Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.

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Thepbourn 12/27/2012

So I started off my day with good intentions, mainly to get some answers to my very pressing questions. So I called to try to set up an appointment with Dr. V and I was referred to her nurse by the receptionist who said "maybe the nurse can answer your questions" sure no problem, so she took my number to have the nurse call me - about an hour later she did and i gave her a brief synopsis of my concern, mainly telling her I needed Clarity from Dr. V as to why she feels the bypass would be better for me as opposed to the sleeve. The nurse then tells me that she will try to set up an appointment for me with Dr. V so I can express my concerns and if necessary change the type of surgery - Okay cool, finally I will be able to get some kind of resolve. She said she would call me back when she had it set up. Well 2 hours later she calls me back and ask me if I have the call center # and I said no, so she proceeded to give me the number so "I" could call to set up the appointment with the doctor, only to find out that the number was the initial number I called in the first place. So after 3 hours, of going in circles, I still have no answers and no appointment. I had to emotionally step back because I thought the veins in my neck were going to explode. Now It might be me, but I'll ask should I be concerned/worried. This operation is a big deal and my concerns are valid. I'm truly praying that today was just a fluke and this is not the "norm" for how my concerns going forth will be handled. I NEED TO TRUST THESE PEOPLE and right now - I am just trying to keep myself off of the emotional rollercoaster, so I am going to put on my big girl panties chalk this up to bad timing and try to call again after my appointments tomorrow. I have the sonogram of my stomach and lab work to do in the morning and I am hoping by mid afternoon early evening I either have an appoint with my surgeon or at the least the answer to some of my questions. Please keep me in prayer or at the least maybe give me some kind of guidance how I should go about handling this because right now I am fighting getting turned off completely - thanks in advance.

amethyst223 12/27/2012

I agree 100% you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and their team.
I would explore every aspect of both surgeries until you feel comfortable with your choice.
I went to my 1st appt with my heart set on Lapband and walked out headed for RNY. I talked to the surgeon, weighed the options, the success rates and listened to him as to why he felt gastic bypass would be a better choice. I trusted in him and he was right. I'm 2 months out, over 50 lbs down and feeling great.
It's a life changing surgery and you need to change your relationship with food.
Could today have been a fluke? Of course it could. Follow up and get answers. Feel comfortable in your choice and good luck

deleted_user 12/27/2012

Do you have a results visit? My Dr said that I didn't have to tell him my decision until we were ready to book a date at the results visit. That being said, I went thru everything from consult to actual surgery in 5 weeks. You do need to trust them but trust yourself too. I think the bypass and the sleeve are good choices.

Lcat4 12/27/2012

I love my RNY! Keep on top of things but remember to be patient as well which is hard sometimes. If you need to go into the office. They want your money so they won't totally blow you off hopefully. Is an alternative dr a possibility ?

deleted_user 12/28/2012

I had the sleeve, and like you I had many questions and concerns as to what would be the best type of surgery for me. The process for me was six months from the information session to surgery (10/31/12). There was lots of time to ask questions and this support forum was a big help. But the most important part for me was that I could trust the doc and his staff.

Thepbourn 12/28/2012

Thanks Amethyst223, Mickmick, Lcat4 and sharegods..., I am feeling more confident this morning and chalked yesterday up to a fluke - I just got in from having the abdomen sonogram done and all my blood labs and at least I can say I'm two steps closer to finishing all the pre-op stuff. Next is the cardiologist and psychologist - so at least I am doing my part in making sure that they can assess me properly. I will do my part to try and be a lil more patient but overall I still need that indepth conversation with my surgeron before i will feel 100% sure. Have a blessed day and thanks again for chiming in.

deleted_user 12/28/2012

I understand how frustrating it can be, but I imagine that with the holidays this week the office is probably minimally staffed. My doctor is available this week for emergencies only since he wanted to visit with his family too.

So maybe after the new year would be a better time to ask for non-urgent information and advice. Also, next week explain what happened to the nurse and surgeon and ask if it's typical or just due to the holidays.

ShelleyNY 12/28/2012

You sound like you've got a good head on your shoulders. Please don't give up, this is just part of the emotional rollercoaster involved in WLS. We all had to come up with enough courage to admit that we need help and the courage to change our bodies and minds and once we've done that then we need things to move along for us because we've waitied long enough.
Things will move very quickly for you it doesn't seem that way now, but just wait.
I hope you get the answers you're looking for .
Shelley :o)

deleted_user 12/28/2012

If your doctor's practice has a web site, check to see if they conduct any free informational seminars. I attended the one offered by my doctor's practice, and my doctor was the one who conducted the seminar. For me, this was one of the best places to get information and ask questions. They discussed all of the surgical options - lap band, bypass, and sleeve - and had diagrams and the pros and cons of each. They're trying to sell people on the idea of surgery, so they'll answer whatever questions you have. If your doctor doesn't offer one, find another practice that does and go to theirs (just for the seminar.) Good luck.

deleted_user 12/28/2012

I agree with youngtesty, if the don't have a seminar type class pre-op I would go somewhere else. I had many pre-op seminars and visits. 6 months of a lot of visits but well worth it. I really felt prepared when I went to surgery last week...

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