Newbie - Dr. Sundberg???

Hi, I am in the process of getting approval of Dr. Sundberg and my insurance. Does anyone have any experience with the Boone Bariatric Surgery Center? This was a hard decision. I wondered if I was ready to make a life changing decision like this. But then I realized that I've pretty much been eating everything and anything I've wanted, and where has that gotten me? 260 pounds is where! I decided that at age 52, it was time for a change. I've given up chocolate for Lent just to get ready. I've increased my intake of water, or in my case, sugar free Kool Aid. I'm not much of a water drinker. And I've started back exercising at Curves. I think part of my problem has been the inabliltiy to exercise. Lots of foot and ankle problems. Plus I like to eat. I figure if there are nasty consequences for eating things that are bad for me, that will do it. I hate to throw up. Have any of your doctors addressed the real issues of why you eat? I really think I need to get to the bottom of why I overeat in order for this to really work. If I don't change the mind set, it will be much harder. Anyway, it's nice to find a board of neighbors! I live in Des Moines. Lyn

Hi...I was going through Dr. Sundberg and I forked over$ 600.00, then I took the personality tests they require. I didn't fit into their perfect box on the personality test and they would not do the surgery on me. I was already approved by insurance and my PCP recommended that I would be a great candidate for WLS. I chose Boone specifically because of their great pre-op and post op support...so much for that. I just wish someone would have shared all that with me. I was screwed out of $600 and was told sorry. I am a very healthy and stable woman. So be careful...you can only have the personality they are looking for , or you do not go on. They wouldn't tell me exactly what that meant...either. Also, the psychologist was very unprofessional. He was very demeaning and very black and white about everything. He did not like the fact I was an idependent strong woman at that. I am good friends with a psychologist in DM and she could not believe some of the comments and things he said to me. It is a lot of money to be turned down on. I am now going through Dr. Hardy in Ames. They don't reqiure all the excess testing and money for nothing mentality. Good Luck! Tammy

Deb, Tammy, and Amy, Thanks so much for your input. I am worried about the psych eval. I'm not sure what to expect. Could any or all of you tell me what it was like? I'm sorry it didn't work out for you Tammy. I think you will like Dr. Hardy. He's a very caring doc. Deb and Amy, good job on the weight loss! I hope soon Tammy and I will be on the "losing" side! Thanks Lyn

I am a patient of Dr Sundberg. I had my LAP RNY on 08-05-03. I can't say enough good things about him. I was very impressed at the amount of pre op testing he requires. The psychologist is to make sure you are ready to make this change in your life. This will be a lifelong thing, not just a few months. The Psychologist found things in my personality testing that even my mother didn't know about me. He found my weaknesses and helped me to realize that I would be a happier and healthier person if I were to look in them in the face. I too paid $600, but I paid mine when I had my last pre-op appointment with him. I went in for the surgery on tuesday the 5th of August and he came in to see me before we went to the operating room to make sure I didn't change my mind. He was there when I woke up and came in to check on me several times during my stay. I was released on thursday the 7th. Either Dr Sundberg or his partner Dr Unger called me every day for the next 4 days. Unfortunatly I had some shortness of breath on tuesday the 12th. I called and he immediatly sent me to my local ER. Dr Sundberg drove all the way up from Boone to see me ( I live in Iowa Falls, about an hour or so from Boone) and found blood clots in my lungs. I was treated immediatly. Because of my nursing and EMT background I was able to drive in to the hospital 2 times a day for my heperin shots. Dr Sundberg or Dr Unger called me every day to make sure I was doing ok for 2 more weeks. Any time I have had pain or anything that could have to do with the surgery they have drove up to see me instead of making me drive to them or passing me off on another doctor. I would highly recomend Dr Sundberg to anyone wanting the best care they can recieve. Amy LAP RNY 08-05-03 / -64 pounds

Lyn, I had Dr. Sundberg for my surgeon. I have been very pleased with my results. I have lost weight a little on the slow side compared to others, but I have always been a slow loser it seems. I have had ZERO complications and no pain since the first week post-op. I am able to exercise and I feel great. I had no problems with any of the pre-op testing. I have to agree with Amylynn that I believe the psychologist was very accurate with his insight on the testing. I think I paid $450?? I don't know why the difference. I had only ever been to one other doctor for depression that started after the birth of my first child - and all they did was prescribe Prozac so I would be hard pressed to "judge" this man. However, I did find the dietitian - Connie - to be fantastic. She's very open and honest and really wants to give you all her knowledge. And she's available for questions just about anytime. Also, their physical therapists are available for questions about your exercise program also. Dr. Sundberg is always at the support group meetings and if I have a question I can e-mail or call. I have never felt rushed or hurried in his office and as far as the hospital - I found most everyone I got to meet to be professional and pleasant. I weighed this morning and I'm down just shy of 55 pounds. For the first time in almost 20 years my weight starts with a (1) - I'm suprised ya'll didn't hear me yell when I stepped off the scales! I'm sure that each person on the board would tell you their doctor was the best - so I hope I've given you some general info you can find helpful. Take care and best of luck to you on your journey! -Deb W.

Lyn, When I talked with Dr. Martin I wasn't really that nervous, I don't know exactly why. I guess I thought I'm a pretty level-headed person so the exam shouldn't be a problem. We spoke about what kind of tests he would perform and how they were interpreted. He then asked about my childhood and my family, my marriage and my kids. He asked about my work and my friendships. I tried as best I could to be upfront and honest. I mean it's not like he knew me from Eve, so there was no reason for me to lie or try to be manipulative. I am so white-bread average normal it's not funny so I had nothing to hide from him. I then took the tests which took quite a while. After so many times of answering the same questions about 50 different ways you wonder which end is up but other than that it wasn't bad. I recommend you schedule your appointment, though, for the time of day when you're mentally most awake!! The next week I went back and he showed me the interpretation of the results. Most things I recognized in myself right away, I lack self-esteem and I tend to shy away from social things - no kidding - I wonder why??? But he did ask me if I was honest in my statements about my marriage because the answers could be interpreted as someone who's having some problems. I looked him in the eye and told him - no - and he left it at that. He did say that I would probably benefit with some sort of therapy, although he said it might be better for me to do that here in Des Moines, where I live. That was pretty much it. I would go with an open mind and a realization that trying to 'fake out' the doctor or the tests will not work well. Also, go when you've rested and are mentally awake. Take caffeine if necessary! That's about all I can offer - I don't remember much else. Take care now!

Hi Lyn.. I am barbara laue from waterloo. I had my surgery on Jan. 27. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done ...but so glad I did. I feel so much better. I can move so much better my joints are so much better feeling. Dr. J. matthew Glas**** of Sartori Hospital is fabulous. This hosp. is in Cedar Falls. It is known that Sartori WLScenter is the most state of the art in the nation. It was built just for Dr. Glas**** and to his specifications. He's done about 700 fo these surgeries and he has'nt lost a one. He requires a lot of extra things that other ddoctors don't. You should check him out on the web site obesityhelpiowa.com. You should try to come to one of his seminars. anyway good luck on your desision. It can only make you a healthier person.. e-mail me at [email protected] if you would like