Surgery with Dr. Frank Chae?

Has anyone had surgery with Dr. Chae? I am scheduled for April 2nd and was wondering if anyone knew what his pre-op and post -op diet is like? Thanks Lori

Hi Lori, I had my surgery with Dr. Chae on September 13 and I had a great experience - he is so unbelievably compassionate and kind and very good at what he does. Your surgery experience should be good - all my nurses were the best I've ever had. Have you taken the nutrition class with Kelly yet? Dr. Chae follows her plan to a T. He actually tends to be more conservative but usually will defer to Kelly - she really knows what she it doing. There was no pre-op diet, but 24 hours before surgery you are on a clear liquid diet and you have to take some very interesting stuff that clears you out ( I can't remember what it was called but I took it with Sprite) The first week was all liquids but I had problems with the shakes, so Kelly let my primarily use cream soups with milk. After that you slowly progress just the way Kelly has laid out - soft foods for a few weeks, and so on. I was on solid foods after the 6th week, but it was a very slow introduction to foods. I really took my time, I just didn't want to get sick! Make sure you come to the support group on the 2nd Thursday of the month at SkyRidge - we have a blast every month and it's been a HUGE support for me. I don't know what I would do without my buddies there! Email me if you have any questions and I hope to meet you soon!

Thanks for the info! I go to the class on the 25th of this month. I am just so excited I can hardly stand waiting another couple weeks! At little scared too though! Lori

You'll do great! and Kelly is wonderful and so compassionate, you'll love her. If you need anything, be sure to tell me and I can definitely help. I had someone who had had the surgery a few months before me and she was a huge help. Good luck! Pam

My surgery is this coming Tuesday(3/27) with Dr Chae. I met him about 2 weeks ago and he was amazing with his knowledge and understanding of what I am about to go through emotionally. He is also one of the doctors that travel around the country overseeing the various bariatric surgery facilities in the country. That alone impressed me. I will be having my surgery at St Joseph's in Denver. I think we have a good doctor for our surgeries. My insurance is Kaiser, Dr Chae contracts with them for WLS, so I went through a 10-week class and will be on a clear liquid diet 3 days pre-op. Dr Chae's private practice may be a bit different. Good Luck to you, Lori. Donna

Dr. Chae did my surgery almost 2 years ago. I've lost 110lbs, which is more than he and Kelly thought I would. I think he's the best surgeon! He truly cares about his patients. I was unfortunate enough to have to go to Sky Ridge ER not too long after surgery (it was not related to surgery). The ER people called him and let him know I was in there. He had a few minutes and came down to check on me and make sure that I was OK. I was quite impressed! He's a busy man and I didn't expect him to do anything like that. Kelly Elliot, his nutritionist, is AWESOME too. I highly recommend attending one of her support groups. Here is her website http://www.bnrllc.com/ The info is on there. I attend regularly at Sky Ridge. Many people go to support group for a short period of time and then after a couple of years start having problems gaining weight back. I feel that my success in loosing it and keeping it off is largly because of the support group. I get reminded of the "rules" I need to be following and can refocuse and regroup every month. I've made some great friends there and continue to make more. Nikki is going to join me in April. I hope you can make it! Laura

Hi Laura I hope I can make it also I'll just have to see how I'm feeling then. BTW what time is the group and in what room at Skyridge? Thanks

Dr. Chae did my rny on November 8, 2005. He is wonderful and really cares about his patients. I've lost 100 lbs. and had no problems at all. The recovery does take time. I now feel much better than I've felt in 30 years. Kelly will give you all the info you need about diets. Didi