Friend has been turned down for Gastric Sleeve

**PinkofHealth** · 06-07-2010 03:09 PM

I have a friend who has been turned down by his GP from availing of gastric sleeve surgery. He has been struggling with his weight for 10 years now, and is desperate for the procedure. But his GP has been telling him no.

**MediaHound** · 06-07-2010 03:35 PM

He should probably find another, there are many centers around that would be willing to give a second opinion. Thats why its called a "second opinion", heh. Doctors aren't always making the best recommendations and when you put 10 doctors together for the same question you will not always get 10 same answers.

**Racquel** · 06-07-2010 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by PinkofHealth

I have a friend who has been turned down by his GP from availing of gastric sleeve surgery. He has been struggling with his weight for 10 years now, and is desperate for the procedure. But his GP has been telling him no.

Hmmn... this is the first time that I've heard of anyone being turned down, but from what I know, you have to be very obese which clinically translates to having a body mass index of more than 50 or 60. Either that, or you have been slated for gastric bypass surgery or another radical weight loss surgery but is not deemed fit to undergo such procedures.

But still, this is the first time that I've heard of such a case. Maybe Mediahound is right, your friend might want to see another doctor.

**nextinline** · 06-08-2010 02:07 AM

Hmmmn, I thought that a BMI 30 or higher makes you obese? Wouldn't that be enough to make you a candidate for weight loss surgery

**Tammy** · 06-08-2010 03:04 AM

Is your friend a smoker? That could be another reason. It might not be a definite no, but just enough for him to stop smoking before availing of the procedure. Smoking increases the risk of developing complications like infections, pneumonia and blood clots. If your friend cannot quit smoking, he will never undergo the procedure. You are required to stop smoking for at least a month before any bariatric surgery.

**Gal** · 09-01-2010 04:59 PM

If the doctor is the family doctor who is familiar with your friend's medical history, he may have a more complete information on which he is basing his decision.

A second opinion may give the answer your friend was looking for but may have less information to make that judgement.

I would recommend your friend go back and discuss if further with his doctor and be clear on the reasons why he has been declined before he goes somewhere else.

Gal xx

**mini_me_tobe** · 09-02-2010 10:36 AM

for some reason some gp's do not like the idea of bariatric surgery, and think patients should try it on their own.. if this is not a medical reason for denial then i would definatly change doctors... you want your gp on board with what your doing, because in some cases they are the ones doing lab work.