Advice please

I had RNY on 2/1/11 at Duke in Durham but I live in the Raleigh area. After attending a orientation with a friend who is considering surgery, I was told that I could transfer to another surgeon in Raleigh and have my follow ups at Duke Raleigh. The pros are: reduced travel, gas, and time away from work. I can't think of a con. Can anyone tell me what would be negative about this? I never see my surgeon only the assistants. My next follow up is in a year. Any advice?

Hi Toni,

Like you, my surgeon is no longer with the practice at Duke Durham, so now I have most of my appointments at the Raleigh office and to be honest, I like that office better. It's smaller and in my experience very patient oriented. I also really like their monthly support groups; they use a different format than the Duke Durham support groups do and I like it better.

Of course, no matter where you got with Duke they are going to have access to your medical records so it's really pretty seamless.

I hope that helps. 

Thanks Babara it does. I wasn't sure if it would be a problem. I'm going to cancel my appointment in Durham after I call Duke Raleigh to get one scheduled for my 1 year. By the way, do you think I need to go to a group meeting for 6 months? Do you remember if they said anything too different than 3 months? I was allowed to start introducing all foods at the 3 month so I'm not sure what else she could offer at a 6 month.

Honestly, it's been such a long time that I don't recall all of the advancement details for 6 months. I think that at that point all restrictions were pulled, so I could eat salads, pasta, rice, etc... if I had room for them. It sounds to me like things may have changed since Ben and I had ours if you had all restrictions lifted at 3 months. That said, I'd touch base with them first just to be sure. I think if you leave a message and ask them to provide you with the information that should work. 

 

Hi,

I also need to find a good bariatric doctor.  I am thinking of going to that new place in Raleigh. What do you think?

Hi Paula,

Dr. DeMaria was my surgeon and is, without a question, a good bariatric surgeon and he is building his practice on treating the 'whole' bariatric patient with an emphasis on aftercare.

Here is his contact information: 

Dr. Eric DeMaria - m(919) 861-6366

New Hope Wellness Center, 9910 Strickland Rd, Suite 100 Raleigh NC 27615

If you decide to go see him, please do give him my regards,

 

 

I had my surgery at Duke Raleigh, and like you said...follow-ups are with the surgeons assistant.  I like the Raleigh office as well.  They are moving a little further down Wake Forest Road, if they haven't already moved last week.  So, just a heads up that they will no longer be located on the campus of the hospital!

Thanks, it will still be closer than driving all the way to Durham. My friend is seeing Dr. Yoo, so I'm going to try to get a follow up there. Not sure if I need to see him or if I will see a assistant. Thanks for the information.

I am seeing Dr. Yoo in Raleigh next week for my consultation! I'm excited and nervous! :-) I wanted to go to the office in Durham because it was closer to where I work but I had trouble getting in touch with someone on the phone. I called Raleigh and they answered right away! Good luck!

Thanks, I made my appointment and it was really easy. I called and Dr. Yoo's Nurse called and had them transfer my file. It took her 2 hours. They are good.