Starting over again but feeling good....
Hi,
Thanks to supportive members on this board I switched from a surgeon that I began seeing in Oct. 08. My gut told me he was not the surgeon for me. I didn't want to start all over again since I didn't know of anyone else and didn't know if it was me.
I am thankful that some members recommended their surgeon instead of me having to go through the yellow pages. I am happy to say I went to Dr. R's info session, (which the first Dr. didn't even offer) at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. The presentation was great, even though it was often difficult to understand Dr. R due to his thick accent. I was impressed with the thorough mandatory pre op requirements. I have to start over again, with the exception of the 6 mos. diet, but am feeling enthusiastic to be going through the process with Dr. R. What a difference it makes!! I look forward to starting a relationship with Dr.R and his staff. Another bonus is that the nutritionist and psy consult are covered under my insurance. This wasn't the case with the previous Dr. I paid $375. out of pocket and was not given the option to see someone in my network. I was willing to pay again if needed but turns out I won't have to.
I am very lucky I have a friend that is willing to support and accompany me to the sessions during this recent change in surgeons. The process can often seem unending but I feel good about the change.
Thanks again,
Mimi
Thanks to supportive members on this board I switched from a surgeon that I began seeing in Oct. 08. My gut told me he was not the surgeon for me. I didn't want to start all over again since I didn't know of anyone else and didn't know if it was me.
I am thankful that some members recommended their surgeon instead of me having to go through the yellow pages. I am happy to say I went to Dr. R's info session, (which the first Dr. didn't even offer) at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. The presentation was great, even though it was often difficult to understand Dr. R due to his thick accent. I was impressed with the thorough mandatory pre op requirements. I have to start over again, with the exception of the 6 mos. diet, but am feeling enthusiastic to be going through the process with Dr. R. What a difference it makes!! I look forward to starting a relationship with Dr.R and his staff. Another bonus is that the nutritionist and psy consult are covered under my insurance. This wasn't the case with the previous Dr. I paid $375. out of pocket and was not given the option to see someone in my network. I was willing to pay again if needed but turns out I won't have to.
I am very lucky I have a friend that is willing to support and accompany me to the sessions during this recent change in surgeons. The process can often seem unending but I feel good about the change.
Thanks again,
Mimi
Hey MiMi,
I'm so glad it was a positive experience for you. As you build a relationship w/Dr R.. it does get a bit easier to understand him.
During my last check up with him.. I noticed he is VERY adament about pre-ops following the rules... he advised his staff on a a particular candidate that if the person didn't follow the one thing he has stated.. he will refuse to do surgery.. OUCH... It's a good thing though as it's obvious he doesn't just want us to lose weight but to change patterns of behavior & create a healthier lifestyle all the way around.
Since being in his care for just about a year... I thought I knew quite a bit about RNY/WLS as I studied studied studied, researched & was mentored by others who have gone through the process.. I have learned SOOO much from Dr R & his staff in under a year.. than the 3 years I was with my former Dr.
I haven't gone to a support group due to conflict with my health & work.. but do plan to make time for a few meetings this year. (New Year's resolution LOL)
If you have any questions, please email me privately Mimi. You'll find the pre-op stuff will go through pretty quickly especially since you don't have to do the diet all over. Try to book your appts back to back...makes it much easier. I was able to schedule a full day of testing at the hospital & only used 1-2 days sick time from work to get everything taken care of.. I really lucked out.
Your new journey is on it's way!
PS.. found out that me & pears do not get along.. OMG I've tried 2X to eat them.. (fresh not canned or cooked) & it's been a BARF fest.. hurt like crazy... Dr. R wanted me to incorporate them in my diet.. where I've never been a fan of them... now I know my pouch isn't either after almost 4 years.. LOL..
Hugs,
I'm so glad it was a positive experience for you. As you build a relationship w/Dr R.. it does get a bit easier to understand him.
During my last check up with him.. I noticed he is VERY adament about pre-ops following the rules... he advised his staff on a a particular candidate that if the person didn't follow the one thing he has stated.. he will refuse to do surgery.. OUCH... It's a good thing though as it's obvious he doesn't just want us to lose weight but to change patterns of behavior & create a healthier lifestyle all the way around.
Since being in his care for just about a year... I thought I knew quite a bit about RNY/WLS as I studied studied studied, researched & was mentored by others who have gone through the process.. I have learned SOOO much from Dr R & his staff in under a year.. than the 3 years I was with my former Dr.
I haven't gone to a support group due to conflict with my health & work.. but do plan to make time for a few meetings this year. (New Year's resolution LOL)
If you have any questions, please email me privately Mimi. You'll find the pre-op stuff will go through pretty quickly especially since you don't have to do the diet all over. Try to book your appts back to back...makes it much easier. I was able to schedule a full day of testing at the hospital & only used 1-2 days sick time from work to get everything taken care of.. I really lucked out.
Your new journey is on it's way!
PS.. found out that me & pears do not get along.. OMG I've tried 2X to eat them.. (fresh not canned or cooked) & it's been a BARF fest.. hurt like crazy... Dr. R wanted me to incorporate them in my diet.. where I've never been a fan of them... now I know my pouch isn't either after almost 4 years.. LOL..
Hugs,
Mickey
Hi Mickey,
I am so grateful that you and a few others suggested I see Dr. R. You're right, his pre-op is very structured. I was impressed with that. The last office seemed to be a "ship them in...ship them out" type of practice. After the seminar there was this one woman who was insisting that she did not want to consider a sleep study. She kept pushing the program coordinator to let her skip it, because she didn't want to wear the machine. The RN tried to tell her nicely a number of times that the study was a requirement. Finally she told the woman that she wasn't looking to argue with her and if she didn't want to meet Dr. R's requirements she was sure there were other surgeons available. The woman left in a huff, which didn't seem to upset the RN. She continued answering others questions. I can't wait to learn more.
Hope to see you at a support group sometime Mickey. And sorry about your "fest" with pears...yikes.
It's amazing how people you have never met come into your life, only with the intention of being helpful. Thanks again for all your support.
Mimi.
I am so grateful that you and a few others suggested I see Dr. R. You're right, his pre-op is very structured. I was impressed with that. The last office seemed to be a "ship them in...ship them out" type of practice. After the seminar there was this one woman who was insisting that she did not want to consider a sleep study. She kept pushing the program coordinator to let her skip it, because she didn't want to wear the machine. The RN tried to tell her nicely a number of times that the study was a requirement. Finally she told the woman that she wasn't looking to argue with her and if she didn't want to meet Dr. R's requirements she was sure there were other surgeons available. The woman left in a huff, which didn't seem to upset the RN. She continued answering others questions. I can't wait to learn more.
Hope to see you at a support group sometime Mickey. And sorry about your "fest" with pears...yikes.
It's amazing how people you have never met come into your life, only with the intention of being helpful. Thanks again for all your support.
Mimi.
Mimi,
I wish you well on your journey with Dr. R. I am a year out and have had nothing but success. If you get a chance you should attend the support group. It is a nice group of people and it is good to talk with others going through the same thing.
Nancy
I wish you well on your journey with Dr. R. I am a year out and have had nothing but success. If you get a chance you should attend the support group. It is a nice group of people and it is good to talk with others going through the same thing.
Nancy
71 lb lost pre-op Abdominoplasty & Panniculectomy Dec 4th, 2009 Hi-good luck_ I had the VSG a year ago-with another surgeon-it is the best thing I have ever done!! Just be careful-I did go to him first-I loved him and the dietican, however, I was stuck with large bills, as his pre-op testing is the same for everyone and not based on medical neccesity-my insurance wouldn't pay for some of the stuff, as I had no history to warrant it-just check with your insurance first. That is the one thing I found with many of the surgeons I interviewed-it is like an assembly line when it comes to the testing-you can only go to their people, and everyone has to do the same thing. If you look at some of the bigger hospitals that do this like in SF they do it more individual, based on each persons needs. I am not saying he is a bad surgeon-he has an excellent reputation, and is very caring-he even called me at home when there was difficulty with the testing.. I just don't want you to get stuck with the bills like I did, as there was no medical need for the tests. I can understand being cautious, but some people don't need all that stuff done. Good luck!!
Jeanne
Jeanne
notasize28anymore
on 3/8/09 8:06 am
on 3/8/09 8:06 am
hey there mimi...i've had a very, very difficult time since my original suregery in nov. 04, but had the great fortune to meet with dr. r. last year--a scant three months before i perofrated again, mother's day 08--hav ing said that, i LOVE dr. r. you REALLY are in good hands. i wouldn't recommend this surgery (RNY) UNLESS you're going with dr. r...so trust that you've selected the right surgeon who truly truly truly not only cares about you, but is amazingly skilled. i wish you all hte very best, and i look forward to seeing you on theother side. i was 347 and am now about 149 (135 is best for me, i'm 5-8) but i have no regrets with him. we as his patients really and truly are very very lucky...hugs, me!
Hi,
It was so nice to read your post! I have yet to meet Dr. R. but had the pleasure of meeting the nutritionist, Judy. I am looking forward to seeing him next week. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about him.
I am finding it a little difficult trying to get information from my insurance company and his office to see if the pre op tests are covered. I will keep trying...Thanks for your words of encouragement. They mean more than I can say.
Thanks,
Mimi
It was so nice to read your post! I have yet to meet Dr. R. but had the pleasure of meeting the nutritionist, Judy. I am looking forward to seeing him next week. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about him.
I am finding it a little difficult trying to get information from my insurance company and his office to see if the pre op tests are covered. I will keep trying...Thanks for your words of encouragement. They mean more than I can say.
Thanks,
Mimi
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