the doctor doesn't know for certain that your surgery CAN be done lapriscopically. Even if your surgeon starts out intending to do it lap, there may be reason he'll have to open you up. My doctor only does the open, and that's oaky with me---better safe than sorry! He does recommend the DS for his larger patients. (He also does the Fobi pouch.)
   — MsBatt