Questions

I finally have insurance that will pay for this surgery. I live in Cedar Rapids and am wondering what hospitals are the easiest to get this surgery done, as far as how long it takes from the time of approval till you actually have your surgery? Thanks

Being in Cedar Rapids you have some pretty good choices all around ya really! I went to the U of I.....but there process can be pretty long! There are two other great places a short drive away also.....Genesis in Davenport is good...and they have great aftercare with support groups and counselors and nutrtionist! I also hear great things about Dr.G in Cedar Falls! I am sure some of his patients will chime in and give you all of his info. I think (my opinion of course) that the aftercare is just as important as the surgery.....you can get pretty lost without it! U of I doesn't have much for aftercare (tho I hear they might start)! And of course....nothing is going to be super quick, it is afterall a very serious surgery.....if a place did offer it super quick I would be leary that they where just trying to make a buck or two Getting the testing/approval usually is the long part....But best of luck to ya....Keep us updated! It is an awesome journey! Take Care jesi

Dawn, I just had my surgery at Genisis in Dec. I started there with my first meeting with them in late Oct. and was very glad to get mine done by the end of the Year. The insurance approval seems to be the biggest hang up. I can not say enough good things about the group at Genisis!!! I have had a very easy time, after having lap RNY. Home the next day, with great pain control. I went shopping 4 days later and off all pain med with in 5 days!!! It truly was the easiest surgery I have had. They have a great team approach and everyone is wonderfull to work with. The hospital was great, private rooms etc. NO LIQUID DIET BEFORE SURGERY!!! I think that would be so cruel!!! Educate yourself as much as you can before hand, that helps Good Luck to you! Terry

Congratulations on finding an insurance company that will pay. Do you know what they require you to do? That may make a difference also who you see. They may only recomend certain Drs. I went to Grinnell. They do open though so if you want a lap I would suggest you go to either Genisis or Cedar Falls. I saw my surgeon in Sept and had my surgery in Dec. I had no problems and very little pain. I actually didn't take any pain meds from the 2nd day on. But that was me. I don't seem to have much problem with pain. Dr. Coster or Kermode either one do a wonderful job, I have heard no complaints about either. A Dr. Swartz did my surgery but he has since left the practice and I see Dr. Coster which I am very pleased with. The staff at Grinnell know what they are doing and are very good to you. It is a tough decision I know but once you make up your mind to do this surgery the rest is a waiting game. Good luck and keep posting so we know how things are going for you. Cindy G.

Hi Dawn, One of Dr Glas****'s patients chiming in. I feel he is the best in the field, however, if speed is what your'e looking for, you won't find it there. They are super careful about testing & that takes time. It also is a very busy practice so usually you have to wait for your initial appointment. Once you have all your testing done, however, things go pretty fast & you are scheduled within less than a month. Yes, we have the clear liquid diet & it lasts 2 weeks so that's part of the reason for the delay. It's not mean or cruel, but some surgeon's feel it's the best thing to do & others don't. He just happens to be one *****quires it. I have also heard very good things about Genisis. My cousin was the first one who had her surgery done laproscopic there just over a year ago. She did just fine. That was one thing that concerned me at the time. Their surgeons were just starting to do the surgeries lap & the medical studies show that until the surgeon has done quite a number of them, the complication rate & mortality rate is much higher. From what I understand they are doing just fine. As far as aftercare goes, they both have wonderful programs. I would suggest that if you are willing to take a little time, you go to the seminars both hospitals offer. Dr G's programs requires you to go if you have your surgery with him anyway. His next one is at Sartori Hosp on Jan 17. You can find out more about the program at http://www.obesityhelpiowa.com/ Genesis has weekly eductional sessions you can visit their website at http://www.genesishealth.com/services/cbs_welcome.aspx Good luck. Dixie

Another one of Dr G's patients chiming in! I second everything Dixie said and just wanted to add that I went to the seminar last April and had surgery in September. I wasn't in a hurry at all though, it could have been a little faster. (Also in CR, btw!) Amy

thanks guys I am going to talk to my primary doctor to see what he thinks and go from there. Dawn