NEED ADVICE FROM THOSE MORE WISER

I live in vero beach fl. I am looking for a doctor for the lap band surgery - I suffer from mix- connected tissue disease - which is associated with inflamation - I have read great reviews from lupus patients and r/a patients - has any one been denied the lap band surgery because of a condition - I saw a web site from a doctor stating anyone with ibs or vascular conditions can not have this surgery - so I am very confused - I have a consult appt. But of course no one will give you any info on the phone. I would like to be as informed as possible because the appt is 3hrs drive - both ways -

i think it would be up to the dr.... i havnt seen anyone get denied by the dr for having such conditions... i would def find out the dr's experince with handling such conditions though... good luck

RC Try e-mailing your specific medical background info & questions to the surgeon. He/she should be willing to let you know if your medical condition is a "deal breaker" without you having to travel all the way down for a consult. After my wls I was looking for a plastic surgeon with specific experience because of previous cancer surgery . I did several telephone consultations and online / e-mail consultations with plastic surgeons out of town & out of state. The docs and/or their office managers were very helpful. I was able to eliminate some highly rated docs without having to actually travel to see them b/c they just didn't have the experience I needed. I eventually found a fabulous ps only 7 hours away and he has successfully completed 3 surgeries. Take your time and make sure you find a surgeon that you're comfortable with. Remember, this doc will be doing your wls follow-up care for many years if not for the rest of your life. Vickie J.

I definately agree it'll be up to the doctor...but...I'm in Orlando and looked at alot of doctors and hospitals.....Celebration Health Florida Hospital - caters to a very large bariatric clientele. Certainly, I saw other surgeries going on but 90% of the folks I saw going in and out, were obese patients. they also cater very well to obese patients. For example, when I went to have bloodwork done, the chair was the size of 2 seats. The beds are very sturdy and have the pullup bar to help you.when I went in for surgery, they attached something to my legs so the blood wouldn't "pool" and cause a clot...this was left on till I checked out. The staff are very helpful there and I was truly comfortable. I feel so out of place at other hospitals trying to squeeze into small wheelchairs etc., this place was great! So having said that I'm sure any of the Dr's who work there will have seen something of the situation you described and may be able to help or refer you. Try the main number - 407-303-4504 Good luck

Dear shelley - I continue to overwhelmed at the sincere help every one on this website takes the time to share, I chose celebration due to yours and another person experience - I am now in the process of the required pre - surgery clearance appointments. I will admit thru all my research they require more clearance than any other doctor . I need a clearance from my doctor of 20 years / lung doctor because of the c-pap - and a cardiology clearance due to my blood pressure of130/90 the day of my consult with Dr. Kim - I was nervous - the only one I is not fair is the physcology consult - I have a regular physcologist who I see now on a more frequent schedule due to myself preparing to make this final decision- anyway the visit with dr kim staff for tis is 500.00 and 3 hours long. I am scared to death to have that long of an appt. I am afraid I will make myself so nervous I declare myself crazy- did you have this required visit - and if so how bad was it ?

Hello Again.... They made me meet with Kelly Ferguson- who charged $400.00 I believe cash up front....the appt. took 4 hours...but not to worry, you only get to talk to her for about 10 minutes where she'll try to convince you to have the RNY surgery as that is what she did....the whole thing took me 4 hours and that was all true and false statements the same questions asked in 93 different ways. One study was 250 questions and the other was about 750......!!! No nerves for that crap! I once filled out a Scientology form and I swear it was exactly the same questions!!!! Plus, for all that money she wouldn't even give me a written result or send it to my primary care physician!!! But, the office says we have to do it - can you smell kickback?????? I think if I had been that suicidal or otherwise mentally incapacitated - someone would have roped me up and put me in the looney bin! At 430lbs - I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired - plus- I wanted to be able to 'reach' again....stay cool - try to ask the doc if he'll take your current psychologists records and have your doc write a letter. Maybe Kim's office will offer a professional courtesy or something....Keep the faith- you're going to laugh about this over ****tails sometime in some snazzy outfit overlooking the Rivera!

Hello shelley - how post op are you? Did you have to stay over night or 23hr admit- were you in pain after surgery - how much - how long how often do you have to go back for post op visits - I agree with you on the xray fluro charge - I once had a surgeon put in a infusa -port - it is a permanent port for iv medications - first him being a surgeon could not even hear a complaint that there was something wrong - I had to have my family doctor send me for a exray - flura- to prove there was indeed a mal - functioning port - it was cracked - then I had to go back with the xrays to prove to the surgeon the problem . I still think he did not truely admit until he had to go in a replace it - no one gave me a break in my cost to have this surgery again or all the tests - the only response was wow - I have never seen that before - I am going to send this back to the company who makes the port - this being the dr I am quoting - never heard from again what happen with the company - all I knew I was out a few grand. Anyway , I enjoy your personality in writing - iam 42 single mon of 3 - one daughter 24 and married - 20 yr old daughter in scol - 11yr old son at home - I was married for 23 years to a doctor - and the story as only history can prove - wife put husband thru school gives up her best years to do so - and he leaves wife for the nurse - whose purpose of becoming a nurse was to marry a doctor/ o k now that you now all my baggage do you think I will pass that test - and did it really take 4 hrs - I do not know how paper questioners can be more reliable than one on one conversation with a patient for an hour . I did ask I could have my current doctor I see clear me - they said no - even this - if my insurance requires I have a physcology consult and must see a dr in my network before they will approve my surgery - after I see that in dr network and I am cleared with the ins.---- I have to still she the dr with dr kim for a complete evaluation -4hrs - and pay for it myself 500.00 anyhow I am dying for any advice on pre-op post-op etc.. I live in vero 90 miles from doctor - it is a full day trip and back - how often do you have to go to Dr. And what group meetings were you required to attend - just send me anything you can to help me - like I said I am a single mom so I am pretty much on my own regarding this decision- look forward to hearing from you - rose

Rose...You came thru all that with the will to improve your health and lifestyle - for the most part your kids are grown...It's your turn!! I am a big believer in Karma - what goes around, comes around....I think that nurse will have to be looking over her shoulder as well...if he's a philanderer - it doesn't stop at one so cheer up sweetie! Now keep in mind the $9,200 you pay for the hospital includes the overnight stay if you wish. I paid for it and I'm staying...LOL...took my Cpap machine but after 5 minutes couldn't deal with it. I had no pain whatsoever....seriously...the only indication that I had surgery was the IV in my arm and the 6 tiny incisions I got when they inserted the band - honestly...no pain at all. I got pain meds and suppositories in case of nausea. What got me thru the first 2 days was sipping a protein drink called Protein Ice - 49grams of whey protein, not lactose or carbs! The hospital has some in their fridge in the fruit punch and raspberry flavors. Ask your nurse for it. Other than that, you'll get a choice of clear broth (chicken or beef) tea, and water...I think I took all the ice they had. The good news was they did not need to put a catheter in as the surgery is only about 45mins just the throat breathing tube. I went in thinking I should have writtten a will and who gets my cat and jewellry and came out feeling like an idiot as my husband forgot to pick me up! I sat in the lobby for over 2 hours waiting for him! Ain't love grand?

Sorry Rose....didn't answer all your questions....unless there are problems, you see the doctor first in 2 weeks after surgery, then 8 weeks for your first fill and every 6 weeks thereafter - all office visits and fills are free for 1 year for Dr. Kim. I was only required to attend 1 support session prior to surgery as well a one informational meeting. they were back to back so I did both twice actually on a sunday. I would love to continue those but I work nights, 3:30 - Midnight and so cannot attend support meetings (7:30pm) and there are no day ones I can find yet. My surgery was October 30, 2006...to date I have lost 40lbs, but I'm hoping with my next fill, I will feel a restriction that will let me eat even less and thus speed my weight loss. I also joined a Lifestyle gym ($46.00 a month) It takes me about 15-20 mins to use 5 machines. I do what I can. I'm in apopka Fl., so it takes me an hour to get to Celebration whenever I need to go to the doctor. Let me know if you need anything else... Good luck!