HELLO PA Forum!

Newbie here. Thanks to a very nice person on the RNY forum this morning I found out about this group and wanted to introduce myself. I live in Philly and recently decided to learn more about WLS.  Like everyone else I've tried every non-surgical weight loss method known to man many times over. The most I've ever been able to lose on my own is 35 lbs back in 2002.  I've been over 200 lbs for about 10 years and the number is climbing... 

So I had a 3 hour appt last week at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital whi*****luded an information session, meeting with the surgeon, nutritionist,  RN, surgery coordinator, etc...  They were very down-to-earth, forthcoming and I liked the surgeon - Dr. Tichansky.  The program's only been around for 1.5 years but the Dr. who runs it comes from TN and has done 770 laproscopic procedures.  He does RNY, Lap Band and Revisions.   I am also going to Penn's WLS information session next week.  

Have any of you been to either program?  

Any feedback you can offer would be great.  Thanks!

--Carol

Hi Carol,

     Welcome to the PA Weight Loss Board.  This is a great site with lots of supportive people.  It really is like a "functional" family.  If you have questions there is usually someone on here who can answer them for you.  I had my WLS surgery done in June, 2009 at Barix Clinics in Langhorne by Dr. Boe.  They have a great support group there that meets on the 1st Saturday of the month for both pre-ops and post ops.  There is also a pre-op meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.  I have met some really great people on this board and at Barix.  The support is so important before and after your WLS.  Please hang around.  Sorry I can't offer you any info on Jeff or Penn. 

     Good luck with your journey and please keep on reading and posting.  Take care.

Donna

 Thanks Donna!  It's really nice to see such an active group.

There's also a post op meeting the third wednesday every month at Barix....

welcome aboard Carol.. I am not in Philly so I cannot offer any assistance on their program.  But, I can tell you that you have found the best, most supportive and loving board around.  We really are all like family. If you have been reading the posts, you will see how much we are here for each other.  We will coach you, pray for you, mentor you, teach you, and pick you up when you are down.  We will also kick you in the butt if you need it, but in the most loving way.

Stick around and good luck with everything!!

Carol, I'm glad you found us! I also had my surgery at Barix, with Dr. Pupkova, so I don't have first hand info on Jeff or Penn. Sounds like you are doing your homework!

Lynn

Hi Carol -
Welcome to the PA board !!   You have really found the OH hidden treasure.  You'll find that all the PA folks are warm & supportive. 

I'm a Barix baby.  Had my surgery June 2009 with Dr. Pupkova at Barix in Langhorne. I'm down almost 100 pounds.  I don't know much about the other programs that you are checking out, but I will say that Barix is worth checking into as well.  Great facility, great Dr.'s and really great support group set-up.

Lisa

Hi Carol - I too am a proud Philly girl.  About 5 years ago I went to an informational session at Penn - I don't know if I was not ready, or if it was their group - but I did not have it done there.  I am also a Barix baby - just about a year out....WOW!  And am thrilled with the results!  As Donna said (Spirit...) we have AMAZING support group meetings in Langhorne.  Only about a 20 minute drive from me at Grant and the Boulevard.  And, as the rest of these amazing people have mentioned - you will get support and friendship from ALL of the people here - and if I am in a good mood - you might even get a few laughs as well! :)  Welcome! :)

Welcome Carol...I have had many surgeries at Penn, but chose closer to home for RNY...Lehigh Valley...Cant say enough good things about the hospital and the staff!
Good luck with your journey

Hi Carol,
I am kinda a newbie too. Live in Philly.   I started my WLS journey about 2 months ago with an info session at Penn Presby.  I am really liking the program.  they are a center of excellence which is the reason I chose them. I did a LOT of research and wanted a COE.  There are the 3 hospitals, Penn, Penn Presby and Pennsylvania Hospital.  All are associated with the same program, just 3 different hospitals, I wound up at Preby, it is closer to where I live and that just happened to be the Info session I was up for.  The surgeon, Dr. Korus I really like.  He is really very friendly, personable and SMILES.  He ran the info session and he had some of the support group come and speak with us and they just adore him.  I did a lot of research on it and he has some great reviews.  Also at U Penn there is a doc Dr Noel Williams who seems to be a very well regarded surgeon as well.
I am liking this program as I find they are very very empathetic, friendly, helpful and respectful.  I am a self pay patient and I cannot believe how efficient the process has been.  I am done with all my testing, and on MOnday I am going back and hopefully (fingers crossed) I can set my surgery date.  I haven't been to a support group yet because the March one was cancelled due to the storms, the next is in April, they have them monthly on Saturday mornings. I saw one in progress and they seem to be well attended.  I do plan on going to the April one. 
Haven't been able to find anyone so far on the board from downtown Philly or that went or is going to Penn Presby or Penn, so feel free to reach out to me directly.  I would be happy to chat with you as you go through the process!  great to have another Philly friend.
This board is a Godsend..I mostly lurk, but whenever I have asked a question, the responses are so warm, friendly and knowledgeable, you just KNOW you are at the right place!

Michele