(*WLS*) DURING KATRINA! OMG!!!!!

Let me clear this up for you way up in Arkansas. THERE WAS A HURRICANE THAT WIPED OUT THE WHOLE AREA. Duh!

Oh well, 'scuse me, I stand corrected. Let's see... so I guess that means that, because New Orleans is devastated, we have to assume that Baton Rouge is totally shut down, despite the fact that what happened there was (relatively) a glancing blow, and things have functioned somewhat normally there since about day 3 or so. More importantly, I get that you're saying that once there has been a tragedy *somewhere*, if a hospital gets a bariatric patient who has been removed from that area, it is perfectly all right to subject that person to fat discrimination and not even give the level of care that the rescued DOGS are getting. After all, it's so much trouble to pick up a telephone and call someone in the know so you can provide ethical care to a surgery patient and the staff can't really be expected to bother. Medical ethics - especially toward fat people, can be completely suspended. Good to know. As I said, gee whiz, now I understand it all, and stand corrected. Denise in Ark.

Well "scuse me" too Denise. And I will bite you if you want. (Although not my style or nature) Your post does read very critical of the patient here. Kind of blame the victim mentality. Your writing about malpractice issues and raising stinks with hospital adminestrators, but it wasn't you or I who had just had MAJOR abdominal surgery. Then had medical complications on top of that (collapsed lung) not to mention this all happened during the worst natural disaster in American history. And then, had to be evacuated out of your hospital to another hospital. With all the confusion, something was bound to go wrong. I'd like to see the person who could withstand all that, and then be expected to remember how to eat post op. I say give her a break! Denise, you are asking alot of questions about why this and why that? As if this poor shell shocked woman can think straight like you can. Her psyche has been through MAJOR trauma along with her body. You bring up alot of good issues about inadequate care, and I hope the care she is receiving today is much better. You seemed to be assuming she should have been receiving top notch care and services as we would all like to, but during a time of natural disaster as we can all see, many things can and did go wrong. Tami

Hey, I already told you I give. All of you are right and relief hospitals should be thrilled to know that they aren't expected to give standard care to anybody, much less everybody, who gets shipped to them after a disaster. It's fine to let people fend for themselves. Who can be bothered to make a phone call to find out protocols for a patient? After all, there was a disaster south of here. Those patients ought to know that they are just lucky to be alive, and shouldn't expect anything more. So there, I just agreed again. You have all made your point, loud and clearly and I get the message that it is wrong to point out that a patient coming from a disaster has a right to standard or ethical treatment (I don't think basic feeding and hydration quite make it into the top-notch category). I missed the boat by not realizing that the OH community can do a far better job and should be more counted upon for help than the doctor or hospital where one is admitted. You've made your point. I gave terrible advice and am admitting that you are all right and I was so very wrong. Have you all finally heard what you want to hear? How much longer shall the whipping commence? Denise in Ark

Well by God, I think you have found yourself a career as a patient advocate! Sic um gal!

Im truly sorry to hear about your problems in New Orleans. Our prayers are with you. You are so new post op that you are not going to be able to get much food down. Try to get some protein, whether its shakes, nectar or I personally like a product called Any-Whey, this is a protein you could add to food as you tolerate more. Mashed potatoes, soups, pudding, chili, even coffee or tea. At this point that is what I would spend my money on since you could add it to what ever food you have available. Try really hard to see if there is a support group in Baton Rouge that someone could come and help you out. Keep us informed on how you make out please!

OMGosh Gemma!!! I am SO sorry to hear your awful ordeal during the beginning of what should be your HAPPY and JOYOUS Journey!!! I would follow up on WHY in the he-- they went about it the WRONG way!!! Yes, it is a tragic situation and your life was in their hands among with others and needless to say theirs!!! I am so sorry you had to go through what you had to and the way it was. I wish there was something I could do or say to make your situation better. I will do the most important though and I will keep you in my prayers. God is watching out for you and everyone else. Keep your head held high and know you can and will beat this. As far as the lady you said the ugly things to you, well, lets just say God never sleeps. God Bless and may you get better as each day goes by!!! Dee

Gemma- I am so very sorry this has happened to you and I will say a prayer for you and all those effected by Katrina. As I understand OH.com has been working to contact bariatric surgeons and vendors (that sell post-op bariatric nutritional supplies) to provide the specialized assistance post-op WLS patients will need in the areas effected by Hurricane Katrina. If you will click on the following link you will find instructions on how to access this assistance. Good luck. Red http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/state-forums/FL/postdetail/33309.html?vc=0

I have the same doctor, and it is a VERY VERY VERY structured program and all patients meet with nutritionists, a psychologist, the surgeon, etc. a few times BEFORE surgery. They also are given a big ole book FULL of what to eat, complete with recipes, nutritional info, etc. There is a day long nutrition class that you take before surgery (around when pre-ops are done) and the nutritionists go through the whole book WITH the patients. After surgery, follow up appts are at 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 mo, 6 mo and one year, and then yearly after that. At each of these times you not only meet with the surgeon, but with the psych and nutritionist. This is NOT a program that slices and leaves people in the dark. I do not have the book that was given to us, or I would certainly pass it on. I do remember that the guidelines call for 1 week clear liquids, 2 weeks full liquids, 1 month pureed, one month soft foods and then anything that is low in fat, not fried, low sugar and high protein as you can tolerate after that. No carbonation until after 6 mo, but not recommended. Try to keep sugar grams in the single digits, use protein shakes until you are able to get 60 grams from food alone (usually around 2-3 mo post). I cannot even fathom what you went through. I was just wondering to the people that are in the program when I read this post. I just recently moved from Baton Rouge to CA, or I would be there in a heartbeat to help you out. If you like I can try getting in touch with a person I know in the Baton Rouge area that has also used Dr. O'Connell. Maybe she has the nutrition book. Try getting in contact with the Neweigh program in Baton Rouge and see if you can get a doctor from there. They used to be out of Vista Hospital, but I am not sure now. Please hang in there and email me if you have any questions. The area the hospital was in was devastated. Fourteen bodies were found in the hospital. You are truly lucky to be alive Gemma. God bless and let me know what I can do for you.

Gemma Rachel, I'm on the phone right now trying to get you the help you need. I wish I knew which hospital you were in. There's a group in Baton Rouge with a relief effort. Dr. Hausmann's office is going to make sure you get a nutritional guide to follow for the first several weeks. Marla Rabalais works at Vista Surgical Hospital not far from you and most of us who had surgery in Baton Rouge went there. She is a bariatric nutritionist and she has agreed to speak with you before you leave town. We are expecting nutritional supplements soon and we can make sure you get some protein supplements sent to you in Livingston (and yes, we will deliver if you want us to). Please let me know if there's ANYTHING I can do to help. I will be in touch and I going to email you my phone number. All my best, Frances