has anyone had surgery in grinnel Iowa?

Hi if there is anyone that reads this and has had there surgery done in Grinnel Iowa I was wondering if you would be so kind to answer some questions for me. Are they equipped to take care and do surgery on a person like me for example I am on oxygen I have some hypertension which the docs think its due to my weight and a blood clot I had 3 years ago in my lung but I keep asking them if I will be off of oxygen after I lose weight and they almost seem really sure that I will be. My regular doctor feels like because its a small hospital that they aren't capable of caring for people with pulmonary problems he doesn't know any history of the hospital so he only gave me his opinion he would rather me have it done at the university where there are pulmonary docs and cardiologists on call all of the time. The problem is there program is really hard to follow they take along time to get in to it and then you have to diet up to 3 months I know because I been there before. I want to get this done and back off of oxygen soon but I do want to be safe mixed feelings. I been told DR Coster is good but maybe the people that told me didn't have a problem with there lung and then I'm really not sure if my problem is major or minor because the university ruled out heart problems I had a heart cath done last week everything came out just fine they just said the pressures where some what off but not as bad as they thought it should have been. I am on coumadin and they now gave me a blood pressure pill and another one to help with my cholesterol. If any one has any info to share please help me a little I need some guidance I dont want to die. thanks do they have an intensive care unit? Lavonda

Grinnell Regional is a full service hospital with a brand new Intensive Care Unit, excellent staff, and NOT out in the middle of a corn field! They have been doing this surgery for well over 10 years and have an excellent reputation. They also have one of the best post surgical support groups in the entire country. Tell your doctor to get on the internet and check out ther statistics. Then call Dr. Coster's office with any questions you may have, schedule an appointment, and get going girl! Best of Luck! Jeri H.

Lavonda, you might want to post this on the Iowa support page as well if you havent already, I believe alot of the people on the IA support page have used Grinnell Regional.

duh this is the iowa group...hehe. i thought i was out in the main room . it's a monday *sigh*

Dear Lavonda: I had my surgery April 2, in Grinnell. Dr Schwartz was excellent!! I had severe sleep apnea preop. I went to the ICU post op, and found the staff to be excellent as well! Although it's a small hospital, the staff is very competent, and I have the utmost confidence in the bariatrics program at Grinnell Regional. When you go for a preop consulation, they will go over your health history, and will plan your surgery and recovery accordingly. Don't worry, you will be in capapble hands!!! Best of luck to you!!!! PS I'm 34 months postop today, down 80 lbs and off cpap!!! DeeAnn R

Dear Lavonda: I had my surgery April 2, in Grinnell. Dr Schwartz was excellent!! I had severe sleep apnea preop. I went to the ICU post op, and found the staff to be excellent as well! Although it's a small hospital, the staff is very competent, and I have the utmost confidence in the bariatrics program at Grinnell Regional. When you go for a preop consulation, they will go over your health history, and will plan your surgery and recovery accordingly. Don't worry, you will be in capapble hands!!! Best of luck to you!!!! PS I'm 34 months postop today, down 80 lbs and off cpap!!! DeeAnn R

My surgery is scheduled for 8/10. However, I selected Surgical Associates (Dr. Coster) because of their excellent reputation and stats, and because the Grinnell Regional Medical Center has evolved into a facility specially equipped to deal with bariatric patients, including those that are extremely large and that have serious medical co-morbidities of all types. Since respiratory and cardiac issues are very common amongst the morbidly obese, I would be very suprised to hear that the Grinnell Regional Medical Center is not trained and equipped to handle these types of serious complications. I agree -- I think that you should meet with one of the excellent Surgical Associates surgeons and discuss these concerns. I think that they would be the first to direct you to another facility, should they feel that Grinnell is not able to handle your issues. I had a long wait (3.5 months) to get my initial appointment with Dr. Coster -- I don't know if the other surgeons are booked that far in advance -- but it has gone very quickly after that -- much more quickly that the months of dieting and tests that U of Iowa (I mean no disrespect -- it is an excellent program) requires. Good luck to you! Martha

I also have total faith in Grinnell. Had My surgery last may, have lost over 160 lbs, and still losing. I agree with everyone else though, have your doctor talk with Grinnell, they are excellent, and have been doing these surgeries for a long time. I would recommend Grinnell to anyone (I just hate the drive down there, lol 2 1/2 hours!) good luck! Judi

Lavonda, Hi - I don't know anything about Grinnell, but wanted to say good luck in your search. You have gotten some great responses from some wonderful people. Keep us updated on your decisions. God bless, Andrea

Hi!! I have a sister in law that is a nurse out of that hospital. When she found out I had decided to have surgery she tried to talk me into driving 4 hrs so that I could have it done there. She has nothing but good positive things to say about the hospital and the staff. My best recommendation to you is go for your visit and say a prayer and then listen to what your heart has to say. Before surgery a wls patient told me this "If God brings you to it, He will get you through it." Melinda