Something to consider

When we are searching for a surgeon to do our WLS we always ask about their complication record, how many deaths, and how many surgeries that have performed. It's like this is what most of us base our decision on which surgeon to choose. Here's another thought that I wouldn't of even thought about, something I just take for granted when going in and having any type of surgery or procedure. How about the anesthesiologist? In yesterdays Fresno Bee there is an article titled "Medical board penalize doctor" he is sited for a death of a WLS patient in 2001. Do we ever question the surgical team? I haven't, actually just take it for granted that they are going to do a good job for my surgeon. Something to think about....eh?? Darlene (wearing a new suit)

When you think about it the anesthesiologist is the most imp doc in the OR. S(he) literally holds you life in her/his hands. Love the suit. Great color on you! Paula

Thanks Paula, lately I've needed that suit on more boards than one....lol Darlene

When I went in for surgery last they handed me a piece of paper to sign. There was a blank line where the anesthesiologist's name is suppose to be. I asked them if they thought I was NUTS and would sign a blank form?! They told me they always fill that in later. I said, "yeah, and I guess if you need to use the hospital custodian in a pinch there's nothing I could do about it if I'm stupid enough to sign a blank form!" I insisted that I meet the anesthesiologist first and that s/he put their name on the form before I signed it. I know the hospital staff thought I was a pain in the rear but I am amazed at how many times these days I'm asked to sign incomplete paperwork or paperwork that claims I'm receiving supporting documentation that hasn't yet been given to me. I'm no lawyer but I'm not an idiot either! DeeDee

Wow, This is something to think about. On the hospital release form, it states that the anesthesia alone could cause paralysis or death. It usually scares me when I have to sign the paper before surgery. I wish you the best!! Hugs, Tammy

Darlene, I requested, and Got, the same anesthesiologist for my WLS As I had for my Open Heart Surgery. My Hospital has an "Anesthesiologists Associates" Group That provides the anesthesiologists for all of the hospital's Procedures. It's a group of some 10 to 12 Drs. When I went for my "pre-admit" I said I wanted the same person Since they would know me from the previous surgery. I was told that it was highly irregular but they would set up a consult. I told my surgeon that I wanted the same guy, And I have no idea if he was instrumental in "making it happen" Or if it was just the "luck of the draw," But I got my same Anesthesiologist as before. My rationale for using this particular Anesthesiologist? My Heart Surgeon had been the "Big Wig" at the hospital And I figured if that was the Anesthesiologist that worked as part Of "The Dream Team" before, how bad could he be? On the other hand, During the last 3 years I've been "hooked up" with 5 different Nutritionists each time I've had dealings with one. Best Wishes- Dx

True story from my WLS: After I had been given the babble juice for WLS, there was a delay in getting my surgeon into OR . A 2-hour delay! I was laying around in the OR on a gurney, chatting (actually babbling) with the anesthesiologist. I asked him about his education (Johns Hopkins), residency, and the weight of the largest person he had ever put under (510). On a shelf in the corner of the room is a radio, tuned to a oldies station. A Motown tune "My Girl" comes on the radio, so I start singing (or perhaps bellowing) along. He joins me. I sit up, then get off the gurney, and start doing moves like the backup singers do. The anesthesiologist joins me. My surgeon walks in on this, busts out laughing, and joins the line. Keep in mind, I am 'dressed' for surgery, the docs are as well, but 'dressed for surgery' means something distinct and very different for docs vs patients. The tune ends, Dr P (my surgeon) mentions something about every one the must be on drugs, I get my butt back on the gurney and I wake up in recovery 7 hours later. Nowhere Man/PH/Jay

That is too funny Jay

Jay, I have a mental picture of you three busting moves to the music, what a scream!!! Hugs, Connie

Ha!! Were the rest of your surgery team on drugs too?? LOL. What would be really freaky is that none of that actually happened but was actually suggested to you right before the anesthesiologist knocked you out. He should have added in something about dancing bears or dancing intestines or something. Michelle 294/148