A friend of mine sent me an e-mail that a local (Tucson) doctor sent to his patients about his experience with WLS at NW Hospital and why he still wasn't back taking care of them after two months had passed.  Seems he got thru the surgery fine, but then two days later ended up in the ER with extreme abdominal pain and comlications with clots and kidney failure - is now on dialysis, and spent a month in ICU and two weeks in additional therapy.  Has anyone heard about this?  I'm having my surgery there in two weeks...just curious.

Don't forget the Sun City group meeting this Saturday at the Sun City Room (103rd & Coggins).  The meeting begins at 10:30 and will run until noon or so.

Please bring your favorite low fat, low cal recipe to share. 

Hi Stephanie,
I had the sleeve surgery by Dr. Burger in May, 2008 and have done exceptionally well with it, I couldn't be happier.  I had originally thought about the band (I was not a candidate for RNY because of colo-rectal cancer... my oncologist did NOT want anything touched with my remaining intestine).  I am very active in my health issues, and researched numerous doctors and facilities concerning my WLS.  All of my oncologist (in New Mexico) agreed that Dr. Burger was far and above the best choice as was the sleeve the best surgery for me.  I received excellent follow up (I opt to do my follow ups now with my oncologist to avoid duplicate blood work).  The staff for Dr. Burger and Dr. Aldridge were excellent.  Nancy, Dr. B's nurse, was an absolute God send when it came to insurance issues.  I had BCBS of New Mexico and Nancy jumped right in on getting me approved. 
As for the hospital, I was very pleased with the facility and nursing staff while I was in the hospital for the two days post surgery.  At that time I was told that both Dr. B and Dr. A like to put their patients on a particular floor because that floor had the most attentive nurses. 
Concerning the drive, the Flagstaff hospital is very easy to get in and out of and the town itself is a piece of cake, nothing like the traffic in Phoenix or here in Albuquerque. 
Good luck and please keep us posted!

Katherine
Albuquerque

Hi Stephanie,   I am currently going to Flagstaff and I love the staff and Doctors there... I am having my surgery getting the sleeve on 12/13 with Dr Aldrige..... Everyone I have talked to there that has had the surgery is really really happy with them.... They have been great and I would recommend them.....  Best of Luck....   Stacey

 Hi Friends...

I have my consultation and psych evaluation on Thursday. I have to take a Psych test...is there anything I need to know about this? Are they just checking that I do not have any eating disorders, unresolved eating issues, not crazy or is there something more to it?

Also, are there any questions you wish you had asked but didn't when having your consultation?

Send your thoughts my way as I am eager to learn from all of you experts!