Leary About Having Surgery

Can anyone give me any good information about having the surgery? I am very leary about having it done. My sister's friend died from complications of the surgery a few days after surgery. Does anyone know the risks? I know I need to do something and this seems like a good thing to do. I just need some reassurance. Has anyone had the surgery at the Johnson City, TN hospital? If so, what dr. did you use and what was your overall experience? I appreciate any help I can get with this. Thanks.

Beth, I'm sorry to hear about your sisters friend. You are doing the very best thing, asking questions. I was very nervous about this whole procedure, too. I started doing research in July and I'm scheduled for surger Friday morning. I don't know anything about the doctors or hospitals in Johnson City, as I'm in Nashville. I will be happy to answer any questions you have, but just know it won't be right away. If at all possible, find a support and start going to that, before surgery. I did that, and it ed answer a lot of my questions. Take care, Beth

Thanks for the quick response. I will try to find a support group here. Other responses I have received suggested the same thing. Good luck with your surgery on Friday. I will say a prayer for you. Thanks, Beth

Beth. The surgeons in Johnson City are Dr. Hodges and his partner Watson. Both are very good and all I've heard from prior patients, the hospital and the Dr.'s staff are friendly and helpful. This is the best site to get information. I sincerely wish you the best of luck in your journey to a better life. My surgery date is the 9th, and I am looking forward to it. When you attend your surgeons seminar, everything will be explained to you at that time. You will have a chance to ask questions, meet the surgeon at that time. They do their own seminars. Always, Kathy

Kathy, Thanks for the response. It's nice to know that someone knows who's who around here. How can I find out about a surgeons seminar? I would love to attend as I have many questions. Thanks, Beth

Hello Beth. Im having my surgery on 1/13/06 at the Medical Center. My doctor is Dr. Watson. I have had a really good exprience with him and his staff so far. Im not sure what else I can tell you at this point. I guess I can help you more after surgery. Good luck! Kristi

Kristi, It's nice to find someone so close by. I see we don't live far from each other. I have heard of Dr. Watson and have heard good things about him. I'm sure you are very excited about having the surgery. I would like to keep in touch with you here before and after your surgery. It would be nice to know what to expect when and if I decide to go through with it. Best of luck to you with the surgery. Beth

I had Lap- Band surgery in November with Dr. Hodge at the Johnson City Medical Center. I have found him and his office very helpful. I don't know what kind of surgery you are having but he does the RNY and Band. There is a yahoo online group for Tri-Cities patients. Search yahoo groups for TriCities WLS Support Group. Or call his office about the next support group meeting at the JCMCH - his number is 975-0764. Good luck. I have done very well with the band and had no complications. Maybe you might think about the band instead of the RNY. But, make the right choice for you. Catherine

I had Lap- Band surgery in November with Dr. Hodge at the Johnson City Medical Center. I have found him and his office very helpful. I don't know what kind of surgery you are having but he does the RNY and Band. There is a yahoo online group for Tri-Cities patients. Search yahoo groups for TriCities WLS Support Group. Or call his office about the next support group meeting at the JCMCH - his number is 975-0764. Good luck. I have done very well with the band and had no complications. Maybe you might think about the band instead of the RNY. But, make the right choice for you. Catherine

Catherine, You are definitley the person I want to talk to. I wont have the stapling done but I have been looking into the Lap Band. That seems to be much safer. Is that correct? I was worried that no one around here did that procedure. I will defintley call his office and find a support group. Thanks for all your advice and information. Beth