Dr. Gary Stevens

This is my first post on the LA board, so hello everyone.  I'm a regular on the DS board.  I had the Duodenal Switch in January with Dr. Gary Stevens in Lafayette.  Love, love, love him, his nurse, Ludie, and my DS. 

If I can be of any help to anyone, please let me know.

Cathy

Hi Cathy! Nice to meet you! LoL

Hi everyone. My name is Sonya and I am getting gastric soon. I am terrified.   I have type 2 diabetes and after the loss of a unborn child and not living my life. I am 32 years old and I have a wonderful husband who is in the Army.  We have 2 very active boys 9 and 5.  I need to do this for me as well as them.  

I will be seeing Dr. Stevens.  What can you guys tell me about what is going to go on after the surgery?  I think I am most worried about that.

                                                Thanks Sonya

Hi Sonya! I'm afraid I can't help you much with post-op. I'm not having my surgery until next Wednesday! We do live in the same town (basically) though so if you would like to get together sometime, let me know! I love Dr Stevens so far!

Hi Sonya!  Don't know about the sleeve, but if Dr. Stevens is doing it, you have nothing to worry about.  Most likely, you will spend surgery night in ICU because, well, that's just what he does, so tell your husband to bring a pillow.  Then you'll go up on the floor the next day, if all goes well, and then you'll be there maybe 2-3 days.  I went in on Thursday and we drove home to Alexandria on Sunday.  Oh, and bring your OWN Jell-O if that's the kind you like.  The hospitals is nasty...some off brand crap.  Physical Therapy will come walk you twice a day on week days and once a day on the weekend.  Hope this helps.  And tell Doc you talked to me on the board and watch him smile.

Cathy

Thank you Cathy.  Unfortunately  my husband won't be able to stay. He will have to be home with kids.  So I will be by myself.  I'm scared, but that what happens when there is no family around.  Jell-O  OK black cherry it is.  Can I ask you a few questions.  How did it take you to heal?  And how much did you loose with in the first month?  There are so many more I have but maybe later.  Thanks Cathy.

Sonya, depending on when it is, if at all possible, I will come stay a night or two with you. I won't be able to stay the first night if you are in ICU but anytime after that I could.

Thanks Gayla.  I was telling my hubby about you.  He said he was glad I found you guys.  He said at least he knows I will have questions answered.   I hope it will be soon.  The waiting is killing me.  I go meet with the DR. on the 23rd for the first time and I hope to know more then.   How did it go today?



                                                                                    

You're very welcome Sonya! You will be surprised at how fast it flies after you meet with the dr! It goes very quickly so be prepared! Anyway, I didn't end up being able to go yesterday. Long story. So now they are going to do it on Tuesday, the day before my surgery! I'd like to get together with you sometime before I go to the hospital if you are available. Let me know! Talk to ya soon!

Sonya, if you can get the "Thursday" surgery day, I can try to drive down that Friday evening and stay most of the day Saturday, so you won't have to be alone.  We just have to plan it out ahead of time.  My husband had open heart surgery in March, has been released to go back to work and is trying to find a local job so he doesn't have to go back on the road.  It will all be a little iffy until we can get some details worked out.  I'll do what I can for you.  Thank goodness my kids are old enough to fend for themselves....but now STAY by themselves!!!  (they are 15).  Talk to you soon.
Cathy