methadone and surgery

Hi, everybody, my name is Kelsey. I would like to get the gastric bypass surgery sometime this century. I am having many problems with surgeons, regarding me being on the methadone maintenance program, and having been clean for two years. I feel I am being judged by my past, perhaps I should have not been so honest about my past. Anyway, I would really like to know if anyone in CT has had the surgery and is on methadone and what happened and who your surgeon was. I would be ever so greatful. You may also e-mail me @: [email protected] . Thank you,Kelsey

Hi Kelsey! Welcome to the CT Boards. I am the resident radio DJ that never sleeps! hahaha I am not familiar with methadone. But my surgeon is Dr. Tran in Bridgeport. It's worth giving a call. Generally, though, I recommend being honest about your past if there is any way it could interfere with the surgery. Dr. Crum, another excellent surgeon is in Norwalk and works out of Norwalk Hospital. Good luck and keep us updated! Tara

Hi Kelsey, I don't know of anyone personally who has had this surgery while on methadone but I would suggest two things. First is checking with your insurance company as to whether or not they would cover it and second call some of the surgeons as Tara suggested. There are many surgeons doing this surgery in CT now. Check the list on here and start with the ones closest to you or that you have checked out. I went to Dr. Bell at Yale in New Haven. I never heard of his turning anyone down for the treatments they are undergoing. The difficult part may be the psychological clearance though. You may also want to post on the main message board and see what other folks experiences are. Good luck with your quest and keep us posted. Linda

I DO KNOW SOMEONE. HE WENT TO DR. BELL, NEW HAVEN. MY DR WAS CRUM, WHO I REALLY LIKE. GIVE SOME OF THEIR OFFICES A CALL, MAYBE THEY WILL TELL YOU ON THE PHONE. GOOD LUCK!

Hi Kelsey! Welcome to the Boards. My two cents is that I started off with a doctor's office who I felt judged me for something that I had done and needless to say, I couldn't have surgery with a doctor's practice that wasn't one hundred percent supportive of me and my journey. And for the record, I hadn't even met the doctor, it was his staff that made me feel this way. Anyway, I am now at UCONN with Dr. Giles and really wished I had started there from the beginning. The first time I had met with Dr. Giles, we talked for two hours and he did not judge and made me feel real comfortable from the start!! Hope that helps a little. Phyllis

Hi Kelsey - Welcome to the boards! I can tell you this is a very safe place to come with your questions and concerns. I have nothing to add, unfortunately, but just wanted to reiterate what the ladies have said -- call different doctors & get their opinions. You should definitely be honest with your situation, because they really need to know what meds you're taking when performing a surgical procedure. I hope you're able to find one who is accepting of your issues & your work to overcome them. Good luck to you!! Kathy F.