New to this site and have surgery on 8/7/2007....

Has anyone on here had Dr. Howell do their surgery, that is my surgon and I am starting to get the thoughts of I don't know if I want to do it.  I have my pre op on Wednesday, and am so nervous that everytime I eat I get sick. So any advice on Merit Care?? I see that the last post stated the stay was not that good, may I ask why????? THXS

I had my surgery on May 16 in Merit Care.  I did not have Dr. Howell, I had Dr. Garcia, but I am sure that Dr. Howell is a great doctor.  I know he has done many, many of these surgeries over the years.  Fears of surgery are normal...we all have them...so don't feel bad that you are having these feelings.  Just don't give up...you are on your way to a whole new life...a better one by far.  I feel better now than I have felt in many year....my health has improved so greatly it's unbelievable.  It is indeed the best decision I have ever made...to have this surgery.  As for the Merit Care stay, I don't have any complaints.  I ended up being there for six days, and found everyone to be supportive and helpful.  Hope this will help you...your time is getting close now...and soon you will be on the way to a better life... I don't know where you are from, but if you are in the Valley City area, we are starting a WLS support group, the first meeting is to be August 21, (Tues) at 7:30 PM in the Mercy Hospital Educational Building.  You may not feel up to attending that meeting, but if you are interested, send your email address to me and I will inform you of future meetings. OK?  Good luck to you on the 7th....soon you will be on the loser bench with us !!!

I had Dr. Monson, from Merit Care....... he was very caring.  I was originally   to have same day surgery, however my surgery was very late in the day.  It was felt I would be best served by an overnight stay.  The care I rec'ed was excellent.  I have no complaints.  They provided me with pain meds frequently when I was in discomfort.  I have a very  low tolerance to pain, so it was very appreciated.  I have no complaints for the care I rec'ed.  I am also a nurse from a town 100 miles away.  I hope this helps.

I did not have Dr. Howell, but I have a very good friend who did.  He had nothing but good to say about Dr. Howell. The nurses and nurse assistants and doctors were awesome while I was in the hospital, which was 4 days.  I had a different surgery last fall and was in the hospital twice for that procedure (infection the 2nd time) and again, the care of the staff was wonderful. Good luck to you.

hi: today is your surgery, I really hope it went well! Let us know when you can. Sorry I didn't see this post before.  judi

Pray you're doing well, let us all know!