St. Alexius, New Start Program-

Hi Bonnie. I had the lap rny with Dr. Richardson a little over a month ago. I was more than pleased with him as was my mother (who was anxiously waiting in the waiting room for me to get out of surgery). I had an excellent experience with the hospital and the staff. I found them to be very respectful and caring. The hospital was very clean and everyone was very nice. As for the aftercare, you will see the doctor at one week, one month, and three months. At each of those visits you also see the dietician. They have a support group every Sat. morning for those that have had surgery and an open support group the third Wed. of every month. I have gone to the one on Wed. and found it very informative. On that Wed. night there are also a couple of classes on nutrition, etc. before the support group. You can get a copy of there schedule either online or by calling them and having them send you one. Feel free to email me if you have any further questions. Deanna

Dr. Richardson is awesome, however the aftercare blew for me... Most, but not all of the nurses were not on top of things like they should have been. I had my husband there one night and my dad the next, if not for them I would not have had much help. I addressed the problems when I was being discharged, I hope that most of the issues were resolved. Susan

I had an open RNY at St. Alexius,New Start Program in August 2004. They saved my life. In addition to Dr. Fabito doing the RNY and hernia repair,Dr.Casey did a hysterectomy and a appendectomy. When they came out and talked to my husband after the surgery they told him I would not have made it but a couple more days. They took out tumors and cysts that other doctors said I did not have.And my appendix was ready to bust. No one even knew it was inflamed although I had complained of severe pain for about a month prior. I was told it was just my weight.. I was taken very good care of at St Alexius. My husband stayed with me. The nurses were great , the food was great. Because of the distance from my home I did not use their after care program.I followed up with my surgeons at 2 weeks,3&6 monthes then Dr. Fabito retired .I went to St.Johns support group and to the Marian Center through Dr. Hodges. Dr. Hodges now follows me in Springfield.He is great.I was very high risk because I was 456 # and on oxygen,bipap and in a wheel chair most of the time. That is why Dr. Fabito did the surgery. He is retired now.The only complaint I had was the nutritionist. I can say most of the problem had to do with the distance from my home and I had fell through the cracks with thier consult. BUT because I had been through the program at St Johns I did not have any trouble. The program at St Johns not only gave me information that I had not been given at the New Start Program, I have many friends that I have contact with and get and give support too. I really think I have learned the most and recieved the most from the support groups at St johns. I could not have done it with out them. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR SURGERY. I HAVE NO REGRETS. I have now lost 216 # I am no longer on oxygen. I am on cpap with lower settings and I walk unassisted. I planted a garden, I shop, I drive, I am starting back to school on May 22 to finish my degree. My family is so happy I can now participate in our life.Sorry this is so long but once I get started it is hard to leave anything out. God has been very good to me. Jean E