Question:
Has anyone has WLS in Arizona? If yes, please tell me about your experience.

   — Christy H. (posted on April 18, 2003)

April 18, 2003
Hi christy. well, i AM in Arizona, but have not had the surgery yet. I am waiting approval from Aetna. Are you looking into the surgery? If you have any questions, I'd be happy to help you. There's also quite a few good groups on Yahoo! that can help tremendously.
   — kkernagis

April 18, 2003
I too am a pre-op Arizonan! I haven't had surgery yet, but a friend at work had surgery with my surgeon (Dr. Alan Newhoff) and had a near-perfect experience, no complications what-so-ever. What kind of info are you looking for? Feel free to email me if you think I can answer any other questions for you!
   — beeda

April 18, 2003
I had surgery in Oct of last year. Dr. Juarez at St. Lukes. Best thing I've ever done for myself. No problems at all. First 3 days are kinda rough, just mostly sore. Had LAP. No pain after 1 day. First day had morphine. I'm a 'light weight 55 years old so weight coming off slower than most but I've lost 70 lbs since then and have 30 more to go! WooHoo. Dr. Juarez is great, St. Lukes is so, so. Wasnt' real impressed with the care but did not have any real problems. The poor nurses are overworked so there ya have it. Any questions feel free to email me.
   — Sharon B.

April 18, 2003
I am in Arizona and had the Duodenal Switch with Dr Terry Simpson, the one who does the Friday night chats here. He is incredible! I had surgery 8 months ago on August 12, 2002 I am now down 108 pounds and over 60 inches. I have gone from a size 30/32 pants to a 16 or 18 and now wear either a 14 or 16 top. Dr Simpson is kind caring and personal. I love him. E-mail me withj any questions or check out Dr Simpson's website at www.arizonabariatriccenter.com
   — Stephanie B.

April 18, 2003
I, too, had the duodenal switch with Dr. Simpson. I am 6 weeks post op. Down 35 pounds. The first few days were rough on me, but after two weeks I was back to normal activity. I made the right choice for me having the DS and fortunately the only doc who does it is fantastic, funny, dedicated,skilled.
   — nicole P.

April 18, 2003
I had open RNY with Dr. Zahn at St. Lukes 7/2001. He is great and their aftercare program is awesome.
   — LLinderman

April 18, 2003
Hi Christy!! I had the Duodenal Switch with Dr Terry Simpson on 9/16/02, and am now 6 lbs. from my goal weight. I could not be happier. I no longer need meds for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesteral, or pain. My sleep apnea is gone. I have literally been given a new chance at life! Dr. Simpson has a great bedside manner and sense of humor. You never feel rushed with him. He is kind and really cares about all of us...his patients. His staff is wonderful and will work with you to get approved. Good Luck!! Diane
   — Diane R.

April 19, 2003
Hi Christy, I had an open RNY by Dr. Newhoff in Jan. 2003. I'm down nearly 75 pounds. This was performed at Good Sam Hosp. in Phoenix through my insurance plan. Can't say enough about it. I am living a different life, even though I'm at the beginning of the process. I have 130 lbs to go to reach my goal weight. I have never regreted the choice to do this. Life is short - I wanna have fun! Good luck with your weight loss, Laurie!
   — Laurie P.