WHO thinks we can't handle the truth!!

There is so much to say I do not know where to start!! I guess at the begining I had my bypass 11/2002 by doctor AC my wife was a coworker and a friend of one of the ladies who died in 2002 so I speak with some inside knowledge. WHO Tv called me 10/13/03 looking for someone to do a story with who had WLS but after a long phone conversation with Patrick Dix He had planned on coming to my home that night to interview me but called back and said they had no camera man to come with him so he cancelled !! I feel it was after hearing my story and that I was doing well and liked Dr AC and would put a positive spin on WLS and not a cry me a river and it was all the doctors fault they never told me of the risks sob story.Anyone who has had WLS or is trying to have WLS understands what I am saying about how they explain the risks and possible complications to everyone who has an Initial consultation has heard them more than once. When I had mine Dr AC not only informed me but was sure to include my wife who had more questions than I did he also told me that if any of my family or friends had questions that they could call him anytime! WOI Tv followed me from start to now they even show all the info packets that he gave me before the surgery ( they also show all the risks) I had a chance to talk Dr AC in sept and at that time he was considering not doing anymore WLS ! I feel that it is very unfortunate that any passed away from WLS but I feel that the local newspaper and WHO has grabbed the fact that 2 or 3 had died so close together if they would of died 6 months apart we would of never heard about them!!!!!! The stories that are being put out there are just getting well how can I say this STUPID Dr AC did not leave the USA to get away from this he was gone to help a sick family member before thi**** the fan! And is due back this weekend I have an appt. 10/21 with him and as far as the lawsuit filed in 2002 my wife worked with the lady who died and still works with her husband ! She was a heavy smoker and as you know they tell you that if you smoke you might have lung trouble and she did and developed amonia and was placed on a vent. During the night she became aggravated and knocked her trach out which went unnoticed by the nursing staff at another local hospital not mercy or IMMC so how that is the doctors fault is beyond me! And as far as IMMC cutting back I feel that they will be very sorry for that move! People will still have WLS done they will just go else where and so will thier money! I would be more than happy to talk to what ever Hospital Board that makes that call! I bet none of them are overweight ! I have called the Des Moines register and asked to talk to someone about the upside to these stories they take my number but no call back WHO I have tried to call Mr DIX but he will not return my calls after mondays phone call. WOI has done about the most balanced stories they called me ( I didnt have to call them ) so they wanted both sides from the start. And I know that WHO got my email address from this web page so they are looking and this is our chance to tell them what we think and anyone who is interested email me I will give you WHO's Pat Dixs direct phone number!!!! I know that I am very lucky to have had such good luck with my WLS but I also feel lucky to have picked such a caring and qualified doctor , along with his staff who put up with my phone calls when ever I have a pain! His partner who takes care of me when he's gone! And the nursing staff at IMMC they made my time there as nice as it could be and thats why I am so upset with IMMC on doing fewer WLS when I feel they should do more they have the best assets to do the job. And as far as it uses to much of there resources get real they get paid very well for each surgery when heart surgey was new and they started doing a bunch of those did they stop when it used to many resources no the add a new wing !! So I would like to hear from them on why they are really cutting back !! I am sorry I could go on for hours anyone who wants to chat drop me an email or if you want Mr Dixs number Thanks for listening and good luck to everyone!!! Bill Foster

Just wanted to let you know that I emailed WHO and told them how disappointed I was in the way they handled this story. I received a reply from Patrick Dix. He informed me that WHO has done "several" stories that showed both the positive and negative aspects of the surgery. Funny, but I cannot recall seeing any of these. I know KCCI has done some excellent stories. And he definitely didn't acknowledge my statement about the anchor talking about people overeating so that they can meet the weight requirement for the surgery. I agree totally with you. I would like to know the real reasons behind IMMC cutting back on the surgeries. And I don't care what Mr. Dix says, WHO does not tell the full story! Sheila

I also sent WHO an email actually two of them and no answer back. You are right that they need to do the story on the positive. we all should ban together like you said and have them listen to us. I was told by one dr. if you smoke he will not do the surgery at all. He says that if you smoke you have to stop smoking 3 months before he does the surgery. Maybe that should be manatory for all considering this surgery. i would love to chat with you sometime. lynda

I'm with Lynda, I e-mailed WHO and no response.

Hi Bill, I agree with you. I had my surgery on 9-9-03 by Dr. A.C. and I had no complications at all. I am about 250 lbs overweight and I had to have it done for my health. I told my husband that if I had to do it again I would want Dr. A.C. to do it. At I'll consults with Dr. A.C. he went over completely of the risk and complications. I feel there is more to the story that WHO and the register isn't telling. I'm with you all the way. Talk to you later. Diana