Taking the first steps

Wow!  I've been reading through some of the posts and am so relieved to see the immense support you each offer one another.  I live in Southern MD and would greatly appreciate any Surgeon recommendations.  I know everyone has their own preference with the type of personality for a surgeon that would best suit their own comfort level.  For me, (aside from the obvious knowledgeable, proven track record), I would be most comfortable with a surgeon who has a great bedside manor, who openly displays those caring, compassionate traits. 

I am scheduled to go to an informational session on Sat but have to say that after the extensive research I've done, I'm 99.99999% sure that this is the direction that I want to go. 

I'm scared out of my mind, feel like I've failed and struggle with the notion that I am personally taking the easy way out, but am also hopeful that maybe this is a real chance at changing my life.  I've never had a surgery of any kind so that also scary in not knowing what to expect.

Is it normal to feel terrified and excited all at the same time?

Hi and welcome to the Maryland board.  There is quite a bit of knowledge and support from the various members of this group.

I think you'll hear from many people that you should go to as many surgeon's info sessions as you can in order to choose the one you are most comfortable with.  That being said, I went with the practice that was recommended by my PCP and was covered by my insurance.  Of course I also did extensive research on the surgeons and went to the information session before I chose which surgeon I went with.  Dr. Schweitzer is one of the leading surgeon's in this field, has an awesome track record, and was the first to do RNY laproscopically in the area and teaches the procedure at Johns Hopkins and all across the country.  He does not have the warmest bed side manner but I haven't seen alot of him either, he's a very busy man.  

Hope this helps,
Heather

We have people coming from everywhere to see the doctors at St. Agnes - my personal preference was Dr. Singh - he's got a great personality and really listens.  Some like Dr. Averbach, and there are many fans here of Dr. Von Ruden who used to operate out of GBMC but now operates out of St. Agnes Hospital.

As a matter of fact, at the bariatric reunion the other weekend, a gentleman told us his "success story" - if I heard him correctly, he came to St. Agnes from the Virgin Islands. 

And of course, the St. Agnes Bariatric Center has recently gotten renewal of the Center of Excellence certification.

And yes, terrified, excited, and anxious at the same time sounds like me before the surgery!

Welcome aboard, and we'll be here for you!

Hi. I live in Calvert County, not far from you.  Feel free to PM me with any questions you may have. Your feelings are all normal.  My RNY surgery was performed by Dr. Averbach at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.  Wishing you the best.

Thank you all and it's so nice to meet you:)  Great advice about going to multiple surgeon info sessions.

Seeing as though most are traveling (not too far) to either Baltimore, into DC and VA for their surgeries, do you have to attend support groups at those hospitals/practices or are there local support groups held in So. MD that you are aware of?  My husband is a police officer so his schedule changes frequently and I have an 8 year old - just want to plan this out as best as possible:)

I already feel a huge weight has been lifted...no pun intended:) haha

There is a local support group in White Plains, Maryland.

Welcome to the MD board. There are great people here who have tons of info to give. We have a gal that comes from Calvert County to our meetings in Crofton. I have not had surgery and am in the process of making the big decison. I am listening and learning. Good luck on your journey.

                                                                                                     Julie

i fell in love w/ my surgeon. she is so warm and caring. a wonderful wonderful surgeon. i had my surgery almost two years ago so i do not know if their program has changed but i do wish i had been required to follow a stricter program pre op. i might have been more successful. but dr. steele is AWESOME!

I agree that you should "interview" as many surgeons as you can.  I went to a couple of seminars before I found my surgeon, and I love him like a member of our family. 

And yes, totally normal to feel terrified and excited at the same time!

hello and welcome to the board!

I agree, go to as many info sessions as you feel comfortable. Also, do you know what surgery you want?  Do as much research about them as you possibly can so you are comfortable with your choice. Your choice may also dictate which doctor you choose. Ex: some docs may do lap band and RNY only, some may not do the VSG and very few do the DS. 

I chose my doctor because at the time I wanted a DS and he has an outstanding reputation as one of the best bariatric surgeons in the country IMO.  I have since switched my choice to the VSG, but again, he has an impecible reputation.

Best wishes!
Angie