Bariatric revision

Question
How can I get a bariatric physician to doa revision.  I was approved by insurance for a revision and was scheduled for January 08.  The surgeon told me on today that I was a high risk patient b/c I have a history of blood clots in my legs.  I was disappointed. My BMI is 50.3.  I'm 5'10 and weigh 363lbs.  I work fulltime.  I originally had a gastric bypass in 1997 with a weight loss of 100lbs.  Down to 275lbs.  I started to regain after 1 year post op.  The surgeon that performed the original surgery retired in 1997 and his son took over his practice.  The son doesn't do bariatric surgeon.  All of the bariatric surgeons and medical colleges only do revisions on their original bariatric patients.  Please help!

Answer
Sorayal,
This is a very difficult situation.  It is true that bariatric surgeons prefer not to take on patients who were previously operated upon by someone else.  Even though you probably feel a sense of urgency about having a revision operation, I strongly encourage you to stick with *experienced* bariatric surgeons for your operation, and not go with an inexperienced surgeon just because he/she is willing to operate.

There are two approaches I can recommend:
1)  Get the support of your primary doctor.  If you are sent to one of the currently practicing bariatric surgeons with the active support of your primary MD (for example, your physician would call the surgeon), then the surgeon will probably make an exception.

2)  Seek out Centers of Excellence in a progressively expanding ring from where you are.  Ask each center if they will take you on.  You can find centers of Excellence on the web at www.surgicalreview.org

Best of luck!

Dr JP

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