COMP CLINIC ????

My appt. is Feb. 9th should I get a packet in the mail with papers to fill out? I have not received one yet. They do the procedure open, right? Do you actually see a surg. at the initial visit? Can I go to a support meeting before my first visit? I know they like for you to loose some weight before surg. What type of diet/food plan do they like for you to use? What are some changes I can make now that will help with the process? I am trying to give up drinking diet pop. Any thing else? Should I be keeping a food journal now? Shelli

My appt. is Feb. 9th should I get a packet in the mail with papers to fill out? I have not received one yet. If you don't have it in the next week or so, Call Cindy again. They do the procedure open, right? Only open Do you actually see a surg. at the initial visit? No. You will see the medical director, psychologist, program coordinator and dietician. Can I go to a support meeting before my first visit? You can call Cindy and ask, you will be required to attend monthly support group meetings between your first and second visits (approx 3 months). I know they like for you to loose some weight before surg. What type of diet/food plan do they like for you to use? Erin will help you design something functional and practical. What are some changes I can make now that will help with the process? Dunno. See the next answer... I am trying to give up drinking diet pop. Any thing else? Drink water, cut out junk food (if any), fast foods (if any), things of that nature. Should I be keeping a food journal now? Might not be a bad idea to start getting in the habit. Erin and Sandy will have you keeping one. Best wishes! Cathy

Can I pry and ask why you want it done open?

Thanks Cathy!! Dixie, It is not really that I want it done open, but I was clarifying that it is done open there. As to wether it is open or not, I do not care as long as the surg. knows what he is doing and is well practiced in that type!! I have 2 opinons lap has less recovery time and is less painful but open to me seems safer and they get a bigger picture of your anatomy. So they both have there good and bad! I have had surg. both ways. I had an open hysterectomy and it sucked, but I know I can handle the incision pain. ( If it is similar). I am probably to large for lap any way. I am not sure what the requirements are for lap though. Your not prying either!! shelli

Shelli DONT let ANYONE tell you that youre too large for lap. A surgeon can say that HE is not skilled enough to do you lap...but not that you cant be done lap. EVER EVER EVER. I mean, you'd have to be 800+lbs (maybe more) with *****in scarring from MULTIPLE other abdominal surgeries to not be ABLE to be done lap. Sorry for the mini-rant..but this irks me like you wouldnt believe. If you want lap...and you're told that its not possible for you...SEE FRANTZIDES if you want lap (climbing down off soapbox;) Love, kathy/dixie

Who is Frantzides? I like the comp clinics program and support. Also I have Illinois public aid so that kind of limits me on where I can go. I called several places in Iowa, Indiana and Illinois and as soon as I mentioned Illinois public aid they got kind of rude with me. The Comp clinic was the only place that was nice to me and did not make me feel like I was bothering them. They gave me the info I needed with no attitude. One place actually was all into setting me up for an appt. and then when I mentioned the public aid the lady said she would have to call me back. Then she called back and said something about public aid is going to start designating where you can go and can not go and they do not know if they are on the list. Other places where not accepting public aid out of there area code or they were not accepting out of state public aid, lets see some are only accepting public aid patients 2x per month. The excuses went on and on!!!!!!! Sorry to get off on the rant, but who is Frantzides??? Shelli

Dr. Frantzides is at Evanston Northwestern. He doesn't take public aid. There are very FEW that do. I know that Dr. Fred Tiesenga only does 2 Public Aid SURGERIES a month. But you have to get to the stage where you are approved and getting a date to worry about that. Good Luck! The Comp Clinic is a busy place so you can be confident in their abilities. If you need any help I had/have PA too. Melissa Lap RNY 8/31/04 398/301?/190

Melissa if you do not mind what were your comorbidities? Also what was your starting Bmi? I do not have full blown diabetes, but Insulin resistance? My Bmi is 52. Also my sleep study was not a good study, I did not sleep well at all at the hospital. I showed some periods of apnea, but not enought to meet the hospitals protical to go ahead and start CPAP that night. So I may not get a dx. of Sleep Apnea. My bp thankfully is with in normal limits. I do have a herniated disc and some bulging disc in my back. I am thinking medicaid will not cover me. What do you think? Shelli

Shelli I am also on PA. I went to Dr. Tiesenga he's in Oak Brook, the surgeon TIm went too is in Iowa and he was done lapro you can call and see if he takes IL PA, he's one of the best in the country which is why Tim was able to have his Lapro He's about 3 1/2 hours from you so not sure how far your willing to drive... BUt if YOU are comfortable with the Comp Clinic then I would stay with them!!!! It is your body and you need to have confidence in who you choose. WE all love our surgeons and of course feel we need to recommend them!!!! BUt in the end its your choice!!! GOod luck make sure you keep us all up to date... Here's his surgeons info... Dr. Matt Glas**** M.D. Cedar Falls, IA 319-268-3994

Shelli I agree with Dixie dont let them tell you that you are to large, my friend Tim had surgery a week after me he was 600lbs and had it lapro...