Question:
Has anyone had surgery done in Lyon, France?

I am on the end of my rope! Each month I feel worse and worse physically - I am just over 400 pounds now. (lower back pain, bone spur problems, knee joints) Surgeries here, if I do even get approved for a surgery through insurance could be months and months away. I am seriously considering, in fact, going through financial options - to get surgery done in Lyon, France by a Dr. Teboul at the Hopital Edouard Herriot. Has anyone had surgery here? I read in the bulletins that a gal is scheduled today, August 28th, for a surgery with Dr. Frering - I believe they work at the same hospital, but specialize in different types of surgeries. I can get into surgery there by the end of November!! To me, that is more important than waiting months and months to wait for freakin' insurance. I also though am not stupid and want to try and find out about the hospital and, of course, the surgeon. I just want to "re-"start my life - be able to do fun and physical things. Am I just insane to want this quick?    — Linda K. (posted on August 28, 2002)

August 28, 2002
Well as a PRE OP speed is all I wanted! But as a POST OP I can see some good in reasonable delays, like 6 months to under a year... Now I realize my opinion may not be popular. But rushing into this is NOT a good idea. <P> Time gives us the ability to ponder our options, for me try one last diet. To consider and get determined to follow the post op surgeons program, to last supper till were sick of food, To try to exercise as best we can. To make lifestyle changes pre op like some who quit smoking. WLS is a defining moment in most of our lives, its good to think about it and I believe the time has great value, although I admit its the pits as a pre op. Now I would want a local surgeon in case of short term or long term complications. Every now and then somene has surgery and gets very ill and has a rough time. Better to be near your surgeon if possible. Jewn my wife had a reough first month or so, wouldnt want to be halfway around the world from her surgeon. Given ALL this if you really want surgery FAST then go for it. But do be aware of the possible troubles. One last though, if you go with a out of area surgeon find a local support group you can attend. Support AFTER surgery both physical and morale is VERY important. Sorry to be a wet blanket on your idea....
   — bob-haller

August 28, 2002
Hi... Just a suggestion.. I am leaving to go to Brazil for a DS on Setpember 23rd, surgery is on September 26th. Dr. Marchesini is a Board Certified Surgeon here in the states, as well as England and Brazil. He practiced in Philly before moving home to Curitiba, Brazil. I am very confindent in his skills. I know going that far away has its disadvantages, but for the price $8000.00 + airfare and hotel, you cant beat it. Check out the web site DuodenalSwitch.com You will see his website. It is in Portugese, but if you go to Yahoo and put in Translations all you have to do is put in his web address and it will translate for you! Good luck!
   — Jacklyn C.

August 28, 2002
This is Linda, thank you for writing in, and please, others continue also. Although I haven't given up this idea totally, it is on the backburner. My mind is constantly on this - as I am sure you can all relate - my mind is just spinning with every thought I have. Before I even got on here this morning I had decided to pull the reins back a bit - it is funny that Bob and Kim echoed my thoughts exactly. I need to take the time and try and go through the insurance route, if for no other reason than to take this time to exercise and diet and make myself stronger for surgery. And yes, Kim, I am with you too!! Halfway through my workshift tonight I was thinking I want to totally enjoy FRance when I get there, not be looking at it through the window of a hospital. But, I'd like you to know that this wasn't a rash decision, although it does sound like one. I originally thought of surgery as an option over a year ago, researched it then. My dear husband talked me into trying "one more diet." At that time, it was probably a good thing. No doubt about it. What threw me over the edge recently is feeling worse and worse and not seeing any light in this long tunnel for a very long time. Thank you for your comments, I welcome more. In case I have to self-pay, does anyone know of reduced-priced GOOD surgeons in the Portland, OR area, I would even go up to Seattle. That I think is close enough also.
   — Linda K.