2nd Consult w/Dr. Von Rueden

Good Morning All,

 

Well let me just say that yesterday’s weather was horrible, especially if you are trying to find a new place.  So I had my 2^nd consult yesterday which was with Dr. Von Rueden.  All I can say is WOW, what a difference . 

 

My appointment was for 10 a.m., but the paperwork I received wanted me to show up 15 minutes early.  But being the anxious person I am….lol  I showed up at 9:30…heheheheh!!!  1^st I met Cathy, very nice, had great conversation, had paper work ready, everything went smooth.  So I did all my paperwork, paid the Co-pay and that was it.

 

Next, here comes Tara (medical assistant).  She took my weight 249 @ 5’6 = BMI 40.3 for my first weigh in. She also took my blood pressure (110/70) and pulse 62.  I was extremely relaxed as you can see.  Big difference from my bp and pulse at my 1^st consult.  And that was it for Tara .

 

Within a couple of minutes, in comes Rose – Financial Counselor.  She was very nice, had great conversation, and knew her stuff.  She knew exactly what Aetna was looking for, and told me what I needed to get her.  She did tell me not to stress over stuff now, and that when she submits the package after my 3 months, she will make sure it has everything it needs.  She seems very knowledgeable with what she does. 

 

Well, out goes Rose and in comes Solan – Nutrionalist.  She was cool.  Tara , the medical assistant sat in on this meeting.  Solan went over all the diet stuff with me, but because my bmi is right at 40, she said that I really just need to maintain my weight for the next two weigh ins…but I’m kind of worried because Aetna requires you to try to lose 10% before your surgery.  She gave me a pamphlet and told me to read it home but she briefly  went over each page.   She did say that I had to meet with her 2 more times, but that if I had any questions, just give her a call.

 

After Solan was Dr. Von Rueden!  He came right in and introduced himself and took a sit right by me and asked me “What questions do you have for me?”  And then I just started asking my questions and he kept on answering them…lol  He wasn’t all into the paperwork.  Actually the only time he was in the paperwork is when I referred to something.  We just talked about the differences of the two surgeries, and in the end, I did ask him which one he recommended and he also said the Lap Band.  He did say that I could do both though.  After our talk session, he did his exam on me which consisted of listening to my lungs from the back and front; checked my thyroid; felt all around on my stomach; and checked my legs.  Overall, great meeting!!!  I did ask him if I would see him again before the surgery, and he ensured me that he would…lol

 

After that, Barbie – Physician’s Assistant (I think that’s her title) came in and talked to me some more.  She also gave me all the tests that needed to be done…I already did my blood work and Psych Eval.  The ones DVR also wants are the 2 Hour Glucose Test, Chest XRay and Upper GI series, Pulmonary Function Test, Arterial Blood Gas, and Echocardiogram…can you say WOW!!!  She explained that I would have to come back next month (appt is May 27 @ 9:30 am). 

 

And that concludes my appointment.  I had to stop by and talk to Rose before I had to leave to sign something and make my appointment with Cathy.   I have to say that I was really happy with how everything went down and I’m so much happier!!!  Thanks for everyone’s advice!

 

Teri

That's an awesome visit!! So have you decided where are you going to stay with? If you are going with the lapband or RNY? I still think the lapband would be best for you. I have aetna and I didn't have to lose the 10% of weight but I did lose a few few pounds because my BMI was 44.  As long as you maintain you will be fine. Best wishes!

Hey Cira!!!  I'm definitely going with DVR!!  The overall office visit was 100% better.  I mean I understand that Dr. Moein's office is undergoing changes, but I need to be with staff that understand what their doing, knows how to help me achieve what I'm trying to do, and most importantly, I need to feel some a connection to my doctor.  This is just not an in and out procedure!  I was DVR's 1st patient and he was wide awake and very alert.  He seemed like he was into our conversation.  I'm sure he has been asked all the time the same questions I asked.  Ohhhhhhh and I had brought in my blood work that I had gotten back and we went over it, but what really impressed me was when I was out in the lobby finishing up with Rose and getting ready to leave, he came out into the lobby and told me again to call my PCP and go see him about my blood work.  My Trig (bad fat) was like 541 and HDL (good fat) was only 30.  Maybe I just saw Dr. Moein on a bad day, I don't know.  But I feel really good with the choice I made.    As for which one I'm going with, I'm soooooooooooooooo undecided.  I'm going to do more reading and figure it out before they submit my paperwork.  And for the10% weight loss, I'm just going to try to eat better and drink more water. Teri

DVR is a sweetheart!! He is like that early in the morning and even if you are his last patient!! He has been a God sent to me and I love him dearly.  When I move to WV I will always drive up to see him for my follow up appointments. He has been nothing but the best to me and I really recommend him to anyone.   Yes girl you definitely need to see your PCO about your Trig level.  But remember after you have the surgery all that will get better.  Eating healthy and drinking lots of water and practicing on how to eat slowly and to chew a lot is a good thing to do in the meantime. Take care and keep me posted. As for the arterial blood gas. Well girl I have to be truthful to ya!  It was absolute hell for me.  But I have scar tissue on my wrist from a previous surgery and I am already a hard stick.  One lady poked me twice and didn;t get it and she got someone else and he got it.  I felt like I was going to pass out for those few seconds since it was my third poke but he did it quickly and it was over.   Oh and No you can not get out of it! LOL  sorry! I had it done there at GBMC.

Yeah I look forward to my next visit with him.  I'm just hoping all goes well.  As for the Trig levels, yup, I'm on that.  I have an appointment tomorrow at 9 am to address that issue.  As for the ABG, yall are really freaking me out....lol  When I make my appointment, I will be sure to express my fear and hopefully they will give me someone that has been doing ABG's a very long time.  I just don't understand why that can't get the same information out of just drawing blood through a regular vein...lol  and yes I do wish I could get out of it...lol 

I highly recommend getting the ABG at GBMC with Gina. I was warned about how awful it was, including having my PCP tell me it was going to be hell. It was quick, and with only very minor discomfort for me. Gina is the only one who does it at GBMC as far as I have heard, and she has been doing it for quite sometime. I wouldn't steer you wrong. Obviously not everyone can have the same experience. I know with scar tissue, as Cira was saying, it would be quite hellish. But, IMO, it's not nearly as bad as many people hyped it up to be.

You are right Kathy.  Gina is great she just had a hard time with me since I am a hard stick. She called a guy I forgot his name he was really good.  I think she will do great and it is over quickly.

ok, so I heard the arterial blood gas test was really painful.  Can anyone tell me how theirs went?

I had this test done and don't remember any pain if that helps any