Question:
Looking for a little Guidance and HELP !!!!

Hi everyone.. Suegery is scheduled for 9-19 in the morning.. looking for a 4 day hospital stay, and hopfully and uneventful recovery period. Dr. Says I can retrun to work in 4 to 6 week. ( I amd 56 ) B U T... instead of returning to work, we have decided to move.....to FLorida. Our SOn is already in place.. Movers contacted, all I need to do is just go.. Here is my question>??? My Surgeon Dr. Randal states he sees no problem here, has written complete instructions for New Dr in Fl, (when I find Him or her.) but for the price of a plane ticket, I have already decdied to complete the first year of follow up with Dr. Randall. I personally think I can handle this schedule. but what if I can't. Does anyone in Fl in the OrlandoKissimmee area have a great surgeon they would like to recommend ? or just have any comments .... period. I realize that alot of us have travelled vast distances for this surgery, so think the travel for follow up can't be that bad... just need to be sure I have covered all the bases.... Thanks    — CK C. (posted on August 24, 2000)

August 24, 2000
The best advice I can give here is to resist ANY temptation to lift ANYTHING during the moving process once you have had your surgery. (I moved 6 weeks after my surgery, and I was very careful to have PLENTY of friends to help.) It is absolutely imperative that you not lift more than 20 pounds for at least 3 months after surgery (be sure to check your surgeon's guidelines). Otherwise you will run a high risk of rupturing something or getting a hernia. At the very least you will make yourself very sore and lengthen your recovery time. Fortunately you have a few weeks before your surgery, so I am sure you have already begun the packing process. Try to plan as best you can for your new house. For example, having each box marked very well with the contents and the room it will go to. This will help your family and friends when unpacking. And be sure to take care of yourself, first and foremost. Don't feel bad because you cannot lift or move or do a lot of physical work. Your family and friends will understand. Be a good "supervisor" and take charge of the pizzas, sodas and beer! They will appreciate it! Although with any move it's crazy, but at least keeping busy with that will take your mind off the surgery which is good. I also recommend that you have a special box or two (clearly marked) with anything you might need immediately after the surgery - protein supplements, vitamins, grocery list, over the counter meds or supplies, prescription meds, etc. The last thing you need is to find out your most important items are in the back of the moving truck. Finally, even though you have already decided to continue your follow up care with Dr. Randall, find out a few numbers for your new area just in case. There is certainly no reason to expect difficulties, but having the numbers of a local bariatric surgeon, hospital and pharmacy will give you peace of mind - just in case........ Best of luck to you. You'll do great!
   — Paula G.

August 24, 2000
I live in Mo., so I can't help you with a surgeon in FL, however, I'd like to mention, in addition to remembering not to lift things, keep in mind that riding for long distances or sitting in an airplane for hours can predispose you to blood clots in your legs, especially right after having major surgery. Make sure you stop (if driving) or get up and walk the aisles every hour or so, and keep your feet moving. Good luck.
   — Donna G.

August 25, 2000
Although I live in the Orlando area, I had to travel (because of insurance) to St. Petersburg, to Dr. Ernest Renhke. There is also a surgeon in Altamonte Springs, Dr. Butler (outside Orlando) that is a specialist in Gastric Bypass. He unfortunately was not on my insurance and I hear he is a great surgeon, a friend of mine had her bypass with him. Hope this helps
   — Jeanine F.