Dr. Bell first appointment

I just got a phone call from Dr. Bell's office with an appointment for next Friday.  Jane told me that this is for an informational meeting.  Can anyone who has had Dr. Bell tell me what the next step is after this?  Thank you.

Hello there, Dr. Bell is a wonderful choice!  His office staff is wonderful and very helpful.  Jane has been where we are--and she is very informative as she has had WLS herself.

 

The informational session will have several surgerical applicatants.  Dr. Bell will discuss the procedure--the befores, the afters and the inbetweens.  He will then open the floor for questions and spends as much time as needed to answer each and every one.  He is a very compassionate surgeon and makes you feel as if you are the most important person in a room full of people. 

then your are scheduled for surgery.  It is my understanding that those in the room will be scheduled within three weeks of the informational session.

 

Dr. Bell did my surgery on July 25th--I left the hospital  on half the heart medication I was on prior!  My CHF is completely gone--I can walk miles and run with my 20 month old nephew.  I have lost 82 pounds as of my Wednesday night weigh in (I go to TOPS) and I feel better than ever. I look forward to reading your story..and providing any moral support I can. Best of luck, Jennifer

Jennifer thank you so much for the information.  It means quite a lot to hear from someone who has gone the same route using the same Doctor.

Hi Violet, Man...you are cruising right along.  You will be able to choose which surgeon you want and pick your date for surgery which should probably be in November.  I had my info session in late May of 2005 and could pick a date in June but due to a scheduling conflict for me at work I chose to wait until July of 2005.   Make sure you update after your info session.  I'm sure  you will love Dr. Bell.   One thing about him is that he's salaried by Yale so he's not in this for the money, he truly just wants to help people.    ~Sue

Hi, Dr. Duffy, another surgeon in Dr. Bell's office, performed my surgery on 9/13. The information meeting, in my case, had about 5 other people, most of whom were very informed as to the procedure and outcome. I found talking to them very helpful. Not long after the meeting the office called me for a pre-op consultation and it seemed not long after that I was called with a date. All of this happened within about 5 weeks. Once you have the informational meeting the ball really starts to roll. Good luck! Bonnie

Bonnie please friend me and keep me posted on your progress.  It is great to hear of someone with similar numbers and background.  Thank you for your reply.

Dr. Bell is awesome. You will be very pleased with him