Input please

First, thanks to everyone who has been so kind to reply to my newbie questions. It is sincerely appreciated because, as I am sure you all know, this is a HUGE step and quite scarey in many ways. As you probably know, I am in the approval process to have my surgery done by Dr. Richards at Vanderbilt.  Well, I live in Meridianville, Alabama which is a 1 1/2 hour drive to Vandy.  Do you think this is too far to be from the hospital and Dr. Richards in case I were to have "problems" post-op?  Some of my friends have expressed concern that if I were to have complications after the surgery, I will be too far from help. I was thinking that if it were an emergency, I would call an ambulance or just go straight to Huntsville Hospital's emergency room.  What do ya'll think? Thanks in advance. 

Bob
[email protected]

Hi Bob and welcome.  I can only speak from my view and I picked a surgeon who was 3 hours away.  So far no problems.  Good luck to you. KIm

Thanks Kim!  That is good to hear. Also, my grandkids would love to have your pup Mickey to play with.

I would think that if you had a huge emergency, you could always make sure the ER doc knew you had gastric bypass, and give him your surgeon's name, number, etc... they could do a call to him if necessary...  I only lived less than an hour so I dont really know...  wish I had an answer...  but one thing with my doctor, if I contact him, he says "have a bag packed in case you have to stay over night..."  Good luck in your choices.

Thanks! The idea about having a bag packed just in case is a good one!

I live about an hour away from Vandy  where I do my follow ups. Have never had issues. The Er should be able to address any problems if emergency should occur. Best wishes to you. 

Bob, Juanitas rite, and her surgeon has just recently relocated to N.C. and is no longer at Vandy. But if there is an emergency you could contact your Surgeon and he could tell ya want to do, or direct you. More then likely you could go to the er there in Huntsville. and get whatever.  But certain one lives outside of the area too, so they do understand. It is a possible thing and do-able.  Good luck Barb

Thanks a bunch Barb!!

Thanks Jauanita! I thought the local ER should be able to take care of it too IF I needed to go there. 

Hi Bob,

I live about 2hours away from where my surgery was.  I would say, in an emergency you would go to the local ER and put a call into your surgeon so that they can discuss special needs you may have with the local ER doctor.

 

darlene