questions for Dr. De La Torre's patients

I was wondering if any of you that have used Dr. De La Torre know how they schedule their surgeries. I have my Pre-Op class on next Thursday and Nancy just said that they are scheduling the surguries for June. How far out does he schedule the WLS. I am just trying to get an idea so I can let my boss know at work since we are really crapped and she is doing me a really huge favor in letting me take the time off. (I know I do deserve the time off but it just helps me in knowing that she is ok with it). I didn't know if he set up your Pre-op one week and then you had surgery the next week or if there is a couple weeks in between. Also, does anyone know if he puts you on a completely liquid diet or does that depend on other circimstances? I would call the office, but I am always thinking that they are sooo busy and I don't know if these are just stupid questions or what. Thanks Theresa

I don't think It's a stupid question at all! and they are so nice at the office, they would be happy to answer your questions they are really nice to me and I call them all the time SherryWhiteps. Idon't know the answer to your question or I'd help good luck with your surgery, SherryWhite

Theresa, My Pre-Op class was on 4/7/05, Pre-Op testing was on 4/14/05 and surgery on 4/20/05. Surgery is always scheduled on Wednesdays, with the soonest date being a week after Pre-Op class but they usually schedule it two weeks and out after the Pre-Op class. Nancy is really flexible with scheduling the surgery. The diet is discussed during the Pre-Ops class. You will be on clear liquids while in the hospital and a full liquid diet for 21 days when you are released. All of his patients are on the same diet and you will receive a nutrition booklet from the nutritinist during the Pre-Ops class. If you have anymore questions, please read my profile; as I have documented the whole process in detail. Good luck during your journey! Things really start rolling after the Pre-Ops class. Pam Lap RNY 04/20/05

Pam, Thanks for your reply, that helped me alot along with reading your profile, very informative. Were you at the support group on the 6th of April @ Depaul Hospital, if so, did you sit at the back table? I was sitting there also, there was another gal in between us. Glad your surgery went good and you are on your way now, hopefully I will be right along behind you. I am going to next week's class and then I have my Pre-Op class the next day. That meeting was really informative, and I can't wait to go again, I had to miss the last one because I had finals that night. But now I am set to go, got my schedule cleared out for Wednesday nights now. Theresa

Yes Theresa. That was me. I missed the last two meetings but, I am going to try to make it to the next support group meeting. I had the same questions as you prior to my surgery, but couldn't get any clear answers. I am glad that I was able to answer your questions. I will see you next week. Pam

Hi Theresa, Congrats on getting your ins approval etc. I have my preop appt on the 19th with Dr De La Torre also. I am pretty nervous so it will be nice to know that someone else if going to be there. I havent seen anyone esle post saying they will be there. Kathy said she thought 8 people will be at the class. I am hoping for a surgery date of 1 June. I guess I will find out this Thursday. See ya there... Should be a very informative day. Does anyone have any tips for us nervous souls?? Gevin Elder