Question:
Did you have to travel out of state for Surgery and would you do it again?
I am considering traveling out of state to Baton Rouge, LA from NM to have WLS. My local surgeons are limited and to be quite honest the complication rate localy is HIGH. I want to know if you would travel to have the surgery and was travel difficult? — jessmessen (posted on June 23, 2002)
June 23, 2002
I didnt do this myself but am friends with a bunch who did. My surgeon
draws patients from states away, and lots travel because he takes on highn
risk LAPS. They are required to remain in the immediate area for 10 days
till the drain tube is removed, a precaution in case they have a
complication. All the ones I know are happy they did travel, and have no
problem traveling at 10 days post op.
— bob-haller
June 23, 2002
Hi. I travelled from WV to VA to have my surgery perfomed by a
"teacher" of the surgery at the University of Virginia Hospital;
thus, my decision to choose him. I knew I'd be in good hands, rather than
take a chance with someone around here with less experience. I made a good
choice, as I have had no complications whatsoever. Yes, I would do it
again.
— Annie H.
June 23, 2002
I traveled from Kansas to Dallas Tx to have my surgery. I would do it
again. At the time I had surgery there was no one here locally that did
the lap procedure that I was wanting. I ended up having open anyway but I
stil am glad I used the doctor I did. When you are coming back home after
surgery have lots of pillows in your car.
— Jane L.
June 23, 2002
Hi Jessica, I live in the state of Washington and I went to Denver for my
surgery. I have to fly back and forth for occassional follow up visits. Be
sure to plan on the extra expense of travel. I would do it again in a
heartbeat! I have a wonderful, caring surgeon. He works closely with my
primary care doctor here and she has seen me for follow up also. I would
advise that you had the support of a local doctor who would be willing to
work with your surgeon long distance so to say in case there was a need or
a problem. I had some problems with altitude in Colorado, but other than
that it was not a problem. I stayed with my sisters who live in Denver. You
will need somewhere to stay as you recover before you fly home. I was very
tired at airport as I had a lengthy layover in SaltLake City airport, but I
was ok with traveling.If flying, you will need someone to lift suitcase for
you etc and take lightweight carryon. I did not travel until I was about 13
days post-op. I had no complications, but found recovery difficult. I would
not have wanted to travel any sooner. You can email me if you'd like more
info on why I waited the 13 days.Everyone is different and some probably
traveled sooner! Best of luck to you!
— lovebug2
June 23, 2002
Since my insurance company was dragging its feet, I actually flew out of
the country for surgery.
Immediately postop, I was thinking, "I can't believe I did this."
and swearing I would lend my friend the extra money to have surgery in
state. By the second and third days postop, I was feeling better.
For me, I would make sure that I had someone traveling with me if I had to
do it again. I went alone...luckily there were two English speaking
patients with their families who were EXTREMELY helpful and supportive to
me.
It's your health and your body. Find the best surgeon that you are
comfortable with, and go wherever they are! Just take a buddy with you!
— Pamela B.
June 23, 2002
Hi Jessica,
I flew from ohio to Baton Rouge to have my surgery. I would definately do
it again. Dr Hargroder is an excellent surgeon. I went alone and had no
problems with that either. The staff at the hospital (Riverwest)are so
friendly and helpful.I agree with the previous posts that You really
should have a good primary care doctor at home that is willing to work with
you post- op.
— maryburton
June 23, 2002
Hi, I traveled from WV to OHIO. I trusted my surgeons facility more
knowing that they were specialist and more of them to handle problems
should they arise. I am so happy now. Down around 95-99 lbs (depends
upon the scales) and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
— TONYA B.
June 23, 2002
I didn't travel out of state for my surgery but I did travel out of town
from Los Angeles to San Diego (2 hour car ride). I did it because I wanted
the best surgeons. The car ride home post-op was fairly comfortable. And
yes, I would do it again. 7 weeks post-op and 40 pounds lost forever. :o)
— Jennifer A.
June 23, 2002
I live in Oklahoma and had my surgery in Texas. Of course I work in Texas
so I make that trip all the time, but there are lots of women in Okla. that
use the same surgeon that I did, Dr. Warnock in Wichita Falls. I would
highly recommend him, he is the most caring physician I have ever seen,
takes time with you, answers all your questions, most all his patients are
out in 3-4 days. That being said, I was not, I had to have a second
emergency surgery due to internal bleeding, and I couldn't have done it
with another doc, because let me tell you I was scared. However, I trust
Dr. Warnock and although I ended up in the hospital for around 17 days, I'd
do it again, with him I trust his care.
— Melody M.
June 23, 2002
I didn't travel out of state but I traveled almost 3-hours from my home
before my lap. RNY. I had surgeons in my home town who did the same
procedure but I didn't feel comfortable with them. Yes, it was worth my
trip and no, it wasn't too bad to travel - not at all. I came home in my
house/dress, drains, stitches & sutures with my flashy house shoes on
to boot. :) My sister drove slow and cautiously and we just took it at a
nice easy pace. She had me water and my medication as I needed it.
— Lisa J.
June 24, 2002
I had surgery May 29, 2002 with Dr. Hargroder. I live in Louisiana, but I
did travel about 2 1/2 hours to Plaqumine. You will be in such great hands
with Dr. Hargroder until you will never think twice about the traveling
issue. Lap is the only way to go and he is the best. Most people are up
and walking the same day. If you have any other questions please feel free
to email me. I know this is a stressful time. By the way I am 29 pounds
gone in 3 1/2 weeks....that's worth the trip to Plaqumine.
— Cindy M.
June 26, 2002
I made a 3 hour drive down-state to see my surgeon in New York City. It
was VERY inconvenient, and it was awful having to make that 6 hour round
trip for multiple pre-op office visits and post-op check-ups. But I would
do it again! I have no regrets about my choice. Great surgeon and great
result. I do have to be more assertive about seeking out local nutritional
support and I get general medical support from my PCP (getting labs done,
etc). My advice is to go for the best, most experienced surgeon. The
surgery lasts forever! The inconveneience is really only a temporary
problem.
— Kathy J.
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