Anybody had the vertical sleeve with Dr. Dennis Smith?

Is there anybody out there had their vertical sleeve with Dr. Dennis Smith in Marietta?  I am looking forward to my first visit. Have been to the seminar, and basically had the tests already, the endoscope, and the cardiologist, I have already had an ultrasound on my liver and heart, with a stress test also with a heart catheter, which to my dismay, I have coronary heart spasms. Anybody familiar with that? I am a little anxious and scared. I know I am ready to move on this diet plan and keep it the rest of my life with the vertical sleeve. Has any  body regretted having it done?  Any support would be nice. Thank you, and I must say from all the posts and stories I am so proud of everybody. Troopers you all are!

Hi.  I wanted Dennis Smith but he was not a PPO with my insurance.  My PPO recommended him.  He has an owe some web site.  I went to the seminar too and that is when I found out that he was not a PPO.  I think he probably has the most experience with the sleeve.  I am using Dr. Paul Macik.  He has only done 10 sleeves (when I aksed a few weeks ago)  Go on the VSG forum and you will read how much everyone loves their sleeve.  I think it is the newest and the best.  My surgery is scheduled for 12/3 at Northside.  Do you have a date yet?  Which hospital will you go to?  Linda from McDonough

Hi, well since I will be a self pay,  I don't think it will take long.  I have already had clearance with an endoscope and cardiac wise.  I guess I will have to see a counselor and a diet counselor too. I am hoping for the week before Christmas. I really don't want to wait any longer. Yes  I  do go on the forum quite often, and there are so many positive things from everybody.  I will be at Wellstar Kennestone on Austell Rd. I am so ready, how about you? Are you ready also? How long have you struggled with your weight? Maybe we can keep up with each other. Please let me know everything after your surgery. Write to me through email, [email protected].  Let me know yours also so I can write you also.   I know one thing I have seen many gastric bypass patients and it is not for me, I thought about the lap band seriously and I am so glad I changed my mind. Look forward to hearing from you. Good Luck! Jeni

Hi.  My husband was in Wellstart Kennestone for a different kind of surgery and I really liked that hospital.  I wanted to go there but of course my dr. isn't affliated.  I am going to Northside.  Just a question, since you are self pay have you considered Mexico.  Everyone here says it is so wonderful.  I've seen photos of the hospital and it looks like a very nice hotel room.  I almost wished I could go there instead of northside.  At first I thought everyone was crazy but they rave about the doctors and the nurses and say that the hospital is cleared 2 times a day from top to bottom (even the walls).  Interesting isn't it.  Yes I would like us to keep up with each other.  We can communicate through our personal site.  Right now I'm freaked out about the protein drinks.  I am a planner and I want to be ready and have stuff in the house that I need.  Linda

Howdy, nah, Mexico can't do, I have poultry houses can't leave. The price is not really that bad. But do tell what about these protein drinks. Jeni

It is important to get in protein after the surgery.  After the clear liquid stage.  Bc your stomach is so small, it is important to get the protein you need to be healthy.  I've heard 60 grams a day.  In the beginning, when you are on mussy food, you have to start drinking protein drinks to get enough protein in.  There many all kinds.  there are powders, there are liquids, there are bullets.  Everyone says have bad they taste.  If you try to find one that someone likes; many people come up with the fact that they think it is gross.  I have ordered some samples from Vitalady.com for $1.99 a piece.  I am going to try the Sentrax Nectars.  I also heard about the hot chocolate is good - not a lot of protein but good.  I heard that Whey is the best kind of protein.  It is just so much. From the board, I hear that the only way they are any good is to use the powders and mix in blender with water and ice.  I guess we will have to experiment.  Everyone has different tastes.  People here say that your tastes change after surgery so wait to see what you like.  I am getting a variety of samples to try so I don't spend a lot of money and waste it.  GNC will make your a shake so you can taste it in the store.  Hope this helps. 

Have you been to any of Dr. Smith's support groups?  Check out his Web site for the dates and times.  www.advancedobesitysurgery.com.  I have been to several meetings and there are always people there willing to give you great information.  The Thursday night session seems to have the most people, maybe 40 or so each time I've gone.

I would like to use  Dr. Smith too. I've heard fabulous things about him.   I will be self-pay and would like the sleeve too.  It's  another three weeks before I meet with my PCP to even start the process, so we'll see how it goes.  I haven't had any of the tests yet, etc.  I wanted to go to my physical first and see if my PCP will support my decision.  I have no idea how he feels about WLS.  But I've done my research and feel Dr. Smith is the way to go for me.  I have Kaiser insurance, so they don't cover the surgery... but I think they'll cover a lot of the pre-testing.  (I hope!!!)

Best of luck to you!

-- Laura

I have been to one support group meeting. Keep your signed paper, it is part of your process.
Your insurance should pay for all the pre-tests. Mine has so far. I have 2 more appointments, one for the psychologist, and the other the pulmonologist, oh yeah, I have to see the dietician before my surgery also. I have everything else. My surgery is December 18, I am so ready.
Did all my research, and have been researching for 6 months, it is the  vertical sleeve for me. Dr. Smith's website is the most informative I have seen yet. It really is an awesome website for all the surgeries. He is a little more advanced as I have found out by calling a lot of doctors in the area. But the surgery is up and coming and alot of the other surgeons are starting to do the surgery. Good luck with your process, and I hope everything turns out like you want. Oh yeah my surgery will be done at Kennestone on Church St. Not on Austell Rd. Jeni

Hi.  My friend has Kaiser and they paid for all of her doc visits and the surgery.   She had to go to specific doc/s.  She used Dr. Macik for the surgery.  Kaiser paid for it all.  Are the coverages different.  Did you really check into it with Kaiser.  Sometimes you gets answers and the people who give them to you - may be wrong.
Linda


Linda

Consider Dr Hart n Dr Johnson in Johns creak.  The hospital is top notch and the Docs are amazing!  

Good luck!!
Ginger