As I stated in the previous post the surgeon I chose is 2.5 hours away. His office staff was so nice and helpful. They emailed me all of the documentation I would have to bring and directions on how to get to the office. The orientation was set for about 2 weeks after my initial phone call. It started at 8am....Yep, do the math...I woke up at 4:30 to make sure I was there on time. So two coffees and $17 in tolls later I arrived with about 20 minutes to spare which was just enough time to hand in my paperwork, go potty, and get seated.
The doctor went over the entire process, from your first visit to your first annual post-op check up. He discussed the prevalence of obesity in the United States and pros for having weight loss surgery and people who may benefit from the procedure. He explained different options (Lap Band or Gastric Bypass Roux en Y). He explained any complications that could possibly happen and his success rate. The doctor also covered his surgery and care routine such as how he checks his incisions to make sure that there are no leaks, the swallow study, how long you will be in the hospital, and what you will need to do your first few days & weeks post-op. I don't feel comfortable giving the exact info that he gave. After all I might be a sexy, highly intelligent diva but a doctor I am not.
There was a Q & A session afterwards but honestly he answered almost all of my questions during his presentation. It was about an hour long. After he finished he introduced his head RN nurse who also does rounds with him in the hospital and the nutritionist/registered dietitian who works with his office and also does rounds in the hospital. After we met his team he called each person who attended the orientation one-by-one into the back. Three went back at a time and waited in individual examination rooms, just like a regular doctor appointment. His medical assistant (?) took our height, weight, and blood pressure. When the doctor came in he reviewed your history of weight loss attempts, weight loss goals, asked if you had a procedure picked out and offered his professional opinion, asked if you had any individual questions about your WLS, and determined what tests you needed to complete on the pre-op check list. These tests are standard for most patients. On my to-do list is: an EGD--upper GI endoscopy, an echocardiogram, gallbladder ultrasound, 12-lead EKG, Sleep study, Psychiatric Evaluation, Nutritional evaluation, medically supervised with loss program, letter of medical necessity from your primary doctor, and lab work.
The doctor agreed that RNY is the best choice for me due to the amount I have to lose and my age. He said he wants me to lose 50-80% of my excess fat and enjoy the rest of my life in good health because I'm young. Sounds like a plan to me, doc!
Before I left I received a patient booklet that again covers the process. It also provides weight loss tips for pre-op, 2 weeks pre-op liquid diet, and each stage of post-op eating. This has been a handy little tool. I made copies and keep it in my purse and it was on the fridge but Casper took it down (no one knows who took it down). I also was given a date to get an upper gastro endoscopy done at the hospital where the doctor performs his surgeries. This is so he can take a peek at the upper part of your stomach and get a good look at what's going on inside.
So there you have it...This is a
xoxo Diva K.K.
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