Dr Robert Bell -- experiences? Really struggling to make a decision (long)

I started this journey in April with Dr Aranow in  Middletown. I was originally going for lap-band. I met with the doctor in May and he thought I'd be a good candidate for the band, based on previous weight loss success. We didn't talk much about bypass as he thought I'd do fine with the band. I also told him that bypass is a tough issue for me as my MIL died from complications from it and it would be hard to get my husband on board with it. My husband was supportive of the band because it's outpatient, less-risky, etc, but I would feel very bad giving him anxiety and worry about having the same procedure his mom had. I know my risks are less than hers were but, in my hubby's mind, it's still the same thing.

Dr Aranow is very thorough and sent me for an UGI because I indicated that I had acid reflux. The test came back abnormal and now I am going for an endoscopy and possibly an upper motility study next week. I appreciate that the doctor is being so thorough because I would much rather know now if I'm going to have significant reflux problems rather than have the surgery in be in agony for the rest of my life. When his nurse called me to tell me about the upcoming tests she said that the doctor would likely recommend bypass for someone with my esophageal problems. 

If I have to switch surgery types, I want the sleeve. It seems to have the benefits of the band without the band itself and the maintenance of it and I won't have to worry about dumping. Dr Aranow doesn't do the sleeve. 

So I went back to the drawing board and found Dr Robert Bell in New Haven that does the sleeve. I called his office and they will accept my psych and nutritionist evaluations (although I'm sure there will be plenty of his own hoops to jump through). The woman I spoke with wouldn't even give me an idea of when I could get into see him until she got all my paperwork from Dr Aranow. 

Obviously, if I have Dr Aranow's office send over all my paperwork to Dr Bell, that is essentially stopping the process with him. What I really wanted was a consultation with Dr Bell to find out if the sleeve is the right procedure for me.

This is so frustrating!!! I don't have endless time and money to pursue this. If Dr Aranow did the sleeve I'd be all set. He's closer (distance wise) and I have already met a number of his patients and I feel comfortable with him as a surgeon. 

This is really just a long vent but if anyone has any advice or experiences with Dr Bell that they'd be willing to share, I'd be grateful.

Thanks!

Did you tell them you just wanted to talk to him about the sleeve? I know I had acid reflux and didn't know it. I know I don't have sour burps anymore if that helps.

Good luck with all of this. I know how frustrating it can be when the hubby isn't on the same page no matter the reason. PM me if you need to vent.

I have no experiences with Dr. Bell but I have heard good things about him.
But what I did want to say is that in my opinion the VSG is the better way to go than the banding.  With the banding you have that thing under your skin and must pay for your fills.  And many people have problems with it. 
sorry I couldn't help.

Koukla

 Hi Kathy,

Yes, I told the woman that I only wanted to see Dr Bell to discuss the possibility of the sleeve and she said that he only sees patients who have gone through the psych and nutritional evals. I read a bit online about him afterwards and that seems to be how he works. You don't get to see him until after all those preliminary things take place. That seems so backwards to me, especially since a lot of people have to pay out of pocket for those 2 services. I have great insurance and I have to pay for both. How do you know for sure that you want to move forward until you get to meet the surgeon? And yet you're already $200-$300 in? Ugh. 

Maybe I'll call again tomorrow and see if I can re-explain my situation.

Thanks for listening to me!

I went thru St. Raphaels and they help free group sessions that explain everything and the doctors are there to ask questions to. 
Does Dr. Bell do that?  If he does then you can go there and speak to him about getting an appointment to see him since you can't get by his guards.
good luck.
koukla

Thanks, Koukla. I'll look into that. I'll find out when the next seminar is. I know my insurance doesn't cover the sleeve but I've also heard that a doctor can advocate for you to get a certain procedure if they feel it can be justified. So that's 2 battles ahead of me -- seeing Dr Bell and getting insurance to cover it. 

Good luck. I hate it when people run interferance on stuff like that.

Have you tried discussing the sleeve operation with Dr. Aranow?  Even if he does not perform it, he should be familiar with the procedure and be able to advise you.  I do know Dr. Bell's practice is an extremely busy one ( I had my RNY with his partner, Dr. Duffy ) so I can understand why they do not have time for individual consultations.  But there are many other resources for information to assist you in making your decision.  Dr. Bell has a stellar reputation, so if you do decide after doing research that the sleeve is right for you, then you will be in excellent hands with Dr. Bell.
Also - has your husband gone with you to any of your visits with Dr. Aranow?  His concerns are understandable, but if he could meet the surgeon and discuss his concerns, then he might not be as reluctant to support you with the RNY.  My husband was also apprehensive about the RNY  (I decided against the band for the same reasons you did), but after meeting with Dr. Duffy he felt alot more comfortable with the whole thing.

Thatsnotmyname made a good point. Have you taken your hubby in to meet Dr. A? He has an excellent track record. Very few complications. I doubt if Dr. A would say nothing would happen but he would give him his numbers and try to help him. He really does care about all of us like we are kids.

Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful and thoughtful replies.

I had planned on bringing hubby to the next support group meeting but you're right, it's a good idea to bring him with my next appt with Dr A. I would imagine he would want another consultation with me to discuss my endoscopy results and to talk about bypass so I'll bring my husband with me. Dr A was very sympathetic when I told him about my MIL and my thoughts on bypass when I initially met him. If I had my husband with me I'm sure he'd be very reassuring. I will also use that chance to speak with him about the sleeve and what he truly thinks would be best for me.

Thank goodness for this board. You're all great.