OK, I am a scared baby!

Bonnie, I was at St. Joseph's because I have Kaiser insurance and that is the only hospital they use. I had Dr. Karen Lucas and she was wonderful. I had the modified hand assisted laproscopic surgery which means I have 4 incisions. One about 4 inches long, two about 3 inches long and a 4th really small one or two stitches. I was treated really well in the hospital and was there from Wednesday the day of my surgery to Saturday the day I was discharged. Most of the staff was wonderful, and I am not a demanding patient. I did have one really lazy daytime nurse though. I was supposed to be up and walking and she kept saying physical therapy would be in to walk me the next day and I finally insisted she get me up. My doctor was a little upset that she had to be forced to get me up. The walking is so important to help prevent blood clots so try to remember what your doctor has told you and make them get you up and moving even if it is uncomfortable... I found the staff does not always follow doctors orders so you mus****ch out a bit for yourself. I am diabetic and some idiot gave me glucose instead of saline solution for my IV and my blood sugar went up to over 500 and the nurse wondered what was the matter....that was the lazy one. I have heard nothing but good things about Swedish so I know you will get the best of care.. Glenda thegoodwitch

HI Glenda, Thanks for the good information It sure does make me feel good now. I am having the same thing you did but I will remember what you said. I am a very hard person to take care of if they don't do what the DR. says It is my body so I have to be on the watch. Thanks again Bonnie

My surgery was done @ Rose Med Center by Dr Snyder. I chose Dr Snyder because of his success rate and his post-op follow up program. Both Drs Snyder and Tillquist are really excellent surgeons with high rates of success. I think they do the most of this type of surgery in the Denver-Metro area. Swedish Med Ctr is one of the best hospitals in the area and I'm sure you will get great care there. My best friend is a nurse in the OR @ Swedish and has spoken of doing procedures with Dr Tillquist. She really has a high opinion of him. You've made a good choice and I'm sure you'll do great! Andrea 265/235/140

Hi Andrea, Thank you for the wonderful information, If both DR's are good why didn't you pick DR. tillquist? I was trying to pick DR. Snyder because my female DR. knows him and also DR.Tillquist the reason i did not get Dr Snyder is he does not take medicare,so my pcp told me DR Tillquist.I love Rose Medical they are good there. I never been in Swedish so I will go on you opinon. What is your friends name and does she work with the Dr. It is great the weight you lost good job. how far out are you? Thanks so much Bonnie

Bonnie, Relax and think about the desired outcome. It's a little scary going in for the surgery and I wasn't nervous until they took me into the OR. It wasn't until then, I guess, that it actually sunk in. My mind wandered through all the possible outcomes, some good and some really bad, but the last thing I remember before slipping under is how I perceived myself in 6 months, at a size I could be proud of, with my wife who I know loves me dearly. Think about the good. Recognizing the bad means you understand the implications and that's a good thing, but don't let your mind run away with you. You'll be just fine and the end results will be worth it. Hang in there and stay strong. Take care and God bless you. Ron H