Questions pre op

I met with Dr. Irgau yesterday. I've been lurking on the board for months, and THOUGHT I was a big know it all going in for the initial consult.. what I didn't take into consideration was how nervous I'd be. (not normal for me). I couldn't remember how old I was for God's sake! After listening to the chatter in the waiting room for 2 hours I got even more confused. I plan to call the office but besides the major unexpected whamo about the PMRI fee I have a couple questions I'm wondering if anyone would be gratious enough to answer. Dr. I didn't say anything about the "filter" I've heard people talk about. What is that? I don't have to have an appointment with Dr. Harad - (at least it's not checked off on my appointment check sheet.. is that where the filter comes in? Do Dr. Wynn and Irgau normally take out the gallbladder during the surgery? I forgot to ask How long in months does this pre op take (I realize it depends on appointment with pulmonary etc), but specifically the PMRI appointments/classes. Someone in the waiting room talked about post op drains - again, no mention of this during the visit? Dr. I didn't say anything about it. Someone in the waiting room also said you have to lose 2% of your weight before surgery to qualify. Again, nothing in the literature or what Dr. I said. There is a hot pink "WARNING" lapel saying surgery will be cancelled if you gain more than 20 pounds, but nothing about losing. I was almost positive I was going to have the surgery prior to the consult.... I'm not worried about complications - these doctors are awesome and have excellent history and statistics - and my experience with Christiana Hospital has been great. I'm concerned because I have health problems not caused by obesity, rather, my obesity is a side effect of all the medications I'm on post cancer treatment, renal and heart problems. Dr. I said there's a small small chance I may only lose 50 of the 120 lbs I'm overweight and it may take me longer than normal. Right now I gain weight if I eat over 1200 calories a day.... this causes me to pause. Of course, my health will certainly improve if I lose weight, but I won't be cured... it kind of took the wind out of my sails if you know what I mean.. I've been on a perpetual diet for the last 10 years without any success.. Thanks in advance for any input or answers. Karen (wilmington)

Hi Karen, Maybe I can shed some light on things for you. About the filter, some need it and some don't. I didn't have it. It is used as a precaution for those who have specific problems related to clotting or the potential to develop blood clots ( as far as I know ) several have had filters but just as many haven't. Drains: I had one while in the hospital and it was removed the morning I came home. Some people have to come home with theirs and have it removed later...once again this is case specific. The vasy majority of us have it removed prior to being released from the hosp. Losing weight before surgery: This is part of your Lifeskills class. I was in an earlier group and that particular program wasn't required at the time. I'm sure others that have been through it can shed some light on that area for you, from all that I've heard, it really isn't too difficult. Wishing you the best of luck in your experiences. I too had Dr. Irgau as my main surgeon and have to tell you I have nothing but the utmost respect for him and his considerable talents as a surgeon as well as his general goodness as a human being that just seems to come through. Here's to the beginning of a new and healthy life for you Linda

Absolutely! Linda is so right about Irgau! He does have high standards. That 2% pre-op weight loss is reflective of his standards as is his strictness about no smoking. He wants to have as much as humanly possible in your favor. Furthermore, he is excellently skilled and is a man of integrity and compassion. A fine human being! Karen, if you decide to go with Irgau for WLS, you can trust that you're in very fine hands. The Life Skills class, which focuses primarily on nutrition, exercise and anticipated changes actually proved informative. The info wasn't just about another diet ... remember, it's a whole new ball game with WLS. My husband and I found ourselves looking forward to every Wednesday night. I would like to offer encouragement to you, Karen ... I am sorry to hear that your medical problems are beyond typical. I hope the best for you in your struggle to get healthy! Take care in the meantime. Sandi

Karen - I understand your panic! I had a lot of questions after my initial appt. Funny, I've had 1st hand experience with the surgery (my aunt had WLS 4.5 years ago and I was a main caregiver right after her open RNY). But, man, when you are there...so much info is coming at you, regardless of the prior research! It sounds as if you will not be a filter candidate, the good news, one less thing to think about or have appts for! The PMRI Lifeskills classes, I have heard, are wonderful! Like Linda, I was through the process just ahead of the classes becoming mandatory. I did find the initial Nutrition class to be extremely informational! Some of the doctors through PMRI do get approved through insurance, especially if you have Diabetes and some other issues. So, check into this carefully. The Lifeskills classes are definitely self-pay, everyone has said they are worth it (see Maxi/Sandi's post). As far as time? Much of it does depend on how quickly you get your doctor's appts set up and when you can get started on the Lifeskills class. Best of luck on your journey! Valerie