Considering the surgery

I have recently come to terms with the fact that I will never lose the wait I have unless I go through with this surgery. To some of you this may seem trivial since I have a BMI of 35. However, I hvae three of the comorbids, Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, and Hypertension 1. I think it was the last one that put me over the edge. I have heard of Dr. Wynn in Delaware and have heard of one or two other surgeopns as well just do not remember their names. Can anyone help with this? If and when I do make that final decision I will be here to get the support tht I am told I will need. Wayne

Wayne, you have come to the right place! Dr. Wynn and Dr. Irgau (there is another one too and I can't remember their name), their number is 892-9900. They are all wonderful. You have to be 100 lbs over weight with two co morbities for BCBS DE PPO to cover the surgery. You may not be that over weight with a BMI of 35. My BMI is 43.3. I believe I am having my surgery on 11/14/05, hopefully. Candi

There's also Dr. Peters and Dr. Jedalai (new) and another new one that I haven't met yet. Their practice is called the Christiana Institute of Advanced Surgery (CHRIAS). It's just down the road from the hospital. You couldn't ask for better, more experienced, or more caring dortors. I had Dr. Irgau. He is my hero! Welcome to the board. Feel free to ask any questions. We're here to support each other. I recommend that you attend the support group meetings even before you have your surgery or wven while you're doing your research. Older posts have meeting dates & times. Dee

Wayne, Welcome to the board. I had Dr Wynn as my primary surgeon, and she's been fantastic. Really all of the Dr's at CHRIAS are terrific. They specialize in doing this surgery laproscopically, and only do an open procedure if absolutely necessary. Their morbidity rate is far below the national average, back in April it was 1 in 1000, by now I'm sure it's more like 1 in 1500. I'm 5.5 months out and down 92 lbs, and I've been fortunate enough not to have had any complications to this point, knock on wood. The program at CHRIAS is very thorough and comprehensive. If you choose the surgery route, once you've completed your consultation with your surgeon, you'll be sent through a series of consultations, all of which may include additional tests; cardiology, which may include a stress test, pulmonary, endocronology & psychiatry, to ensure you are in good enough physical and mental health for the surgery. I wasn't seeing any of these specialists before I had the surgery, so I don't know their policy on getting clearance from your specialists vs. the one's they prefer. If you choose to have your surgery at Christiana Hospital you will be required to go through Christiana's Preventative Medicine and Rehabilitation Institute, lovingly known here as PMRI. There is where you'll meet with the endocronologist, a nurse practitioner and psychologist. In addition you'll be required to go through a 6 week Lifeskills class where the focus is on diet, exercise and behavior modification. You will have to do all of this before you will get clearance for surgery. Once you get clearance from the specialists and PMRI, CHRIAS will send the documenation to your insurance company for approval. The process is cumbersome, sometimes a bit expensive depending on your insurance, but worth it. I went into the surgery completely prepared and knowing what to expect, and I have not been disappointed. When I started this process I knew that I had hypertension, but I didn't know that I had severe obstructive sleep apnea, nor did I know that my blood sugar was very close to diabetic levels. I found those things out during the process. My only regret to having this surgery is that I wasn't able to do it sooner. I feel so much better, have a more positive outlook on live, and a significantly increased energy level. Only you can decide what's right for you, but I hope this information helps you in your decision making process. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Joni

Wayne, From a guy's standpoint, it was the best thing i could have ever done. I was told by many of my lifelong friends no matter how hard i tried losing the weight on my own, the surgery is what i needed to get rid of my Diabetes and other ailments. I had Dr Michael Peter's. That Man was incredible and still is to this day. I have had my own set of problems with the surgery because of my diabetes but that man stood by me through all my rough times and is continuing to do so now. His bed side manners are what Doctor's used to be like, he cares about each person as an individual and not at a $$$$ sign. I also have had Drs. Wynn's and Irgau as fill ins when my doctor wasnt avialable and i have to say they too we two of the most professional and caring doctor's i have ever met. This surgery is so common for women, but only a few of us are men, if you like to chat personally about it, please dont hesitate to call me at home. 302-395-1698. Kenn Miller