Anyone out there looking into bypass surgery?

Just starting the process and looking for your experiences and advice!!!!!

Yep ! 2 weeks out and so far great, I had mine done in Boston @ tufts NEMC, they have a complete program that I feel is second to none. The success rate is 85% the 15% that are not sucessful do not take part in the after care program, so needless to say you get out of it what you put in to it. Remember this is only a tool so your commitment to change your life style is the most important thing you haveto do. I don't want to sound like a preacher, but I started this process on 10/6/04 and had my surgery on 12/13/04 this is about as fast as is gets I'm told, but I met every requirement including a large weight loss in that 9 week period. Iv'e lost another 22lbs as of today as I had my 1st post-op visit today and they say all looks great, I hope this info serves you well and if you want to talk more or need more info i,m just an e-mail away Russ [email protected]

I had my open rny on feb 7th 2002 at Brigham & Womens hosp in boston. Best thing I ever did for myself. Good luck

I'm one month post op, today. There are a number of programs in NH. Those that I know of: Dartmouth-Hitch**** in Manchester. St. Joe in Nashua and SNHMC in Nashua. You can find out about these on their websites. I had surgery at SNHMC, Dr. David Drinkwater. Manchester & St. Joe have support groups that meet monthly. SNHMC has a group that meets twice each month. I found that the program I went thru is very thorough. You know exactly what to expect and what you're getting yourself into if you decide to proceed. If you have any questions, just ask. diane

Hi Diane. I just wanted to tell you something. I just glanced at your picture and had to do a double take. If I didn't know better, I would have thought it was a picture of me. Even my husband thought it was me! I thought it was kind of funny and wanted to share it with you. Celia

I'm in the beginning stages myself. I have been doing a lot of research so I might be able to help out if you have any questions. So far I have found that reading the profiles of others who have already gone through the whole process is extremely helpful. Especially those who are in the same neighborhood and have gone to the same surgeon. Good luck and don't hesitate to get in touch if you need anything Daniela

Hi Robert. I am Celia, and I had bypass last June. So far I have lost just around 100 lbs, and am doing pretty good. I had my surgery at Dartmouth Hitch**** with Dr David Gould, and I am very glad I did it!! There have been plenty of ups and downs, but the goods far outweigh the bads in my opinion. If you have any questions, I would be happy to try and answer them for you. Celia

Hi Robert, We are neighbors! I have to tell you that, while I know everyone thinks their surgeon is the best, you just have to go meet Dr. Drinkwater. He is in Nashua, at Southern N.H. Medical Center. He is a fantastic surgeon. His team is an amazing group of people. You always know where you stand, how much longer you have until surgery, etc. Jen, the office coordinator, is a dream. She is organized, efficeint, sweet and just a total doll. How you start the process with Dr. Drinkwater is this: Call Jen. She will mail you an information packet. Fill it out and get it back ASAP. Jen will contact you and set up a time for you to meet Dr. Drinkwater 1:1, as well as a time for you to go to a new patient seminar. Usually the same day. Then, the pre-op stuff starts. I have a lot of info on how this works in my profile. Just click on the little "profile" button under my post here and it will bring you to my profile. You will see that I actually started out with a different surgeon but THANK GOD I switched and got Dr. Drinkwater. He is fantastic. I just can't say enough. He, as well as his team, is there for you before, during and most importantly IMO, after surgery. He is with you for life and encouarges his patients to call with questions, concerns, etc. He monitors your labs, weight, etc forever after surgery. He isn't the type of doctor who does the surgery and then you are on your own. You will also be assigned to a dietician who works on his team. She will follow you before, during anf after surgery, too. His number is 577-5757. Jen will most likely answer. Ask if she could send you the packet and start your process. It seems overwhelming at first, but the way Dr. Drinkwater runs his program, it won't seem scary or confusing. Jen will guide you along the way, as will the other Dr. Drinkwater patients on this forum! Best of luck to you! Hugs, Denise

Hi Robert! I think the biggest thing is to have a good relationship with the surgeon. You must really feel a connection with the person in some way. I would say most of the hospitals are very competitive in what they offer, how things are done, etc. Let's be honest...its a retail environment and they want the all mighty buck. Tour the facilities, meet the surgeons, etc. You'll know when you find the right one. If you are using insurance be warned that companies are beginning to discontinue services for new surgeries, so work as fast as you can in the time limits you have. Personally, I had my surgery in August 2004 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital with Dr. Paculli. I am down 92 pounds and feel fantastic!! I would recommend her to anyone. She's got a great bedside manner and makes sure you understand the risks involved. But, I'm sure other sugeons do the same thing. All I can tell you is that the surgeon and others in the program are giving you TOOLS for your new life. It is up to you to learn to use those tools in order to manage yourself and your new life. This is a lifestyle change. There will be ups and downs...both physically and emotionally. People can tell you about them, but each person is different and how you deal with them will be up to you. Use your support groups and people within the program as much as you need. That is why they are there. This is not like having a wart removed...you have surgery and are done. This is a lifelong commitment and change for you and your loved ones. Please feel free to contact me for support, questions, etc. My last word of advice is to visit the support groups associated with the programs you are interested in and talk with the folks there. You want an active support community for post-op and beyond. If you're interested in coming out to Portsmouth for a support group, let me know and I'll introduce you around. Our next group is the 3rd Monday of this month at 6:30pm. Take care and good luck on your journey!!