Traveling to see Dr. Pleatman

Hi Everyone.. Okay, here's my deal. My husband and I are coming to Michigan from Oregon to see Dr. Pleatman. If all goes well he'll have his surgery first, at the end of July, then in January-ish we'll be back for mine. So far the Dr sounds great, and his staff has been excellent to work with! I got a list of possible hotels to stay in between the hospital release and the time when we can travel, so that's ok. (Fairfield Inn in Auburn Hills OK to stay in?) They are more affordable than the others for what we need, and it's close to the hospital. Should I rent a car, or take taxi's for the transportation we'll need? What we're (I'M) worried about is him traveling home on the plane a week after major surgery. Even if it is laproscopic. I checked the difference between coach and first class. Not gonna happen on our budget. Anyone done this before? Have any suggestions for me? Other than keeping him really doped up and happy on meds? I should mention that I am a really terrible flier and this trip home will be the first ever that **I** have not been really doped up. Which could really stink! LOL... He carries almost all of his extra weight in his stomach and is a big guy to boot. He needs an extender when we fly, so right after surgery, I am concerned about him being in agony. Thanks for listening...Please, any suggestions I would be really glad for! Kim

Hi Kim Fairfield Inn is a great place to stay. There is a mcdonalds, a&w, kfc, taco bell , speedway and burger king in walking distance. I would rent a car, you are going to be an hour from the airport, and taxi's are gonna end up costing you more in the end. The pain meds should be good enough to keep him comfortable, and hopefully he will sleep mostly on the plane....it's the car ride i'm wondering about. i always here ppl talking about taking pillows for the ride home. I had lap rny, but was in the hospital 10 days because of complications, so my ride home was fine from detroit. But i don't remember much pain after surgery , so i think he will be alright. Do you know which hospital yet? i would love to come meet you both. Hugs Linda

Kim, You shouldn't have to stay too long at Fairfield as your husband's recovery from Laproscopic Lap Band surgery is only a day or two. Talk with Karen at Dr. Pleatmans office as she had the lap band and also had RNY with Dr. Pleatman. She has a wealth of information and is so helpful. I also am including Dr. Pleatmans own online message board for Dr. Pleaatmans patients. You will find a wealth of information there. I also have the link for Obesity help.com surgeon page for Dr. Pleatman. I hope this helps you. I wish you the best. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Dr_PleatmanSupport/ http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+reviews+Mark+Pleatman+hsj.html?page=2 Take care, Janice

F.Y.I. You wont be sorry with Dr. Pleatman he did a fine job with my RNY in May. Office is friendly and well organized. He can be communicated with by Email if you have issues after surgery. And yes he does answer it promptly.

Kim, It takes courage to come from out of state to have surgery but I wouldn't have any concerns with Dr Pleatman. He's a wonderful surgeon. I had lap-band surgery with him 2 years ago and haven't had any problems at all. The nurses in the OR all had had previous surgeries with him also. That was a major relief for me. I never took any pain medication after surgery, Dr. Pleatman really tries to get rid of all of that excess gas so your not in agony, but I'd make sure your husband has his meds before he goes home. Hopefully you won't have a full plane and get a row to yourselves! Good luck to both of you, Paula L 285-212-180

Hi Kim: Just wanted to let you know that I flew from Mexico to Florida after my Lap-Band and I was O.K. I flew 3 days post-op.. no problems. You might want to check with the Fairfield Inn and see if they can have a recliner in your room for you. I stayed at a Hampton Inn in Mexico... and as they had a lot of bariatric patients...they had recliners ready. It's often more comfortable to sleep in a recliner for the first few days after surgery. I'd also let the airline attendent know when you check in to go home that your husband just had surgery... they may be able to leave the middle seat open for you guys so that you can put the arms up and be more comfortable. I remember putting a pillow on my stomach underneath the seat belt extension out of nervousness... but I never needed it. I second the reco about renting a car. Pontiac/Detroit isn't a taxi-city like NYC. Rental cars will make your life much easier. Good luck, karla