Where to Begin?

Hello!  I am ready to get the surgiccal help I need to regain my health.

I have been reading about Banding and Bypass , but don't know which would be best for me.
My surgery would definitely be covered by Insurance here in the Boston area, but I need to have more info on the procedure , what to expect, which is best, what are the complications..and also some live people who have gone through the surgery to talk with face to face.

Are there any support/discussion groups here in the Boston area coming up, and if one is being given, is it open to those not committed to that particular hospital?

How does a beginner get started in the search?
singingintherain

Great attitude for the new year!  I personally began my search by talking to my primary care physucian, who I trust implicitly.  She referred me to a particular group of doctors, and after attending the introductory meeting, did some research and chose a few surgeons to meet with and learn about their programs, as everyone's post op program is very different.  I had a list going...if I didn't like #1, then I would move to #2 and not settle until I felt comfortable...I was lucky...surgeon #1 was excellent and I chose him, but not everyone is that lucky...

Going to a pre and post op support group is an EXCELLENT idea...If you are looking in the city specifically, there are groups at Brigham & Women's, Faulkner, NEMC, etc...Newton-Wellesley also has had great reviews and is just outside of the city...

Good luck with your journey!

Congratulations! 

I made my decision in March, 2008, and got the surgery in August, 08 - so six months from start to surgery for me.   NWH requires you to go to the informational orientation meeting which lasts about 2 hours before you see the doctor.  Dr. Partridge spoke at the orientation, and answered all my 4 pages of questions - which worked out well.  She was the 2nd doctor that I had met with.    I'm sure that BW, Deaconness and other major hospitals near you offer support group meetings - check out their websites.   NWH is www.nwh.org.      I was lucky in that a co-worker of my husband had the surgery the previous year, and served as my mentor.   Six months of emails almost every day - answering so many questions and giving so much support.        

Susan

I agree with the previous posters, Attend the introductory meetings for different programs. They are free, VERY informative and happen quite often. Some of them all of their surgeons attend and speak, and some one surgeon speaks for them all. Both that I attended had support staff give an overview as well.

The pre-op and post-op support groups are wonderful as well. Ask the programs if you can attend those meetings before committing to their program.... I know that the program that I went through at Lowell General is open to the public.

If you have any questions that you would like to ask me about my experience at any time, send me a PM and I will help you as best I can.

Good luck on this wonderful journey!!

Martha

i agree with multi-mom - I went to info sessions at 3 hospitals before making my decision about which surgery and what hospital.  I was VERY happy with Newton Wellesley and Dr. Gazmuri.  I was also very impressed with the program in Lowell.  

I personally wanted a program that was very all-inclusive.  I liked that these 2 programs had psych people and nutritionists dedicated to their programs.  The surgery is the easy part, you're out cold, I wanted to make sure that there was going to be support when i needed it afterward.  I was sure i picked the right place when i went in, but 2 days after coming home from the hospital my surgeon called to check on me.  I thought that was the greatest thing ever!

So shop around.  none of us can tell you which surgery is the best.... we're all partial to the one we picked. :)

I know Winchester Hospital is holding a "Short and Long term postoperative general support group meeting" tomorrow night January 6th from 7-9 at the Jenks Center 109 Skillings Road in Winchester, MA.  For more info you can all 781-662-2288 and no you do not need to be committed to attend.

My PCP recomended the surgery back in April.  My insurance company required me to participate in a 6 month program before they would approve the surgery.  I took that time to research the two procedures and connect with other people.  During that time I ended up finding out that two of the Mom's I met up with through my kids schools had the procedure done before I met either of them and both look wonderful.

I hope that helps,
Brenda

Thank you Brenda . 

The program at Boston Medical is an excellent one.  Everyone is in the same department...surgeon, internal medicine, nutrition, social services and psych.  Dr. Hess is an amazing surgeon.  They have support meetings the first and 3 thursdays of the month at 530 pm at the Newton Pavillion.