Shawnee Mission Medical Center

Any one out there had wls at this hospital. I would like to know how you were treated by the nurses? I've heard quite a lot of different stories. Brenda Falls

HI Brenda, I too am having surgery at SM, if I get ins. approval that is. I was very scared of the reviews people had given over the nurses on night staff. I just decided to go with the flow...someone who has been there and had the horrible nurse told me to get the patients advocate number before I go in and to call them and complain if I need too. That is what they are there for. I think I will be ok, I am not a big complainer, but I will not be treated like this other lady was and if I happen to get that nurse I will say something to her. good luck! when is your surgery? I guess I can read your profile...will do that next! Bambi

i didn't have surgery there. It was my initial choice. I had no problem with the hospital, except that they didn't accpet my insurance, so I would have self paid. The problem I had was with the surgeon. I had made an appointment for an initial consult. I sent in my paperwork, and the office coordinator called me back and essentially told me I was too fat for WLS and I needed to lose 100 pounds before they would consider me? If I could easily lose 100 pounds what would I need them for? I felt they just treated me with little to no consideration or compassion. I then contacted LivLite in Junction City. After talking to the surgeon there, he essentially said that less experienced surgeons are afraid to perform on heavier patients because of the added risks. Needless to say, I had my surgery and I have lost that 100 pounds, and with out a single complication. Drs. Bolleman and Stevens do hundreds of surgeries a year with a very small complication rate. AND the hospital was excellent. Many of the nurses have had the surgery done too, so they know exactally how you feel.

Ok Brenda, I'm right there with you, scared to death of Shawnee Mission. I chose the hospital because of how great a center it is...however, I am so worried about the overnight nursing staff. I had major problems with the overnight staff at Overland Park Regional when I had my gastric bypass. Now, I'm facing hernia repair, abdomnialplasty and brachioplasty at Shawnee MIssion. I think getting the patient advocacy number is a wonderful idea...just wonder if they answer the phone at 1:00 in the morning when the morphine pump has run out and no one will answer the call to come fill it....this is my fear!!!!!!! I plan on letting everyone know that I am most worried about this issue, and I will make sure to visit the hospital preop, and make sure everyone there knows as well. Surely, between the surgeons, surgical nurses, floor staff, patient educators/advocates and family and friends..I should be covered. When is your surgery??? If you're before me, I'd be more than happy to come by and check on you, help you get the care you need. I know how scary this all can be. Good Luck!

Hi Deb, I am pre-op, don't see the surgeon until the 4th of april...I have been approved and I am very nervous about the nurses. I will be ok I think. I wanted to ask you how you are doing? if you had any problems after wls due to the wls? I have all these emotions going on and am trying to calm them...most of them anyway...lol You look great in your profile! any advice you can give me before I go in would be greatly appriciated! Thanks, Bambi

Ok Breanda and evryone else having surgery @ Shawnee Mission Hospital. I had surgery there on 04/04 and I was surprised to find that the nurses were very accomodating. The reviews say that the night nurses are bad. In my experience the night nurses were better and the Rn in the mornings was great. All the nuses I had were great. I did have one that couldn't find a vein and was kinda oveworked. But everyone else was good. I am with you , I was worried too. I decided that no matter what I was gonna complain if I wasn't treated right. But I didn't even have too. Don't worry is going to be ok and just speak up when you are not being taken care of . That is theyr'e job. Good luck and Congrats on your surgery , Patricia G

Patricia, Thank you so very much, you have made me feel much much better!!! I appreciate you taking the time to share. I hope you are doing well, best wishes to you.

HI BRENDA, I HAD WLS AT SHAWNEE MISSION IN DEC. AND WAS REALLY WORRIED ABOUT THE CARE I WOULD RECEIVE BECAUSE OF THE POSTINGS I HAD PREVIOUSLY READ AND I WAS WORRIED FOR NOTHING BECAUSE MY CARE WAS GREAT, AND I HAD NO PROBLEMS. IT MIGHT HELP TO HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES, I KNOW IT DIFFICULT FOR NURSES WHO ARE BUSY TO HELP YOU WITH CERTAIN THINGS (AND IN A TIMELY MANNER), SO HAVING SOMEONE ELSE WITH ME WAS A GREAT HELP BECAUSE I DIDNT HAVE TO DEPEND ON THE NURSING STAFF ALL THE TIME, AND IF THEY WOULDNT HELP ME IN THE TIME I THOUGHT WAS NECESSARY, SOMEONE WAS THERE TO HOUND THEM FOR ME. GOOD LUCK!!!!!