Hello everyone
I am married to my college sweetheart, 36 yrs old and mother of 4 wonderful children. My sister had RNY about two years ago in Georgetown. She did so well that I decided to join her. I went to a seminar but the doctor is the name the same one that did hers. It seemed like he was a good doctor and the one thing she and I am reading is that he is more involved in her after care than her own doctor was. I am sure that is a good thing.
I am just not sure what to do, I read everyone had a preference and has done so well with their own surgery. I am so confused and a little afraid of the what if's. How did you decide your procedure and have you ever wished you had the other one instead? AS I said my sis did great with RNY. I however, have been thinking about the band. I am a very bad diabetic and want to fix that. I was told RNY is the sure way of fixing it. HELP! I am so confused.
Hey there wonderwoman, if you have 4 children I am sure that name must fit...lol
my name is Brenda and I have known Dr. Sonnanstine for almost 5 yrs. I have had the great privilege of learning from him and certainly watching him grow within the industry. Have you had a one on one with him? I will assume not and try to reply in a way I hope he would want me too.
Dr. Sonnanstine does get very involved in his patients after care. He not only believes in being an active part of the process but he will be your biggest cheerleader. I ask him one time why he continues seeing his patients that are so far out..He told me that was the fun part of his job. Watching the changes not only physical but also emotional changes, his patients go through. Besides he gets hugged all day long by his patients...just part of the job... ehy? lol
Dr. Tom treats each and every patient as a separate individual and believes everyone has the right to choose his or her surgery accordingly. All of us have our reasons for the choice we made, let me give you an example here in my own home.
I had RNY bypass surgery for two reasons. Number one the band was never brought up so I can only believe my surgeon didn't do them. However, knowing what I know now I would still have the bypass ...my reason is that I was a very bad diabetic. Had I not had the surgery I would be either dead or seriously Ill... I had already lost one kidney...I had very bad sleep apnea..high blood pressure. asthma and the list goes on. I was always sick!
My husband, on the other hand. Chose the band. He had very little co-morbidity. But he had been in an accident several years ago leaving him with serious back and knee problems. No problems breathing, blood pressure controlled by meds. And no diabetes. He is a quantity eater so we both felt (as well as Dr. Sonnanstine) that the band would work great for him. And it has.
I have never wished I had a different surgery...I would do it again only difference is that Dr. Sonnanstine would be the surgeon I would choose. (He was doing his fellowship in bariatrics when I had my surgery and not on his own)...
My suggestion would be not to go on what others have done...even your sis and her reasons. But rather sit down and talk to Dr. Tom...He is a straight shooter and will not steer you wrong. Although, beware..He will not make the decision for you...he feels that is completely your choice!
I will have a list of questions for the doctor and I hope you do not mind if i send you a message from time to time if I get more questions.
I also read your reply to Tammy-you are such a big help..I am not sure I understand the On Q pain pump.etc. but I think I am about to learn. so much to learn I feel overwhelmed!
I had my rny in Florence Ky in Feb of 08,Dr .Sonnastine did my surgery and he was great he told me from the get go the way things would be and what to expect and my follow up care was great.
He is now at Georgetown and i am due to see him in June or July and i will make the trip.
I was a diabetic before surgery i took 4 insulin shots a day and 5 pills the next at the hospital after surgery they monitored my sugar i took a shot when needed but came home with no insulin and 1 metaformin a day.I have not took the pill for 1 yr now so i am off of all meds except my vit regiment,you have to be the one to make the decision on what surgery is for you,this board is a good place for you to ask question it has both rny and lapband patients.
But the rny did fix my diabetes.
Good luck sweetie
I had the DS and my blood sugar tested normal 10 hours after surgery. Miracle surgery. Check it out. DSfacts.com, duodenalswitch.com or just come on over to the DS forum here on OH.
DS Lab Rats
