Hartford Hospital Hospital
My journey to have gastric bypass was a long, emotional one right up to the day of surgery. I originally was referred to Dr. Tishler but due to schedule conflicts, I accepted an appointment with Dr. Papasavas. I was told by so many people that it really did not matter which one was my surgeon because they simply were both masters at what they do and I would be in the best of hands regardless.
The day of my surgery was a bit crazy. The anesthesiologist had concerns over a medicine I was still on which typically would have been stopped prior to any surgery. My perscribing physican instructed otherwise so that meant some serious discussions right when I should have been being wheeled into the operating room. Once the anesthesiologist talked to Dr. Papasavas and I about his concerns, Dr Papasavas was on the phone with my perscribing physican immediately. He also had the anesthesiologist speak with him as well. Later I learned discussions were also had with the Head of Pain Management at Hartford Hospital because my medication had serious consequenses with the anesthesia but also with the typical pain medications given post surgery. My surgery was seriously delayed because these consultations needed to happen. In the end I was given an arterial line to closely monitor my blood pressure during surgery and only then, was I cleared for surgery. The last thing I remember saying to Dr. Papasavas was that I felt bad about pushing his schedule back hours but he assured me I was his only surgery that day and not to worry.
I went through the surgery with flying colors thanks to the entire operating team at Hartford Hospital. Although I could not have the typical strong pain medication that normal patients would benefit from, I understand it was a small price to pay for ensuring my safety.
The morning following my surgery, I met my roommate for the first time and we were swapping stories. She mentioned Dr. Papasavas was her surgeon too. Then...she said "for some reason, my surgery yesterday was delayed for a couple of hours"... Right then I knew it was because of me! And I thought back to Dr. Papasavas trying to put me at ease going into surgery, telling me not to worry about his schedule. He didn't want me worrying about the lost time. His concentration was on me and my safety that morning - where it should have been.
I never had any issues related to the actual surgery. I healed quickly and have been losing weight and becoming healthier with every passing day.
I admit, I have s soft spot for Dr. Papasavas. Yes, as others have said he does have a dry sense of humor but I also found him to have a wonderful bedside manner. I sense a soft side with him too and this is very comforting. Afterall, he took my life into his hands, worked his magic, and then gave it back to me. Thanks to him, my future is now full of possibility!
Thought I would do a second review after my VSG surgery. I was scheduled for RNY but due to some complications had VSG. I wish I had surgery 10 years ago! But then again, wouldn't have met Dr. Papasavas then. Surgery went well, nursing staff is wonderful at Hartford Hospital on that unit. My sis has been a nurse in that hospital for 25 years and says "they have their act together". Well taken care of. I had to return the following week for dehydration, but the doctor did warn about it -- so do everything they tell you to do. I attend the monthly support group meetings, love meeting new friends there, and am so happy with my weight loss progress. Dr. Papasavas is great. Very compassionate, good surgeon. Someone on the hospital staff told me they would have him operate on them any day. That says a lot.
Have had my initial consult with Dr. Papasavas and find him very professional, with a dry sense of humor. He really has put me at ease, and although I had thought I would have lapband surgery, he gave me all the right reasons to have RNY. Hopefully all goes well with my pre-op appointments, which seem to be taking forever (I'm not a patient patient), and I will most likely have surgery end of March, beginning of April.
I know two people who have had lapband performed by Dr. P. and both are very happy with his work. His practice's info session was great, have been to two support sessions also. Looking forward to seeing him again next week.
Great! Dr. Papasavas was great, his staff is really nice. He's caring, and he makes sure you have all the information you need and stresses to call the office for anything. Very Professional. He came to see me just before surgery, he wanted to make sure there were no concerns, etc. He went to see me while at the Hospital, and if he wasn't there, someone else was to check up on me, but they knew all about me in detail. The staff at Hartford Hospital, all nurses and Patient Care Personnel, were all wonderful. I do have to say Ifeoma, one of the nurses there, was so awesome, I ended staying a few more days extra with complications, not related to the WLS, and I can't believe the wonderful treatment I received especially from her and all the staff at Hartford Hospital. The only little problem I had was trying to get my "return to work" note from Dr. Papasavas Office, which made me upset, but it was solved the same day by Melissa, one of his nurses, which by the way is awesome to deal with. I have a follow up in a couple of weeks, and I am looking forward to it! Have a little list of things to ask, so I won't forget.
Dr. Papasavas truelly went over my extensive medical history, sent me for 2nd oppinions
everything TO MAKE sure I was 100% safe. understanding , great personality. just WOW.
He was in total communication with ALL my *regular* drs... and helped me get my surgery done quickly!.. The office staff in front is sometimes rushed and hurried. not quite the *welcoming* staff of a exicted frightened surgical candidate wants to see.
everyone I delt with in the *back* nutritionist, assistants have been fabulous. always making me feel like this is MY life and I am #1 ! I would rate hime a 9+ out of 10 . why not a 10? because he wasn't there for my discharge. lol.. I highly recommend this surgeon.. and belive me over my life time I have has 12 surgeries!. hes WONDERFUL
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