Question of the day

I'm sure everyone here is or has put a lot of time into researching WLS.  The questions today are: What information did you find most useful? (websites which ones, seminars, books, etc.....) Why did you choose your hospital/surgeon? Would you recomend them to someone else? I hope everyone has a great New Year and you achieve all your goals for 2008!!!

I checked the surounding area to see who all did the weight loss surgery.  There were 2 hospitals that were classified "Center of Excellence" and both happened to be in my insurance companies network.  After attending  seminars that each hospital put on I choose the one I felt best about.  I choose this one because you have personal interaction with the surgeon the other you just met the surgeon right before you were going into surgery.  I think it is important to know who the person is that will being doing major surgery on you.  I guess I'm funny that way.  Secondly a number of the people at the office have had WLS I felt this would be helpful in them understanding what you are going through since they have first hand experience.  Thirdly they are very adimant about support.  They have a number of support groups throughout the area and they also put on a number of functions for their patients.  It's like one great big family.  Lastly but probably the most important is I did research on the surgeon I choose.  I looked at stats (He has done over a 1000 RNY procedures with a very low mortality rate).  I also read a number of testimonials to see what people had to say about him.  He seemed to be a compasinate man but very straight forward, this is the type of personality I was looking for. I haven't had WLS yet so I can't 100% say I would recommend my surgeon but from what I have seen so far I would encourage someone to check them out.

I have two questions. One, who is your insurer?; and two, why RNY? I am having BPD and have had to fight my insurance company all the way. But I finally won.

I'm actually in the middle of switching.  I had Blue Cross of CA and will be switching 1-1 to Blue Shield of CA. I chose RNY because I fell I need something to help me stay disaplined and since it makes you dump if you stray I felt it was best for me.  It also seems to help you loose more upfront and I personally felt I needed that boost.

 

Congrats on winning your battle with the insurance company what a great way to start the new year.  Keep in touch and let me know if you have any other questions.

Ok here it goes -

1. I did about 1.5 years of research before I chose the one I did. I did a lot of web surfing. No particular one, except OH. I also was a reader for about 6 months on this forum

2. I used a facilitator called NeWeigh here on Houston. I did that because it was easier. They had the people to fight the ins co, to answer the denials, etc. Now yes they do have a network of Dr's they use for the WLS, EGD, etc, but I researches all the Dr's prior to seeing them. I chose the Dr based on the info I recvd from NeWeigh and my research. Also becuase of friends who had used him. Also he is a great guy. The hospital was the 'one on rotation' with the contract with NeWeigh. BUT I am glas I used them as they are the best hospital I have ever been to and dealt with. I alsi go back there about every week to flirt and show off to the nurses. They are a specialist hospital - specialize in WLS and orthopedic surgeries. They have 8 total beds in the whole place.

3. ABSOLUTLY, WITHOUT ANY DOUBT.

Sean

I did the same as above. When I started I thought I was approved by what my insurance rep. said in our innitial conversation. I never realised BCBS needed a one year diet history monitered by my PCP. Later during the process BCBS changed to six month plan. In any case I chose a Surgeon who had the most experience. At the time he had done over 600 RNY. I also liked him then and now even more!! Good Luck

TP, Good question! Keep ‘em Coming!

What information did you find most useful? (websites which ones, seminars, books, etc.....)

Well, Local support group info was helpful but much of my research Was done in library and on the web. Some great sources are-

Kay Bailey’s Library at- LivingAfterWLS Craig Thompson’s Site at- RenewedReflections Big Sean’s WLS Forum at fatblog and of Course, (My Personal Favorite) The "Non-Profit WLS Info and Support Site" QuixoticWLS As for "Helpful Books?" Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies Very Helpful when first starting out. Reach for the Stars: A Guided Journal for your Weight Loss Surgery Also super helpful for the "Whole Lifestyle Change" business. Why did you choose your hospital/surgeon?

I did a very extensive "Doctor Shopping" expedition. Nearly went to Dr. Husted in Tennessee, but decided To go with the RNY after much checking. I fortunately found a Center of Excellence here in My Hometown Where one of the Docs was the Chief of Surgery at the Hospital And his "Jr. Partner" was the "Go To" Surgeon for intestinal repair. They also have excellent long-term patient ‘follow-up / after-care’ Would you recommend them to someone else? Yes. They have done thousands of Procedures Lap, Open, RNY’s Revisions, Lap-Bands, and in all of that time, I have the distinction of being their ONE Complication Patient. (Just my Luck) You’re in Tennessee? Which end of the state? I’m just across the border in Mississippi. Memphis has some awesome places as well, so does Nashville. Hope this is the sort of info you were after… Best Wishes- Dx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dx, I am in middle TN just outside of Nashville.  I'm planning on using Dr David Dyer at Centennial. I travel the state along with 7 others.  Maybe we can meet up sometime when I'm in the Memphis area.

Dr Dyer is my wife's surgeon and she loves him. He is a really nice guy to.

What information did you find most useful? (websites which ones, seminars, books, etc.....) I have stayed mostly on this website, the Texas board has been very helpful.  I also have grabbed recipes from bariatrieating.com. 

Why did you choose your hospital/surgeon? My wife had the surgery 18 months before I did.  We did not really look around for a surgeon.  We knew what hospital we would use.  We went to the orientation briefing.  A doctor was speaking, and he was having problems with the overhead projector.  One of his cohorts came in and took over the conference, without missing a beat.  We knew he was the one we wanted.   That was why we chose him for my wife.  I saw how he handled patients and knew he was going to be my doc too.  My wife had a hematoma on day 3 of being in the hospital (she had to be cut open).  Dr Matin personally called me to tell me to come to the hospital.  He did not pass that deed off on a nurse.  Excellent bedside manner.

Would you recomend them to someone else?Without a doubt.