QUESTIONS???

Hello, I am new to this and just had my informational meeting last week and have my next appt. for Sept. 24th.  Does anyone know what the 2nd appt. consists of?  I would like to have the VSG surgery, it is more appealing to me.  Just wondering what to expect from here on out?  Has anyone had Dr. McGreevy?  He is the one who gave the informational session and seems to be very knowledgeable about all weight loss procedures.  I have Health Partners for insurance and wondering what to expect from them??  I have the open access with deductible plan.  Has anybody had a problem with infection?  I had a c-section 18 yrs ago and got a very bad infection (8 litres of puss) in my abdomin and almost died...so I am very scared about this but feel it is something that I NEED to do to live a healthy & happy life!  I figure if I talk with the dr. ahead of time and let them know all of this that they can take precautions so this will not happen...sorry about rambleing on but just like to know what I am getting myself into.  Thanks for any input you may have for me!!  Love this message board!!  Thanks for all of the information posted on here!!Tina

Any questions you have can be answered by Jodi Shanley, the nurse cordinater at St. Paul Surgens. She knows her stuff.I was happy with the RNY and the after  care, fron group walks to the monthly support meetings ( on the third Tuesday) Her name and phone number are in the blue book that came with the informational stuff. IfI remember right there two surgens at surgery time. Dr. McGreevy assists both Rupp and Kelly

Thanks Patrick!

I'm sorry I don't have any iron clad answers for you, but wanted to comment on your concerns about your infection... 

Your c-section was 18 years ago.  It seems safe to assume that everything, including wound healing and infection management, have advanced significantly in that time.  I DO know someone who developed an infection, about 2.5 years ago, and it WASN'T fun for her - but it wasn't life threatening, just a nuisance.  Had to wear a "wound vac" for some time.   But she was definitely in the minority in that regard.

I'm also not knowledgeable enough about the VSG to know if it is routinely done lap or open - but I would think that if it can be done lap, that would minimize your risks as well.

Getting the weight off, the health benefits, feeling better about how you look and what you're able to DO without all the excess weight?  WLS is worth whatever struggles you may - OR MAY NOT - have.  I don't know anyone who truly regrets their WLS, even those who had to go through some pretty rough stuff at the beginning. 

Just share your concerns with your surgeon so that he and his team can be prepared if you DO have a tendency to suffer such infections.  

And GOOD LUCK TO YA!!!

Thanks Darla!  Yes, it can be done lap and that is what I want.  I know it was 18 years ago but feels like yesterday!  It was exciting cause I had a new baby boy but scary at the same time!  I am so excited to do this!!!  Congrats on your success!

I just wanted to say YAY for you on getting started with the process.  I can't add much but to say I agree with Patrick-talk to Jody and she can answer quite a few of your questions for you and if she doesn't know the answer, she can get it for you. 

Thanks Samantha!  I am really excited!