MMPC Orientation

C: I don't think you can attend too many orientations or obtain too much knowledge about WLS. There are more options available now which may work better based upon an individual's needs. You need to be comfortable with whoever you choose if you indeed choose to have surgery. I checked into their stats in regards to the number of surgeries they had performed, whether or not the practice and hospital were a "Center for Excellence," whether they were board certified and members of the American Bariatric Society and the level of follow up care. The more knowledge you have, the more comfortable you will be in your decision and the less you will have to fear/worry about. Good luck to you, Matt

Besides going to orientations are you doing research on how you will eat, drink and live post op? I spent about 10 years doing research on pre op life, the actual surgery, post op care in patient, and how I would be eating following my discharge. Doctors and hospitals offer different lifestyle changes for each WLS patient according to their guidelines. I had the unfortunate choice of the bare minimum, two meetings with my nut, and just two pages of what I was to eat post op for the first 7 weeks. Then I was on my own. I've done well considering this fact, having lost 166 lbs now, and recovering from my abdominoplasty. Gather all the pre op, surgery, and post op care information you can get your hands on and make sure you can live by those guidelines for the duration of your journey. I feel it is critical that you understand the changes you will be making differ from different places, so choose the one that will best suit YOUR Weight loss journey. Good Luck to you! Stacey W 310/144

Curt with him only have done 5 of the vertical sleeve surgeries, wouldn't it be better to find someone with more experience if that is the surgery you choose? Have you checked the stats on the outcome long term? Make sure to really research it. I don't know anything about the vertical sleeve so i really can't help you out. Go to as many orientations as you think you need to come to your decision. Make sure to be comfortable with every aspect pre and post op. Hugs Linda

Linda, I couldnt agree with you more. I am a bit concerned with the number of times this type of surgery has been done across the country let alone here in Michigan. Like I said above, I do like the concept of it potentially being safer because there is only only incision/cut on the stomach, and no need to sew in the bowels to the pouch which is suppose to cut down on stricture, ulcers, and future leaks. I will continue to research the procedure until the day I hit the surgery table. I will have an opportunity this Thursday to ask questions to another potential surgeon and the vertical sleeve will be a large majority of my questions. Thanks