Question:
Help! I have so many questions!

I have been given the "ok" from my PCP to have the surgery but I live in a small town. The only surgon that did the operation retired recently. So, I checked into the BTC in Ohio and they won't be able to help me until they sign up with my insurance company. They have put me on a waiting list and I will be called in a month or so!?!?! From there I will be given an appointment with a wait of a month or more... Then I will have 90 days more before they do the operation!!!! Where can I go and how do I get an appointment with a doctor in a reasonable amount of time? <b>(I live in Northwestern PA)</b> Also... I have had a ton of operations in the past and I do not ever do well post-op due to the drugs they use to knock me out. The type of operation I want is the Lap roux-en-y... Do I have a choice or am I doomed to be split wide open? Does anyone out there have any doctors that they could point me toward that would be willing to do the Lap and that has a good record and enough 'practice' with lap Roux-en-y? Please email me at [email protected] Thank you! Tracey    — Tracey A. (posted on October 21, 2000)

October 21, 2000
I live in southeastern PA and I traveled to NY for surgery. I found my surgeon through research and looking at the ASBS.org. Good Luck!!!
   — PrettyHotAndTempting

October 22, 2000
Hi Tracey: I just wanted to comment on your statement that you do not well with surgery because of anesthesia. Lap RYN requires a little more time under than open RYN. Also, please make sure you discuss this with the surgeon and anesthesiologists you choose - they may be able to make some adjustments. PS - BTC only does the open procedure. Good Luck!
   — Allie B.

October 22, 2000
Tracey, Just an addendum to Allie's response: I think that operating time varies from surgeon to surgeon and depends on expertise and experience. The time for my daughter's lap RNY was 55 minutes; mine took 1 hr. 10 min, the additional operating time was due to the significant adhesions (scar tissue) encountered from my previous gall bladder surgery 15 years ago. Anesthesia has also become much more improved and refined over the years; there are much fewer instances of "bad reactions" to the drugs than before...there are also much better drugs available to help you if you do have adverse side-effects. There is also a "myth" that circulates from time to time that "open" is preferable "because the surgeon can better see what he's doing". As a nurse who has observed and assisted with lap procedures, I can tell you that the magnification of the operating field on the TV monitors allows for much closer visualization of the area than the naked eye...the skill and expertise of a laparascopically trained bariatric surgeon is the key difference...there are just not nearly as many of these surgeons as those who perform "open" procedures. Let me be quick to say that I am not putting down open procedures; those who only perform traditional open procedures are just as expertly skilled in that area. The choice you make will depend NOT necessarily on what you want, but on availability of a surgeon who meets your needs, flexibility to travel (perhaps out of state), finances, coverage by your insurance provider, etc... Just do your research, try to find someone who best meets your personal needs, & work with your insurance to get the best "deal" possible. Remember that in the big picture, it's not so much lap vs open, as moving ahead in your goal for new health, new energy, new attitude and a new life. Best of luck!
   — Diana T.

October 22, 2000
I live in southcentral PA and have done alot of research around here. Hershey Medical Center has an excellent program and they have drs that do both open and lap. Also Dr. Luciano in Harrisburg does the lap procedure. Feel free to email me if I can help answer any questions as to those programs.
   — cheryl R.

October 22, 2000
My surgeon does not offer Laparascopic proceedures because of his desire to visualize all the other organs, feel the gallbladder, etc. I was "split wide open" two weeks ago, and today am nearly pain free, my incision is healed, and I had very little pain in the hospital because I had an epidural. I say don't get caught up in Lap or nothing. I know one woman who had a lap RNY, and because the dr. was fairly new at it, they made her pouch too big, and she only lost 40 lbs. Just find the best dr. for you, one who you are comfortable with and confident in.
   — Cara S.

October 22, 2000
Call Dr. Anita Courcalus at UPMC. 412-692-2630 She is fantastic I've known her for 15 years back when she was a second year surgical resident and she was excellent even then. She did my lap 4.5 mos ago lost 86 lbs, no complications, was back to work full time two weeks post op.
   — MARY E.

October 23, 2000
<b>Wonderful news!!!!</b> But first a big thank you to all the people who have sent me messages and words of wisdom!!! <p> <b>Dr. Anita Courcalus will be seeing me on December 4th!!! I am THRILLED~!!!!</b> <p> Thank you! Tracey
   — Tracey A.