inquiring about surgery

I am just investigating the surgery. My friend recently had it done and she is so happy. I am still afraid. I have a few questions: With Dr. Wynn, how long does it take to get surgery after the initial consultation? Is everyone happy with the care they received? Is there a lot of pain? Also, did anyone consider Barix Treatment Center in Langhorne? I've been researching them as well. Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi Michelle I am still in the pre-op stage of my surgery, but I can relate my experience thus far with you. My initial consultation was back in January of this year, I went through my series of appointments and tests. I am just about to finish up with my Life Skills classes, which you may be asked to take as part of the pre-op procedure. Last friday i received a call from Dr. Wynn's office with a surgery date. My original date was July 21st, but i had to reschedule because of some other commitments just after the surgery date. So I now am scheduled for surgery on August 25th. So basically it was 7-8 months after my consultation. As for Dr. Wynn, I give her nothing but . Here and her partner, Dr. Irgau, perform the surgery together and from what I hear from people that have already had it done, they are excellent! I think Dr. Wynn is the best, she specializes in Bariatrics, so she knows what she's doing. I know that when I am in the hospital on August 25th, I will be in good hands with a terrific surgeon and just a really nice person. You won't be disappointed if this is the route that you decide to take! Plus, we will all be here to guide you through your journey. I've learned a lot from the people on this message board, and I think you will too!! Good Luck in whatever decsion that you make! -Joe-

Michele, I agree with Joe's reply to you -- Drs Iragu and Wynn are the BEST! It took me 12 months to go from start to finish (I am having surgery on August 2; did my first consult and started testing Aug 2003 with another doctor; and saw Dr. Iragu this March). But I changed doctors (to Dr Iragu) in March IMMEDIATELY after I met him. I was so impressed with the whole program they have in comparison to what the other doctors were offering. We are in good hands. As to the center in Langhorne, I've heard mixed things about it. One thing is that it is self pay, they don't take any insurance (that may have changed). I would suggest you go on the PA message board here. I periodically check it since I live in PA (not that it matters!) and I remember a couple weeks ago there was a long thread about that Center. You are doing the right thing by investigating it as much as you can. The more you know, the more you will feel if it's a right choice for you. Noone can decide but you! GOOD LUCK.

Michelle. It is good to be somewhat apprehensive about the surgery. It is a MAJOR life altering surgery! I had my surgery 6 weeks ago and have lost 40 pounds. I feel FANTASTIC!!!!! I researched this surgery for almost a year before I even mentioned to my wife that I was considering it. I had my initial consultation with Dr. Wynn Oct. 2003 and my surgery was April 13, '04. Dr Wynn is awesome. The entire CHRIAS team is awesome. they are thorough, caring, and exteremely knowledgable. If I had this to do again, I would not change anything. I did not have too much pain ( it was more like discomfort), but they make sure that you have plenty of pain meds if you need them. Like Joe said: stick around here and ask questions This is a great group who are willing to share our experiences. Lastly, sorry, I don't know anything about the place in Lnaghorne. Ken

Michelle, Keep asking questions. Try to make it to one of the support group meetings to meet some other pre-ops and post-ops. Read some of our profiles by clicking on our underlined names. The more you read the better informed you will be. I don't think WLS is for everyone. The ones that do well are the ones that follow the Dr's orders and attend support meetings. (personal opinion) We are here for encourgement & advice and to try to keep folks focusing on a positive attitude. Step on and enjoy your journey. Surgery 1/26/04 and down 80 Plus lbs. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Michelle, It took me a year to decide to even call CHRIAS. Then it took another year to go through the process. Be sure to document all of your diets and such. My surgery is June 7th and I am so convinced I am doing the right thing, I can't wait. The pain can't be any worse than carrying this heavy body around. The CHRIAS staff is fabulous and understanding, as are most of the others I've dealt with in the medical community. I think most nurses approve heartily of this surgery. My orthopedic doc and arthritis doc and primary care doc are all very supportive. Read everything you can about it, and talk to the people on the message board. Also, go to the support group meetings, they are very informative. Good Luck. Teri E.

Michelle - I went to the BTC in Langhorne in Nov 02' & was not overly impressed. One major issue I have is that they would onlydo the surgery open & I was really loonking for laperscopic for my own reasons. I never got call backs from the folks there & finally in March 03' I called Dr. Wynn. Thank God. I am so happy for waiting and that I went with her. As I understand it, the wait for a consultation now is fairly long - and for sure, waiting is the hardest part - but 100% worth it to me. knowing what I know now, the BTC in Langhorne has nothing on the program offered here by. Dr Wynn - and let me add this - Not having to make the trip all the way up there everytime you have an appointment and for the surgery itself is one hell of a bonus. To give you an idea, BTC is a few miles from Sesame Place.