Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 I haven't heard of Dr. , but that doesn't mean has hasn't done any DS surgeries. It is probably safe to say that he hasn't done many (if any) though, or I would think we as a group would have heard of him. Maybe this is a case where the office staff opts never to say that their doc " can't " or " won't " do any particular thing. Whether this is ultimately good or bad for the patient is debatable. I would be disappointed if I went to a consultation for DS and then got " bait and switched " to a pitch for the RNY. All DS surgeons have to start somewhere, so if he is enthusiastic (!) about the DS, and has lots of success and experience with other GI surgeries, it might be less inadvisable to submit to being early in a new DS series. I'd have to feel really good about his skill and enthusiasm though, and also speak to other patients first to get a sense of the overall program. > Re: Possible Stupid Question > > > Sharon, > > You might be better off with a surgeon who specializes in the DS. It > is a more complex procedure, and having an experienced surgeon > reduces the risks. You could consider Dr. Dennis in Georgia > for example, or Dr. Hess in Ohio etc. Don't go with a Dr. who is > ambivalant about DS. > > Hull > > > > I contacted Dr. in Altamonto Springs, > > Fl today. I was told by his office staff that he does > > preform the duodenal switch surgery but prefers the > > RNY. That kind of bothered me. I can't understand a > > surgeon who preforms the DS preferring the RNY. But > > maybe the RNY is surgically easier to preform. I > > don't know. Anyway she said she would have Dr. > > call me. She also seemed to be very willing to work > > with me on scheduling if I decided to travel that > > distance for surgery. > > Sharon in KY _________________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 How about stress incontinence? That was actually something I noticed when I was about 23 and under 200#. I had no other symptomes whatsoever at the time. 14 years later..... Maggie > Hi Joann, > > No sleep apnea for me. I don't even snore....how odd is that?? > > > > Re: Re: Possible Stupid Question > > > > and , > > Have either of you been checked for sleep apnea? > > I see is 22. Are you young also, ? > > At 22 I had no co-morbidities, either. My greatest co-morbidity at > > approval > > time (age 45) was sleep apnea which I didn't even know I had until I was > > 43. > > However, my blood pressure was starting to creep up and I was warned that > > > > diabetes was right around the corner. > > Good luck, > > Joann in Mobile > > Dr. Kim, O.S. MS > > 4-20-01 > > -50 lbs. and on a TWO WEEK PLATEAU that I don't think is ever going to end > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 How about stress incontinence? That was actually something I noticed when I was about 23 and under 200#. I had no other symptomes whatsoever at the time. 14 years later..... Maggie > Hi Joann, > > No sleep apnea for me. I don't even snore....how odd is that?? > > > > Re: Re: Possible Stupid Question > > > > and , > > Have either of you been checked for sleep apnea? > > I see is 22. Are you young also, ? > > At 22 I had no co-morbidities, either. My greatest co-morbidity at > > approval > > time (age 45) was sleep apnea which I didn't even know I had until I was > > 43. > > However, my blood pressure was starting to creep up and I was warned that > > > > diabetes was right around the corner. > > Good luck, > > Joann in Mobile > > Dr. Kim, O.S. MS > > 4-20-01 > > -50 lbs. and on a TWO WEEK PLATEAU that I don't think is ever going to end > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 hmmm....I don't think I have that. I'm sure I would know...right?? hehehe > Re: Re: Possible Stupid Question > > > > > > and , > > > Have either of you been checked for sleep apnea? > > > I see is 22. Are you young also, ? > > > At 22 I had no co-morbidities, either. My greatest co-morbidity > at > > > approval > > > time (age 45) was sleep apnea which I didn't even know I had > until I was > > > 43. > > > However, my blood pressure was starting to creep up and I was > warned that > > > > > > diabetes was right around the corner. > > > Good luck, > > > Joann in Mobile > > > Dr. Kim, O.S. MS > > > 4-20-01 > > > -50 lbs. and on a TWO WEEK PLATEAU that I don't think is ever > going to end > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 hmmm....I don't think I have that. I'm sure I would know...right?? hehehe > Re: Re: Possible Stupid Question > > > > > > and , > > > Have either of you been checked for sleep apnea? > > > I see is 22. Are you young also, ? > > > At 22 I had no co-morbidities, either. My greatest co-morbidity > at > > > approval > > > time (age 45) was sleep apnea which I didn't even know I had > until I was > > > 43. > > > However, my blood pressure was starting to creep up and I was > warned that > > > > > > diabetes was right around the corner. > > > Good luck, > > > Joann in Mobile > > > Dr. Kim, O.S. MS > > > 4-20-01 > > > -50 lbs. and on a TWO WEEK PLATEAU that I don't think is ever > going to end > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 I've run up against the same thing -- a surgeon who does DS but prefers and promotes RNY; Dr. Scholten (pronounced Skolten) here in Grand Rapids. He's on the DS website list of surgeons, and is in my insurance network, so I was excited that he was right in my backyard. However, when I received his Patient Kit, it only talked about RNY. So I called his office to confirm that he does do the DS. I was told that, yes, he does do the DS but he prefers the RNY which is the vast majority of his surgeries. Then I got the spiel on how well his RNY patients do, how proud they all are of their patient's success record, etc. I persisted and asked, " what percentage of his surgeries are DS? " The woman I've been speaking to says that he only does DS when he gets an informed patient who has done their research and is convinced DS is right for them and is insistent that BPD/DS is the procedure they want. She said " you'll discuss all that in your consult with Dr. Scholten. " So now I'm worried. I'm a single mother with neither the resources nor the support system necessary to travel to another state to have this procedure done. I guess at this point I should heed my grandmother's advice and " not borrow trouble. " When I meet with him, he may not try to push me onto the RNY bandwagon. At the risk of sounding obnoxious, and I apologize in advance if it comes off that way, what I don't understand is why anyone would choose RNY over DS. To me RNY, with its attendent dumping syndrome, seems like agreeing to a life-long punishment for having a sweet- tooth. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for a way to pig-out on sweets and not pay the consequences, I just want to be able to eat like a normal person, and normal people can have a little dessert once in a while without vomiting or fainting. I've spent a LOT of time online reading about WLS, and one thing I've noticed is that a lot of RNY sites, both doctor's and patient's, go on about DS requiring life-long expensive supplements to prevent life- threatening dietary deficiences, and having all kinds of malodorous consequences. And yet I haven't heard anything of the kind on this list. Is it just that they aren't educated enough on the DS procedure and it's long-term results? Well, there I've gone on and on again. Succinct and to-the-point I'm not. LOL Grand Rapids, MI > > > I contacted Dr. in Altamonto Springs, > > > Fl today. I was told by his office staff that he does > > > preform the duodenal switch surgery but prefers the > > > RNY. That kind of bothered me. I can't understand a > > > surgeon who preforms the DS preferring the RNY. But > > > maybe the RNY is surgically easier to preform. I > > > don't know. Anyway she said she would have Dr. > > > call me. She also seemed to be very willing to work > > > with me on scheduling if I decided to travel that > > > distance for surgery. > > > Sharon in KY > > > _________________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 I've run up against the same thing -- a surgeon who does DS but prefers and promotes RNY; Dr. Scholten (pronounced Skolten) here in Grand Rapids. He's on the DS website list of surgeons, and is in my insurance network, so I was excited that he was right in my backyard. However, when I received his Patient Kit, it only talked about RNY. So I called his office to confirm that he does do the DS. I was told that, yes, he does do the DS but he prefers the RNY which is the vast majority of his surgeries. Then I got the spiel on how well his RNY patients do, how proud they all are of their patient's success record, etc. I persisted and asked, " what percentage of his surgeries are DS? " The woman I've been speaking to says that he only does DS when he gets an informed patient who has done their research and is convinced DS is right for them and is insistent that BPD/DS is the procedure they want. She said " you'll discuss all that in your consult with Dr. Scholten. " So now I'm worried. I'm a single mother with neither the resources nor the support system necessary to travel to another state to have this procedure done. I guess at this point I should heed my grandmother's advice and " not borrow trouble. " When I meet with him, he may not try to push me onto the RNY bandwagon. At the risk of sounding obnoxious, and I apologize in advance if it comes off that way, what I don't understand is why anyone would choose RNY over DS. To me RNY, with its attendent dumping syndrome, seems like agreeing to a life-long punishment for having a sweet- tooth. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for a way to pig-out on sweets and not pay the consequences, I just want to be able to eat like a normal person, and normal people can have a little dessert once in a while without vomiting or fainting. I've spent a LOT of time online reading about WLS, and one thing I've noticed is that a lot of RNY sites, both doctor's and patient's, go on about DS requiring life-long expensive supplements to prevent life- threatening dietary deficiences, and having all kinds of malodorous consequences. And yet I haven't heard anything of the kind on this list. Is it just that they aren't educated enough on the DS procedure and it's long-term results? Well, there I've gone on and on again. Succinct and to-the-point I'm not. LOL Grand Rapids, MI > > > I contacted Dr. in Altamonto Springs, > > > Fl today. I was told by his office staff that he does > > > preform the duodenal switch surgery but prefers the > > > RNY. That kind of bothered me. I can't understand a > > > surgeon who preforms the DS preferring the RNY. But > > > maybe the RNY is surgically easier to preform. I > > > don't know. Anyway she said she would have Dr. > > > call me. She also seemed to be very willing to work > > > with me on scheduling if I decided to travel that > > > distance for surgery. > > > Sharon in KY > > > _________________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 , I looked up Dr. Scholten on obiesity help.com: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/mdcomments.phtml?N=976093627 On that list their are 35 RNY's, 1 VBG, and 1 DS! This list is certainly not complete, but it gives you and idea. Note that the people who sign up with obesityhelp are internet savy and much more likely to know about DS, so I doubt he has done very many. I don't know how far Bloomfield Hills is, but Dr. Hares and Dr. Lutrzykowski appear to do DS almost exclusively. .... Just checked Yahoo maps, It is 142.1 miles and aprox. 2hr, 53min drive. Hull > > > > I contacted Dr. in Altamonto Springs, > > > > Fl today. I was told by his office staff that he does > > > > preform the duodenal switch surgery but prefers the > > > > RNY. That kind of bothered me. I can't understand a > > > > surgeon who preforms the DS preferring the RNY. But > > > > maybe the RNY is surgically easier to preform. I > > > > don't know. Anyway she said she would have Dr. > > > > call me. She also seemed to be very willing to work > > > > with me on scheduling if I decided to travel that > > > > distance for surgery. > > > > Sharon in KY > > > > > > _________________________________________________________ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 , I looked up Dr. Scholten on obiesity help.com: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/mdcomments.phtml?N=976093627 On that list their are 35 RNY's, 1 VBG, and 1 DS! This list is certainly not complete, but it gives you and idea. Note that the people who sign up with obesityhelp are internet savy and much more likely to know about DS, so I doubt he has done very many. I don't know how far Bloomfield Hills is, but Dr. Hares and Dr. Lutrzykowski appear to do DS almost exclusively. .... Just checked Yahoo maps, It is 142.1 miles and aprox. 2hr, 53min drive. Hull > > > > I contacted Dr. in Altamonto Springs, > > > > Fl today. I was told by his office staff that he does > > > > preform the duodenal switch surgery but prefers the > > > > RNY. That kind of bothered me. I can't understand a > > > > surgeon who preforms the DS preferring the RNY. But > > > > maybe the RNY is surgically easier to preform. I > > > > don't know. Anyway she said she would have Dr. > > > > call me. She also seemed to be very willing to work > > > > with me on scheduling if I decided to travel that > > > > distance for surgery. > > > > Sharon in KY > > > > > > _________________________________________________________ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 Hi Thanks for taking the time to look into this for me, that was really nice. I did look at those doctors in Bloomfield Hills. Unfortunately, none of them are in my insurance network, which means I would have to personally pay 30% of all eligible charges up to $3,000; anything over reasonable and customary amounts, which around here is usually a good amount; and anything that's not covered. I just don't have that kind of money. Especially since most doctors want their fee up- front. ( If I stay in-network, I'm only looking at about $1,500 out-of-pocket and that's MUCH more doable. I'm so afraid that now that I've finally found something that could help me get my health back on track, I'm not going to be able to get the procedure done. *sigh* If it turns out that I must find a different surgeon, I'm going to have to take a good hard look at how badly I want this surgery versus the financial consequences for me and the kids. Yes, long-term they need a healthy mother, but short- term I do have to feed them and keep a roof over their heads. Sorry for the negative vibes everyone, it's turning out to be one of those days. All I can say is TGIF!! And thanks again, Chris! > > > > > I contacted Dr. in Altamonto Springs, > > > > > Fl today. I was told by his office staff that he does > > > > > preform the duodenal switch surgery but prefers the > > > > > RNY. That kind of bothered me. I can't understand a > > > > > surgeon who preforms the DS preferring the RNY. But > > > > > maybe the RNY is surgically easier to preform. I > > > > > don't know. Anyway she said she would have Dr. > > > > > call me. She also seemed to be very willing to work > > > > > with me on scheduling if I decided to travel that > > > > > distance for surgery. > > > > > Sharon in KY > > > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 Hi Thanks for taking the time to look into this for me, that was really nice. I did look at those doctors in Bloomfield Hills. Unfortunately, none of them are in my insurance network, which means I would have to personally pay 30% of all eligible charges up to $3,000; anything over reasonable and customary amounts, which around here is usually a good amount; and anything that's not covered. I just don't have that kind of money. Especially since most doctors want their fee up- front. ( If I stay in-network, I'm only looking at about $1,500 out-of-pocket and that's MUCH more doable. I'm so afraid that now that I've finally found something that could help me get my health back on track, I'm not going to be able to get the procedure done. *sigh* If it turns out that I must find a different surgeon, I'm going to have to take a good hard look at how badly I want this surgery versus the financial consequences for me and the kids. Yes, long-term they need a healthy mother, but short- term I do have to feed them and keep a roof over their heads. Sorry for the negative vibes everyone, it's turning out to be one of those days. All I can say is TGIF!! And thanks again, Chris! > > > > > I contacted Dr. in Altamonto Springs, > > > > > Fl today. I was told by his office staff that he does > > > > > preform the duodenal switch surgery but prefers the > > > > > RNY. That kind of bothered me. I can't understand a > > > > > surgeon who preforms the DS preferring the RNY. But > > > > > maybe the RNY is surgically easier to preform. I > > > > > don't know. Anyway she said she would have Dr. > > > > > call me. She also seemed to be very willing to work > > > > > with me on scheduling if I decided to travel that > > > > > distance for surgery. > > > > > Sharon in KY > > > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 , What insurance do you have. Here is plan B: Dr. Hess (in Ohio), the most experienced DS surgeon in the US is less than 200 miles from you! The estimated driving time is 3hr, 46min. If Dr. Hess is a prefered provider, he would be you best choice. You can often have pre-op testing done locally, so you need only travel for the consultation, 1 pre-op visit, and then the surgery (plus maybe on post op visit). Good Luck, Hull http://maps.yahoo.com/py/ddResults.py? Pyt=Tmap & tarname= & tardesc= & newname= & newdesc= & newHash= & newTHash= & tlt= & t ln= & slt= & sln= & newFL=Use+Address+Below & newaddr= & newcsz=49546 & newcountry =us & newTFL=Use+Address+Below & newtaddr= & newtcsz=43402 & newtcountry=us & Su bmit=Get+Directions > > > > > > I contacted Dr. in Altamonto Springs, > > > > > > Fl today. I was told by his office staff that he does > > > > > > preform the duodenal switch surgery but prefers the > > > > > > RNY. That kind of bothered me. I can't understand a > > > > > > surgeon who preforms the DS preferring the RNY. But > > > > > > maybe the RNY is surgically easier to preform. I > > > > > > don't know. Anyway she said she would have Dr. > > > > > > call me. She also seemed to be very willing to work > > > > > > with me on scheduling if I decided to travel that > > > > > > distance for surgery. > > > > > > Sharon in KY > > > > > > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 , What insurance do you have. Here is plan B: Dr. Hess (in Ohio), the most experienced DS surgeon in the US is less than 200 miles from you! The estimated driving time is 3hr, 46min. If Dr. Hess is a prefered provider, he would be you best choice. You can often have pre-op testing done locally, so you need only travel for the consultation, 1 pre-op visit, and then the surgery (plus maybe on post op visit). Good Luck, Hull http://maps.yahoo.com/py/ddResults.py? Pyt=Tmap & tarname= & tardesc= & newname= & newdesc= & newHash= & newTHash= & tlt= & t ln= & slt= & sln= & newFL=Use+Address+Below & newaddr= & newcsz=49546 & newcountry =us & newTFL=Use+Address+Below & newtaddr= & newtcsz=43402 & newtcountry=us & Su bmit=Get+Directions > > > > > > I contacted Dr. in Altamonto Springs, > > > > > > Fl today. I was told by his office staff that he does > > > > > > preform the duodenal switch surgery but prefers the > > > > > > RNY. That kind of bothered me. I can't understand a > > > > > > surgeon who preforms the DS preferring the RNY. But > > > > > > maybe the RNY is surgically easier to preform. I > > > > > > don't know. Anyway she said she would have Dr. > > > > > > call me. She also seemed to be very willing to work > > > > > > with me on scheduling if I decided to travel that > > > > > > distance for surgery. > > > > > > Sharon in KY > > > > > > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 I am a post op patient of Dr Scholten. I had the Ds in February. He did a wonderful job, he also did the Ds for my best friend two months prior to doing mine. She is doing wonderful as well. I shared your same concern about him doing so many RNY's, however, he is a highly skilled surgeon, and I must testify to the fact that I and my best friend suffered no complications at all whatsoever.I am also a revision from a failed VBG so my risks of complications were much higher. At my initial consult in November I weighed 263, I lost down to 245 before my surgery February 27th. I currently weigh 185lbs.My only problem in an ongoing urinary tract infection in which it seems as though this 3rd antibiotic has controlled. You are correct though most of his literature is geared toward the RNY, that's where this group helped me extensively. We will happily be there for you also. That leaves me with my only negative experience, his nurse (nurse Ratchet)( Kay) She is a bully, and I FINALLY lost my temper with her and told her what I thought of her and her taking advantage of patients because of her position. She has a tendency to NOT do her job correctly and also threaten patient with canceling their surgery is they vary at all from the program. The day I lost it she had one woman totally sobbing, this woman had been in a terrible car accident and was on pain meds, nurse ratchett threatened to cancel her surgery because she thought she should not be taking pain meds. This patient was about one week from her surgery date and was devastated, this nurse acted as though she could have cared less. I was next on her list, she asked me if I quit smoking I said yes, but that I had smoked 2 cigarettes in the past 15 days, of course she threatened to cancel me also, that's when I had enough and I told her "NO YOU WON"T" I had jumped through to many hoops to be a week from surgery and she was NOT going to cancel it!! My how quickly she backed down when she met someone who wasn't impressed by her position. My friend said was actually quivering when I started telling her what I thought of her. I even suggested she seek counseling, if she could not maintain a professional attitude toward patients. Anyway enough venting about her, I have a short fuse when people use their position to bully and hurt others. If you have any further questions you can email me through the group or privately. Sincerely, Renae >From: chull1@... >Reply-To: duodenalswitch >To: duodenalswitch >Subject: Re: Possible Stupid Question >Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 16:56:16 -0000 > >, > >I looked up Dr. Scholten on obiesity help.com: > >http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/mdcomments.phtml?N=976093627 > >On that list their are 35 RNY's, 1 VBG, and 1 DS! This list is >certainly not complete, but it gives you and idea. Note that the >people who sign up with obesityhelp are internet savy and much more >likely to know about DS, so I doubt he has done very many. > >I don't know how far Bloomfield Hills is, but Dr. Hares and Dr. >Lutrzykowski appear to do DS almost exclusively. > >... > >Just checked Yahoo maps, It is 142.1 miles and aprox. 2hr, 53min >drive. > >Hull > > > > > > > > I contacted Dr. in Altamonto Springs, > > > > > Fl today. I was told by his office staff that he does > > > > > preform the duodenal switch surgery but prefers the > > > > > RNY. That kind of bothered me. I can't understand a > > > > > surgeon who preforms the DS preferring the RNY. But > > > > > maybe the RNY is surgically easier to preform. I > > > > > don't know. Anyway she said she would have Dr. > > > > > call me. She also seemed to be very willing to work > > > > > with me on scheduling if I decided to travel that > > > > > distance for surgery. > > > > > Sharon in KY > > > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 I am a post op patient of Dr Scholten. I had the Ds in February. He did a wonderful job, he also did the Ds for my best friend two months prior to doing mine. She is doing wonderful as well. I shared your same concern about him doing so many RNY's, however, he is a highly skilled surgeon, and I must testify to the fact that I and my best friend suffered no complications at all whatsoever.I am also a revision from a failed VBG so my risks of complications were much higher. At my initial consult in November I weighed 263, I lost down to 245 before my surgery February 27th. I currently weigh 185lbs.My only problem in an ongoing urinary tract infection in which it seems as though this 3rd antibiotic has controlled. You are correct though most of his literature is geared toward the RNY, that's where this group helped me extensively. We will happily be there for you also. That leaves me with my only negative experience, his nurse (nurse Ratchet)( Kay) She is a bully, and I FINALLY lost my temper with her and told her what I thought of her and her taking advantage of patients because of her position. She has a tendency to NOT do her job correctly and also threaten patient with canceling their surgery is they vary at all from the program. The day I lost it she had one woman totally sobbing, this woman had been in a terrible car accident and was on pain meds, nurse ratchett threatened to cancel her surgery because she thought she should not be taking pain meds. This patient was about one week from her surgery date and was devastated, this nurse acted as though she could have cared less. I was next on her list, she asked me if I quit smoking I said yes, but that I had smoked 2 cigarettes in the past 15 days, of course she threatened to cancel me also, that's when I had enough and I told her "NO YOU WON"T" I had jumped through to many hoops to be a week from surgery and she was NOT going to cancel it!! My how quickly she backed down when she met someone who wasn't impressed by her position. My friend said was actually quivering when I started telling her what I thought of her. I even suggested she seek counseling, if she could not maintain a professional attitude toward patients. Anyway enough venting about her, I have a short fuse when people use their position to bully and hurt others. If you have any further questions you can email me through the group or privately. Sincerely, Renae >From: chull1@... >Reply-To: duodenalswitch >To: duodenalswitch >Subject: Re: Possible Stupid Question >Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 16:56:16 -0000 > >, > >I looked up Dr. Scholten on obiesity help.com: > >http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/mdcomments.phtml?N=976093627 > >On that list their are 35 RNY's, 1 VBG, and 1 DS! This list is >certainly not complete, but it gives you and idea. Note that the >people who sign up with obesityhelp are internet savy and much more >likely to know about DS, so I doubt he has done very many. > >I don't know how far Bloomfield Hills is, but Dr. Hares and Dr. >Lutrzykowski appear to do DS almost exclusively. > >... > >Just checked Yahoo maps, It is 142.1 miles and aprox. 2hr, 53min >drive. > >Hull > > > > > > > > I contacted Dr. in Altamonto Springs, > > > > > Fl today. I was told by his office staff that he does > > > > > preform the duodenal switch surgery but prefers the > > > > > RNY. That kind of bothered me. I can't understand a > > > > > surgeon who preforms the DS preferring the RNY. But > > > > > maybe the RNY is surgically easier to preform. I > > > > > don't know. Anyway she said she would have Dr. > > > > > call me. She also seemed to be very willing to work > > > > > with me on scheduling if I decided to travel that > > > > > distance for surgery. > > > > > Sharon in KY > > > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2001 Report Share Posted July 14, 2001 Dear , This is only unsolicited advice and probably worth about what you pay for it, as my Dad used to say . . . But, what about putting off the surgery a little while and saving up the $1,500 difference between in-network and out-of-network? From the research I've done, I sounds worth it to me to a) get a surgeon REALLY experienced in doing the DS getting the surgery you've researched and decided is the best surgery for you. Just a thought. Blessings and peace, Robyn Re: Possible Stupid Question > Hi > > Thanks for taking the time to look into this for me, that was really > nice. > > I did look at those doctors in Bloomfield Hills. Unfortunately, none > of them are in my insurance network, which means I would have to > personally pay 30% of all eligible charges up to $3,000; anything > over reasonable and customary amounts, which around here is usually a > good amount; and anything that's not covered. I just don't have that > kind of money. Especially since most doctors want their fee up- > front. ( If I stay in-network, I'm only looking at about $1,500 > out-of-pocket and that's MUCH more doable. > > I'm so afraid that now that I've finally found something that could > help me get my health back on track, I'm not going to be able to get > the procedure done. *sigh* If it turns out that I must find a > different surgeon, I'm going to have to take a good hard look at how > badly I want this surgery versus the financial consequences for me > and the kids. Yes, long-term they need a healthy mother, but short- > term I do have to feed them and keep a roof over their heads. > > Sorry for the negative vibes everyone, it's turning out to be one of > those days. All I can say is TGIF!! And thanks again, Chris! > > > > > > > > > > I contacted Dr. in Altamonto Springs, > > > > > > Fl today. I was told by his office staff that he does > > > > > > preform the duodenal switch surgery but prefers the > > > > > > RNY. That kind of bothered me. I can't understand a > > > > > > surgeon who preforms the DS preferring the RNY. But > > > > > > maybe the RNY is surgically easier to preform. I > > > > > > don't know. Anyway she said she would have Dr. > > > > > > call me. She also seemed to be very willing to work > > > > > > with me on scheduling if I decided to travel that > > > > > > distance for surgery. > > > > > > Sharon in KY > > > > > > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2001 Report Share Posted July 14, 2001 Dear , This is only unsolicited advice and probably worth about what you pay for it, as my Dad used to say . . . But, what about putting off the surgery a little while and saving up the $1,500 difference between in-network and out-of-network? From the research I've done, I sounds worth it to me to a) get a surgeon REALLY experienced in doing the DS getting the surgery you've researched and decided is the best surgery for you. Just a thought. Blessings and peace, Robyn Re: Possible Stupid Question > Hi > > Thanks for taking the time to look into this for me, that was really > nice. > > I did look at those doctors in Bloomfield Hills. Unfortunately, none > of them are in my insurance network, which means I would have to > personally pay 30% of all eligible charges up to $3,000; anything > over reasonable and customary amounts, which around here is usually a > good amount; and anything that's not covered. I just don't have that > kind of money. Especially since most doctors want their fee up- > front. ( If I stay in-network, I'm only looking at about $1,500 > out-of-pocket and that's MUCH more doable. > > I'm so afraid that now that I've finally found something that could > help me get my health back on track, I'm not going to be able to get > the procedure done. *sigh* If it turns out that I must find a > different surgeon, I'm going to have to take a good hard look at how > badly I want this surgery versus the financial consequences for me > and the kids. Yes, long-term they need a healthy mother, but short- > term I do have to feed them and keep a roof over their heads. > > Sorry for the negative vibes everyone, it's turning out to be one of > those days. All I can say is TGIF!! And thanks again, Chris! > > > > > > > > > > I contacted Dr. in Altamonto Springs, > > > > > > Fl today. I was told by his office staff that he does > > > > > > preform the duodenal switch surgery but prefers the > > > > > > RNY. That kind of bothered me. I can't understand a > > > > > > surgeon who preforms the DS preferring the RNY. But > > > > > > maybe the RNY is surgically easier to preform. I > > > > > > don't know. Anyway she said she would have Dr. > > > > > > call me. She also seemed to be very willing to work > > > > > > with me on scheduling if I decided to travel that > > > > > > distance for surgery. > > > > > > Sharon in KY > > > > > > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2001 Report Share Posted July 14, 2001 I don't know how far Bloomfield Hills is, but Dr. Hares and Dr. Lutrzykowski appear to do DS almost exclusively. .... Just checked Yahoo maps, It is 142.1 miles and aprox. 2hr, 53min drive. >>>>> I would strongly agree with that it is well worth it to have an experienced DS surgeon perform the procedure. They may still question your reason for choosing DS (or, then again, they may not at all), but at least you'd be in more experienced hands. I'm not saying this surgeon is a quack or anything, but the more surgeries the BETTER and this is such a MAJOR surgery. You can also ask others on the list who have had any of the surgeons nearby to privately e-mail you about their experiences, etc. I do believe Dr. Hess is in Ohio, too... I don't know how close compared to the other surgeons, but he's one of the top in the field! all the best, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2001 Report Share Posted July 14, 2001 I don't know how far Bloomfield Hills is, but Dr. Hares and Dr. Lutrzykowski appear to do DS almost exclusively. .... Just checked Yahoo maps, It is 142.1 miles and aprox. 2hr, 53min drive. >>>>> I would strongly agree with that it is well worth it to have an experienced DS surgeon perform the procedure. They may still question your reason for choosing DS (or, then again, they may not at all), but at least you'd be in more experienced hands. I'm not saying this surgeon is a quack or anything, but the more surgeries the BETTER and this is such a MAJOR surgery. You can also ask others on the list who have had any of the surgeons nearby to privately e-mail you about their experiences, etc. I do believe Dr. Hess is in Ohio, too... I don't know how close compared to the other surgeons, but he's one of the top in the field! all the best, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2001 Report Share Posted July 14, 2001 Bloomfield Hills is about 25 miles from Detroit. I live in Dearborn (a suburb of Detroit, in the metro area) and it takes me about 20-25 minutes to get to his office. Patience paid off. Kathy Bazzi 5-15 356lbs as of 5-31 324 lbs. -32lbs. forever as of 6-14 311 lbs. -45lbs. forever as of 7-12 306 lbs. -50lbs. forever Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2001 Report Share Posted July 14, 2001 Bloomfield Hills is about 25 miles from Detroit. I live in Dearborn (a suburb of Detroit, in the metro area) and it takes me about 20-25 minutes to get to his office. Patience paid off. Kathy Bazzi 5-15 356lbs as of 5-31 324 lbs. -32lbs. forever as of 6-14 311 lbs. -45lbs. forever as of 7-12 306 lbs. -50lbs. forever Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2001 Report Share Posted July 14, 2001 My biggest concern with using Dr. Scholten is not his ability as a surgeon. I have confidence in Dr. Scholten's ability as a surgeon. From researching him I was impressed by his credentials and experience in both general and trauma surgery. What I was primarily concerned about is that I would be subtely, or not so subtely, pressured toward the RNY despite my decision that the BPD/DS is the surgery for me. Renae, you've really helped calm some of my fears on that. Thank you so much! And thank you to everyone else for your suggestions. I do appreciate all the input. I'll be sure to keep you all posted on how my consult goes. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2001 Report Share Posted July 14, 2001 My biggest concern with using Dr. Scholten is not his ability as a surgeon. I have confidence in Dr. Scholten's ability as a surgeon. From researching him I was impressed by his credentials and experience in both general and trauma surgery. What I was primarily concerned about is that I would be subtely, or not so subtely, pressured toward the RNY despite my decision that the BPD/DS is the surgery for me. Renae, you've really helped calm some of my fears on that. Thank you so much! And thank you to everyone else for your suggestions. I do appreciate all the input. I'll be sure to keep you all posted on how my consult goes. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2001 Report Share Posted July 17, 2001 Dr Scholten will do the surgery you want done. I told him up front I wanted the DS, he never mentioned the RNY one time. He just proceeded through his explanation of the DS and we went from there. I was told he would do the surgery you asked for and they were right. >From: sasnchwnch@... >Reply-To: duodenalswitch >To: duodenalswitch >Subject: Re: Possible Stupid Question >Date: Sun, 15 Jul 2001 04:46:06 -0000 > >My biggest concern with using Dr. Scholten is not his ability as a >surgeon. I have confidence in Dr. Scholten's ability as a surgeon. >From researching him I was impressed by his credentials and >experience in both general and trauma surgery. What I was primarily >concerned about is that I would be subtely, or not so subtely, >pressured toward the RNY despite my decision that the BPD/DS is the >surgery for me. Renae, you've really helped calm some of my fears on >that. Thank you so much! > >And thank you to everyone else for your suggestions. I do appreciate >all the input. I'll be sure to keep you all posted on how my consult >goes. > > > > > > > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2001 Report Share Posted July 17, 2001 Dr Scholten will do the surgery you want done. I told him up front I wanted the DS, he never mentioned the RNY one time. He just proceeded through his explanation of the DS and we went from there. I was told he would do the surgery you asked for and they were right. >From: sasnchwnch@... >Reply-To: duodenalswitch >To: duodenalswitch >Subject: Re: Possible Stupid Question >Date: Sun, 15 Jul 2001 04:46:06 -0000 > >My biggest concern with using Dr. Scholten is not his ability as a >surgeon. I have confidence in Dr. Scholten's ability as a surgeon. >From researching him I was impressed by his credentials and >experience in both general and trauma surgery. What I was primarily >concerned about is that I would be subtely, or not so subtely, >pressured toward the RNY despite my decision that the BPD/DS is the >surgery for me. Renae, you've really helped calm some of my fears on >that. Thank you so much! > >And thank you to everyone else for your suggestions. I do appreciate >all the input. I'll be sure to keep you all posted on how my consult >goes. > > > > > > > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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