Newbie in Florida needs advice

Hi There! I have finally admitted it...........I am fat, not pleasently plump (worked for 2 years) not puffed up with pride (6 months) nor "just had a baby" (I used that till she was 3) and cannot however hard I try stick to a diet. I need help. I am considering WLS (self pay) and need to know the best type, where can I get it, capped costs etc for south Florida, can anyone out there help? Thank you soooo much in advance Sammie

Hi Sammie..I know how you feel. I just had my surgery the 1st of this month. I'm really pleased with the results so far and haven't had any complications. I did a lot of research prior to having surgery (2 years worth ) and finally decided on US Bariatrics they had the most comprehensive program that I had seen and a very good long term success rate. Not to mention that Dr. Marema has had the procedure done himself. Their website is www.usbariatrics.com They are located in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, and Orlando. The big things to look for in whoever you pick are: The pre and post education, the support team that they have for you, the Dr. (Is Bariatric surgery the only surgery he/she does, how many surgeries do they do a year, how many need more surgery after the procedure, etc.). Definently go to a support group meeting for that Dr. and see what people have to say. Talk to other people that have had the surgery by that Dr. and ask them for the good and the bad. I also was a self pay and it ranges anywhere from $20,000 - $40,000. It depends on the program and wether you have any health insurance. Sometimes the health insurance will cover some of the preliminary tests, but not the surgery. I payed about $25,000 for my surgery. As far as the types of surgery there are several types, but what is considered the Gold standard by The American Society for Bariatric Surgery is the RNY. You can find more info on the types and cost of WLS at http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/gastric/gastricsurgery.htm There are also many resources on this website that can answer your questions. Check out the Dr's and what people had to say about them, along with the hospitals, and the cost. After my research was done and I had decided to go ahead with the surgery this was the site I went to most. It has lots of helpful info. I hope this helps. If you have any more specific questions please feel free to ask. Brook

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me I am just starting out on what looks like to be a very long road, I have been overweight since my teens, and depression has been slowly but surely setting in over the past 3 years, it has got to the point where I am 36 years old, and I dont want to carry on the way things are, I have a great husband, good family, who will support me whatever I decide, and I want to be "part of the family again" Thanks so much again for taking the time to reply Sammie

Sammie, congratulations on making the decision to improve your life. there are many options available to you, RNY, Duadenial switch, and Lap Band. Most surgeons have an orientation meeting where they discuss the surgeries they perform and the pros and cons of each surgery. You should try to go to at least a couple of different surgeons orientation meetings, this way you can compare surgeons, surgeries, costs and programs. What ever you do, make sure that the surgeon you go with has a good after surgery program, including support groups, regimented diet program, and sufficient follow up visits. FYI I had RNY in April '04, I self paid, and the cost for everything was about $20,000.00. Good Luck. steve

Hi Sammie, Dr Vaughan in Jupiter Florida was my surgeon. I love him and his staff. I think he has monthly meetings for new patients considering the surgery. You can go to his website at www.surgicalweightcontrol.com to get more info on him and the surgery. Good luck with your journey...but choose your surgeon wisely...there are alot of crack pots out there doing the surgery! Take care Terese 8-19-03 -125 lbs