I would attend. The educational seminar (including cooking demos) sounds fantastic. I'm from a very rural, small town and no one around to chat with or socialize with that has been through this journey.

Thanks

Debb

Good morning - This is a bit long and I apologize for the length.

I had my RNY at the Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Kroh.  My surgery was the third week of July, 2013. My twin sister had a revision surgery (from lap band to RNY) a year earlier with Dr. Kroh. We would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Kroh and the Cleveland Clinic.

The staff is wonderful. Ryan (Dr. Kroh's Physician Assistant) is very accommodating, with a sweet, easy going bedside manner. Very professional - will laugh with you or if needed, he will explain difficult situations with an understanding of YOUR feelings.

 The Clinic itself is very organized, easy to navigate and very, very efficient (from Billing Department to everyone down the line: Transporters / Valet Parking / Pharmacy - all very professional).  Just a side note: when I had to return for an emergency visit after surgery - my wheelchair was being pushed in and the young man doing Valet parking said to me "God bless you and may he make your pain bearable"...it touched my heart that he took that moment to acknowledge my pain.

The nurses were knowledgeable, informative and the nicest I've ever met. From speaking with them during the beginning process...then having them during my three day recovery stay after surgery. Best of the best  !   Once you begin the WLS journey they have a computer program you can access at home that will post all your test results, upcoming appointments, and even let them order you new prescriptions - all accessible from your home computer. Loved this!

I live three hours from the Clinic and they will schedule multiple appointments for a single trip if you tell them you don't live close by.  I also know they have different hospitals affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic - if you cannot make it back to the main campus. Southpointe in Warrensville Heights is one. 

Be prepared when you go downtown to the main campus for your appointments - parking is $10.00 per visit and if you are recovering from surgery and can't walk to the parking garage - Valet is $12.00 and a tip.  [ Only downfall I've found ].

My twin sister was recently diagnosed with cancer and returned to the Cleveland Clinic - and what a blessing for her to have all her previous medical surgeries / records all in the same place and easily attainable. If the cancer surgeon had any questions on her previous records - they were made available quickly/within house.  She didn't have to call, fax or mail anything they didn't have..the nurses just pulled it up on the inhouse computer. If you should need further help after surgery for anything - they whole hospital is available, and all will be on the same page.

I had a few bumps in the road right after the surgery - recovery wasn't as quick and easy as most experience but I was so glad to have the Cleveland Clinic staff there when I needed them.  

PM me if you have any questions - and good luck on your journey.  Keep us posted !

Debbie