Newbie Here...U of Penn Presbyterian Hospital

Hi everyone,
I am new to the boards.  I am just starting my process and have done my info session and will have my first consultation at U of Penn Presbyterian this week.  Anyone here familiar with them that can just give me some info on the staff, their experience etc?  Also any information about what to expect on the first visit consultation would be appreciated.  I am just not sure what to expect, who do you meet with? Is there an exam? do you meet the surgeon?
thanks everyone!  great to have a support mechanism like this board and everyone so helpful!

Every program is a little different, they wil tell you exactly what you need. Welcome to the Pa board , it is the best! Everyone here is great, in my opinion!
Don't be afraid to ask questions

Hi Michele,

I agree with Lynn, this is the BEST board around!! We also have a support group that is also GREAT! We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at Barix Clinic in Langhorne from 7-9pm. Many people try and go to other support groups but EVERYONE says that ours is the one to go to.
Welcome to the board! Get ready for the ride of your life....we will make room for you on the loser's bench post op!!!

Beth

Thank you all for your responses.  This board has been a godsend to me..I have done so much "lurking" around and gathering so much information that I feel so prepared and so happy to have a place where I can talk with people who are going through the same thing or have gone through it.
I am one of those people who does a LOT of research before doing something and I have been researching and thinking about RNY for about 6 months now...and now I am ready to start my journey!
So excited.  Thank you all again for making me feel so welcome!!!

Michelle, I work just around the corner from Penn Presby on Market St. I don't go into the office every day, but let me know when your surgery is scheduled.

And yes, this board is wonderful! So are the support groups at Barix - I'm feeling a little deprived since I didn't get to go in February, and won't be able to go to the first Saturday March meeting either. :-(

I don't know the specifics of their program but wanted to welcome you aboard! The basics are the same for each surgeon though and we can certainly help with all that

I really don't remember seeing anyone here who had their surgery at U of Penn Presb.  I had mine at Temple - Jeannes with a surgeon who is no longer there.  That program did not have much support and what they had wasn't really accessible to me (5:00 on Wednesdays in the city when I'm in Bucks County).  This board has been most of my support but I also attend Liz's monthly cooking class when I can.  I've attended a couple Barix support sessions as well and need to go again but timing hasn't worked.

Lisa Mc
 

Michele,

Welcome to the best board of all. Good luck in your journey. Barix also has a 1st Saturday support group for both pre-ops and post-ops from 12 to 4. I am so looking forward to the one in 2 weeks. You do not have to have your surgery at Barix to attend. We are a great bunch of people who are struggling and successing together. It's a daily process and the best decision that I have ever made. I am almost 9 months out and I can't believe how much better my life is now. I read the board every day faithfully and post sporadically. Glad to have you become part of the family. Take care.

Donna

Michele,

First off welcome to the boards and to the journey.  I had my surgery at U of Penn,  Pennsylvania Hospital.  You will acquire a wealth of knowledge and lots of love on this board.  The people here are without a doubt the best.  There is a woman on this board named Georgianne who had her surgery at Penn Presby and she had done very well on her journey.  Perhaps she will read the board and see your question and contact you.

As someone said in a previous post each practice does things slightly different but the bottom line is that we are all in the journey together.  You have come to the right place for support and information. 

Much luck to you in your journey.

Jeanne

First of all, thank you all for your welcome and words of encouragement. I cannot tell you all how excited I am to start this process.!!!

My understanding is that U of Penn Hospital and U of Penn Presby are all part of the same bariatric unit...at least that was the impression they gave me...my first info session was supposed to be at U Penn but of course we got the snow storm (actually BOTH of them!!) and I changed to this one...so I believe they are all part of the COE but different docs.....I am certainly hoping this one is a COE because that is what I am banking on.

AFter my consultation, I will check back with all of you next week....very excited to get going on my journey...!!