2nd Consult w/Dr. Von Rueden

Thanks for the description but I will be one of those freaking out.  I've afraid of needles ever since I had my allergic reaction to penicillin when I was a child.  I get myself sooooooooooooooo upset.  Even when I have to give blood, I get upset, but not to were I'm about to pass out or throw up.  For me, I think its more mental.  I don't know if you can understand, and I'm sure to some I'm overacting, but I really do fear needles.  Again thanks for the description and I will be sure asked to be numbed...lol  Oh and as for the fills and being stuck every time, yeah, that concerns me too....lol Teri

Teri, I've been a nurse 24 years - I've seen it and I understand.  Of course its all mental - but your anxiety turns into very physical symptoms.  Please share your concerns with your doctor, nurses, etc.  You're not the first and you won't be the last. Peace Ellen

Thanks Ellen!!!  I will be sure to share my concerns.   Teri

Dr. Von Rueden is the best doctor that you could have. He and his staff will become your family. You will definetely see Doc, Sloan and Cathy at your pre-op meeting which will occur two weeks before your surgery. Good Luck! I'm going back in for my bandfill on 22 May.

Hey and thanks for responding!  They seem like a great group!  By the way, how are you doing since your surgery?   Teri

After my surgery I lost a total of 80 pounds then gained about 63 of them back because of problems with my back.

I'm so glad your second visit went better than your first visit :)  My first visit with Dr. Kligman was pretty much rushed and a lot of words were said and out the door he went LOL  I didn't see him again until he was staring at the monitor while the scope was down my throat for the EGD.  After that he had about 2 seconds to talk to me LOL  Oh well.  I'm sure I'll have his full attention in a week :) Good luck on your journey Teri :) Aaron

Hey Aaron!!!  Yeah, I'm seeing that most doctors are extremely busy and their time spent with their patients are minimal, but I do feel that the 1st appointment is the one that sets the stage for everything.  I'm glad that DVR took the time out to talk to me.  I look forward to seeing him again.  Good luck with your upcoming surgery, and ohhhhhhhhhhhh congrats on losing the 60 pds before your surgery... Teri

I'm glad your second appointment went better than the first.  But I must say that I have completely opposite opinions of DVR and Dr. Moein.  DVR cancelled  my surgery 2 weeks prior because I had developed diabetes while wating for my surgery.  He was very curt and uncaring about the effect it was having on me.  Then 2 days later I got a letter in the mail saying he was leaving GBMC.  He didn't even have the courtesy of telling me this when I spoke with him 2 days prior.  I never felt a connection with him and he never remembered who I was from appointment to appointment. Dr. Moein has been the exact opposite.  I am very thankful that I switched.  Because feeling comfortable with my surgeon made a big difference to me. So you should definitely go with which one makes you feel more comfortable. The ABG did hurt...but only for about 5 seconds.  It will be over before you know it.

Sorry to hear about your expierence with DVR, and I know you must have been so upset about having your surgery cancelled.  I think everybody gets different things from Doctor's.  Like you said, I just want to feel comfortable with my surgeon because it does make a big difference.  As for the ABG....grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....I'm really not looking forward to it...lol  Thanks for responding!   Teri