Guest guest Posted August 6, 2001 Report Share Posted August 6, 2001 In a message dated 8/6/01 3:35:17 PM, duodenalswitch writes: << If anyone has undergone this surgery with either of the above mentioned Drs and has anything of their personal experience to share, I'd sure love to hear it !! I really need to make a decision as to which Dr. to go with prior to getting my referral. I know the hospital that Dr. uses is top notch, and I have read many complaints about Mr. Sinai, but I don't know if I should let that be a factor or not ... HELP !!! >> Donna -- Hi! I had a lap DS with Dr. Gagner on January 25, 2001. He is top-notch -- really one of the best laparoscopic surgeons in the country, if not the world (and there are others - I'm not saying he's the only one or anything like that). I would have my surgery done by him in a heartbeat. HOWEVER, his staff and the experience at Mt. Sinai leave much to be desired. Thank God, I didn't have complications and really bounded back from the surgery with flying colors (sprung out of that place in three days time! LOL). I had private assistants to help me in the first 24 hours and that really was invaluable. I am sure that if I were nauseous, the pain meds weren't working properly or if I experienced complications, my experience at the hospital (and even aftercare) could have very well been wrought with stress and worry..... I've heard about Dr. in GA and I think he has a sterling reputation -- I'll let someone who was his patient address that issue. Since you will be a long distance patient, I wonder if aftercare is as critical. Yes, prompt responses and ability of office staff to respond to your long distance inquiries is essential. However, if you have an intelligent, understanding PCP, that person will really be the primary care provider, order the labs, etc. and if you have excellent local support the Mt Sinai staff's deficiencies *may not* be as pronounced. So, your hospital stay can be made more bearable by hiring private assistants (at least part time for the first 24 hours), having someone accompany you and be able to speak on your behalf/comfort you. The long distance aftercare can be bettered if you have a strong local PCP helping you out with things. If I had to choose over again, I would choose Dr. Gagner out of all the surgeons in NYC. I have no comparison with Dr. since I didn't research anyone outside of the NYC area. I think it's great that you're corresponding with patients of all surgeons (Dr. Herron, Dr. Gagner and Dr. ) to get a more well-rounded and informed view of things. all the best, TEresa lap ds with gallbladder removal January 25, 2001 six months post-op and still feelin' fabu! pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45 (5' 9 1/2 " ) now: 228 (ok - it looks like I'll be here for awhile. BEtter settle in LOL) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2001 Report Share Posted August 6, 2001 In a message dated 8/6/01 3:35:17 PM, duodenalswitch writes: << If anyone has undergone this surgery with either of the above mentioned Drs and has anything of their personal experience to share, I'd sure love to hear it !! I really need to make a decision as to which Dr. to go with prior to getting my referral. I know the hospital that Dr. uses is top notch, and I have read many complaints about Mr. Sinai, but I don't know if I should let that be a factor or not ... HELP !!! >> Donna -- Hi! I had a lap DS with Dr. Gagner on January 25, 2001. He is top-notch -- really one of the best laparoscopic surgeons in the country, if not the world (and there are others - I'm not saying he's the only one or anything like that). I would have my surgery done by him in a heartbeat. HOWEVER, his staff and the experience at Mt. Sinai leave much to be desired. Thank God, I didn't have complications and really bounded back from the surgery with flying colors (sprung out of that place in three days time! LOL). I had private assistants to help me in the first 24 hours and that really was invaluable. I am sure that if I were nauseous, the pain meds weren't working properly or if I experienced complications, my experience at the hospital (and even aftercare) could have very well been wrought with stress and worry..... I've heard about Dr. in GA and I think he has a sterling reputation -- I'll let someone who was his patient address that issue. Since you will be a long distance patient, I wonder if aftercare is as critical. Yes, prompt responses and ability of office staff to respond to your long distance inquiries is essential. However, if you have an intelligent, understanding PCP, that person will really be the primary care provider, order the labs, etc. and if you have excellent local support the Mt Sinai staff's deficiencies *may not* be as pronounced. So, your hospital stay can be made more bearable by hiring private assistants (at least part time for the first 24 hours), having someone accompany you and be able to speak on your behalf/comfort you. The long distance aftercare can be bettered if you have a strong local PCP helping you out with things. If I had to choose over again, I would choose Dr. Gagner out of all the surgeons in NYC. I have no comparison with Dr. since I didn't research anyone outside of the NYC area. I think it's great that you're corresponding with patients of all surgeons (Dr. Herron, Dr. Gagner and Dr. ) to get a more well-rounded and informed view of things. all the best, TEresa lap ds with gallbladder removal January 25, 2001 six months post-op and still feelin' fabu! pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45 (5' 9 1/2 " ) now: 228 (ok - it looks like I'll be here for awhile. BEtter settle in LOL) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2001 Report Share Posted August 6, 2001 " joostream@u... " You didn't list your name. Regarding only doing the stomach part of BPD/DS, this is not normally done except when the intestinal continuity is restored because a patient lost too much weight or had protien malnutrition. Reports indicate that weight regain is significant after restoring intestinal continuity, and therefore just dong the stomach part is not likely to result in good long term weight loss for most patients. I think this was in reference to a teenager. The idea was to do the procedure in steps, starting with the restrictive part first (if I recall correctly). I think this surgeon was concened about a malabsorptive procedure at such an early age. Regarding you surgeon selection, I would reccomend that you head south. That is based only on the horrer stories I have heard regarding the hospitals in New York - no personal experience. The surgeons in New York are first rate, but you will have to hire a private duty nurse for the duration of you stay if you want to get adequite care (at least that is what others have reported). Hull > Hi ... my name is Donna, and I've recently been investigating WSL, in > particular, the BPD/DS surgery. I subscribed here so that I could > see what others have to say to sort of 'check' my thought process. > > Someone has referred to having only the 'stomach' part of BPD/DS > done, and this has me confused as it's not something I've seen > documented anywhere. Any info would be greatly appreciated. > > I have narrowed my 'surgeon selection' to either Dr. in > Marietta, Ga., or Dr. Herron/Dr. Gagner in NY City. I see my PCP for > the referral this week (and hope this will not prove to be a fight in > and of itself). I've got Cigna (North Carolina) insurance, and I > think it's a fair assumption that I'll have a real fight there, :- ) > but as I've found in excess of 20 others for whom they overturned the > exclusion clause for, I don't see how they'll be successful in > denying to do the same for me ... seems that would be discrimination. > > If anyone has undergone this surgery with either of the above > mentioned Drs and has anything of their personal experience to share, > I'd sure love to hear it !! I really need to make a decision as to > which Dr. to go with prior to getting my referral. I know the > hospital that Dr. uses is top notch, and I have read many > complaints about Mr. Sinai, but I don't know if I should let that be > a factor or not ... HELP !!! > > Hope to hear from someone soon, and thanks :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2001 Report Share Posted August 6, 2001 " joostream@u... " You didn't list your name. Regarding only doing the stomach part of BPD/DS, this is not normally done except when the intestinal continuity is restored because a patient lost too much weight or had protien malnutrition. Reports indicate that weight regain is significant after restoring intestinal continuity, and therefore just dong the stomach part is not likely to result in good long term weight loss for most patients. I think this was in reference to a teenager. The idea was to do the procedure in steps, starting with the restrictive part first (if I recall correctly). I think this surgeon was concened about a malabsorptive procedure at such an early age. Regarding you surgeon selection, I would reccomend that you head south. That is based only on the horrer stories I have heard regarding the hospitals in New York - no personal experience. The surgeons in New York are first rate, but you will have to hire a private duty nurse for the duration of you stay if you want to get adequite care (at least that is what others have reported). Hull > Hi ... my name is Donna, and I've recently been investigating WSL, in > particular, the BPD/DS surgery. I subscribed here so that I could > see what others have to say to sort of 'check' my thought process. > > Someone has referred to having only the 'stomach' part of BPD/DS > done, and this has me confused as it's not something I've seen > documented anywhere. Any info would be greatly appreciated. > > I have narrowed my 'surgeon selection' to either Dr. in > Marietta, Ga., or Dr. Herron/Dr. Gagner in NY City. I see my PCP for > the referral this week (and hope this will not prove to be a fight in > and of itself). I've got Cigna (North Carolina) insurance, and I > think it's a fair assumption that I'll have a real fight there, :- ) > but as I've found in excess of 20 others for whom they overturned the > exclusion clause for, I don't see how they'll be successful in > denying to do the same for me ... seems that would be discrimination. > > If anyone has undergone this surgery with either of the above > mentioned Drs and has anything of their personal experience to share, > I'd sure love to hear it !! I really need to make a decision as to > which Dr. to go with prior to getting my referral. I know the > hospital that Dr. uses is top notch, and I have read many > complaints about Mr. Sinai, but I don't know if I should let that be > a factor or not ... HELP !!! > > Hope to hear from someone soon, and thanks :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2001 Report Share Posted August 6, 2001 I have to take a small exception to one part of your statement concerning heading south; I had my surgery done by Dr. Ren of NYU (trained by Gagner, but now heading the NYU program). Not only was she superb (DS, gallbladder and appendix removed, hiatal hernia repaired-no complications, no nausea, we went out for Indian cuisine three weeks post-op), but the nursing care was excellent at NYU. There was absolutely no need for private nurses or companions! Marcia > Re: BPD/DS Hopeful ... > > > " joostream@u... " > > You didn't list your name. Regarding only doing the stomach part of > BPD/DS, this is not normally done except when the intestinal > continuity is restored because a patient lost too much weight or had > protien malnutrition. Reports indicate that weight regain is > significant after restoring intestinal continuity, and therefore just > dong the stomach part is not likely to result in good long term > weight loss for most patients. > > I think this was in reference to a teenager. The idea was to do the > procedure in steps, starting with the restrictive part first (if I > recall correctly). I think this surgeon was concened about a > malabsorptive procedure at such an early age. > > Regarding you surgeon selection, I would reccomend that you head > south. That is based only on the horrer stories I have heard > regarding the hospitals in New York - no personal experience. The > surgeons in New York are first rate, but you will have to hire a > private duty nurse for the duration of you stay if you want to get > adequite care (at least that is what others have reported). > > Hull > > > > Hi ... my name is Donna, and I've recently been investigating WSL, > in > > particular, the BPD/DS surgery. I subscribed here so that I could > > see what others have to say to sort of 'check' my thought process. > > > > Someone has referred to having only the 'stomach' part of BPD/DS > > done, and this has me confused as it's not something I've seen > > documented anywhere. Any info would be greatly appreciated. > > > > I have narrowed my 'surgeon selection' to either Dr. in > > Marietta, Ga., or Dr. Herron/Dr. Gagner in NY City. I see my PCP > for > > the referral this week (and hope this will not prove to be a fight > in > > and of itself). I've got Cigna (North Carolina) insurance, and I > > think it's a fair assumption that I'll have a real fight there, :- > ) > > but as I've found in excess of 20 others for whom they overturned > the > > exclusion clause for, I don't see how they'll be successful in > > denying to do the same for me ... seems that would be > discrimination. > > > > If anyone has undergone this surgery with either of the above > > mentioned Drs and has anything of their personal experience to > share, > > I'd sure love to hear it !! I really need to make a decision as to > > which Dr. to go with prior to getting my referral. I know the > > hospital that Dr. uses is top notch, and I have read many > > complaints about Mr. Sinai, but I don't know if I should let that > be > > a factor or not ... HELP !!! > > > > Hope to hear from someone soon, and thanks :-) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2001 Report Share Posted August 6, 2001 I have to take a small exception to one part of your statement concerning heading south; I had my surgery done by Dr. Ren of NYU (trained by Gagner, but now heading the NYU program). Not only was she superb (DS, gallbladder and appendix removed, hiatal hernia repaired-no complications, no nausea, we went out for Indian cuisine three weeks post-op), but the nursing care was excellent at NYU. There was absolutely no need for private nurses or companions! Marcia > Re: BPD/DS Hopeful ... > > > " joostream@u... " > > You didn't list your name. Regarding only doing the stomach part of > BPD/DS, this is not normally done except when the intestinal > continuity is restored because a patient lost too much weight or had > protien malnutrition. Reports indicate that weight regain is > significant after restoring intestinal continuity, and therefore just > dong the stomach part is not likely to result in good long term > weight loss for most patients. > > I think this was in reference to a teenager. The idea was to do the > procedure in steps, starting with the restrictive part first (if I > recall correctly). I think this surgeon was concened about a > malabsorptive procedure at such an early age. > > Regarding you surgeon selection, I would reccomend that you head > south. That is based only on the horrer stories I have heard > regarding the hospitals in New York - no personal experience. The > surgeons in New York are first rate, but you will have to hire a > private duty nurse for the duration of you stay if you want to get > adequite care (at least that is what others have reported). > > Hull > > > > Hi ... my name is Donna, and I've recently been investigating WSL, > in > > particular, the BPD/DS surgery. I subscribed here so that I could > > see what others have to say to sort of 'check' my thought process. > > > > Someone has referred to having only the 'stomach' part of BPD/DS > > done, and this has me confused as it's not something I've seen > > documented anywhere. Any info would be greatly appreciated. > > > > I have narrowed my 'surgeon selection' to either Dr. in > > Marietta, Ga., or Dr. Herron/Dr. Gagner in NY City. I see my PCP > for > > the referral this week (and hope this will not prove to be a fight > in > > and of itself). I've got Cigna (North Carolina) insurance, and I > > think it's a fair assumption that I'll have a real fight there, :- > ) > > but as I've found in excess of 20 others for whom they overturned > the > > exclusion clause for, I don't see how they'll be successful in > > denying to do the same for me ... seems that would be > discrimination. > > > > If anyone has undergone this surgery with either of the above > > mentioned Drs and has anything of their personal experience to > share, > > I'd sure love to hear it !! I really need to make a decision as to > > which Dr. to go with prior to getting my referral. I know the > > hospital that Dr. uses is top notch, and I have read many > > complaints about Mr. Sinai, but I don't know if I should let that > be > > a factor or not ... HELP !!! > > > > Hope to hear from someone soon, and thanks :-) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2001 Report Share Posted August 6, 2001 , I should have been more clear. I was talking about the many reports regarding Mount Sinai Medical Center. Note that this post only asked about Dr. Herron/Gagner, and made no mention of any interest in Ren /NYU - so I didn't mean to even address that issue in my response. Hull > > > Hi ... my name is Donna, and I've recently been investigating WSL, > > in > > > particular, the BPD/DS surgery. I subscribed here so that I could > > > see what others have to say to sort of 'check' my thought process. > > > > > > Someone has referred to having only the 'stomach' part of BPD/DS > > > done, and this has me confused as it's not something I've seen > > > documented anywhere. Any info would be greatly appreciated. > > > > > > I have narrowed my 'surgeon selection' to either Dr. in > > > Marietta, Ga., or c. I see my PCP > > for > > > the referral this week (and hope this will not prove to be a fight > > in > > > and of itself). I've got Cigna (North Carolina) insurance, and I > > > think it's a fair assumption that I'll have a real fight there, :- > > ) > > > but as I've found in excess of 20 others for whom they overturned > > the > > > exclusion clause for, I don't see how they'll be successful in > > > denying to do the same for me ... seems that would be > > discrimination. > > > > > > If anyone has undergone this surgery with either of the above > > > mentioned Drs and has anything of their personal experience to > > share, > > > I'd sure love to hear it !! I really need to make a decision as to > > > which Dr. to go with prior to getting my referral. I know the > > > hospital that Dr. uses is top notch, and I have read many > > > complaints about Mr. Sinai, but I don't know if I should let that > > be > > > a factor or not ... HELP !!! > > > > > > Hope to hear from someone soon, and thanks :-) > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------ ---- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2001 Report Share Posted August 6, 2001 , I should have been more clear. I was talking about the many reports regarding Mount Sinai Medical Center. Note that this post only asked about Dr. Herron/Gagner, and made no mention of any interest in Ren /NYU - so I didn't mean to even address that issue in my response. Hull > > > Hi ... my name is Donna, and I've recently been investigating WSL, > > in > > > particular, the BPD/DS surgery. I subscribed here so that I could > > > see what others have to say to sort of 'check' my thought process. > > > > > > Someone has referred to having only the 'stomach' part of BPD/DS > > > done, and this has me confused as it's not something I've seen > > > documented anywhere. Any info would be greatly appreciated. > > > > > > I have narrowed my 'surgeon selection' to either Dr. in > > > Marietta, Ga., or c. I see my PCP > > for > > > the referral this week (and hope this will not prove to be a fight > > in > > > and of itself). I've got Cigna (North Carolina) insurance, and I > > > think it's a fair assumption that I'll have a real fight there, :- > > ) > > > but as I've found in excess of 20 others for whom they overturned > > the > > > exclusion clause for, I don't see how they'll be successful in > > > denying to do the same for me ... seems that would be > > discrimination. > > > > > > If anyone has undergone this surgery with either of the above > > > mentioned Drs and has anything of their personal experience to > > share, > > > I'd sure love to hear it !! I really need to make a decision as to > > > which Dr. to go with prior to getting my referral. I know the > > > hospital that Dr. uses is top notch, and I have read many > > > complaints about Mr. Sinai, but I don't know if I should let that > > be > > > a factor or not ... HELP !!! > > > > > > Hope to hear from someone soon, and thanks :-) > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------ ---- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2001 Report Share Posted August 7, 2001 , Thanks so much for your input ! Based on some of the e-mails I've gotten about 'wait' times for Dr. (Georgia), I could be waiting a minimum of 6-7 months, and although I'm not looking to have it done tomorrow, 6-7 mos. minimum seems a bit far out :-) So .... it's been really nice to hear from so many people who have had the surgery with either Dr. Gagner or Dr. Herron say such great things about these two. My husband said he'd stay at the hospital with me if I would like (he'd just travel up for the first couple of days and then go home and send my mom up for the tail end), or I just might look into the 'companion' thing everyone is talking about. I've had several abdominal surgeries to date, which have been without complications, so if my luck would just stay with me through this (and God's watchful eye), then the hospital may not even be a concern. And you're absolutely right about the aftercare; that will be provided here at home, so again ... a non-issue :-) Bye, Donna Donna C. Joostema (T/L) 444-7949 WES Build Support email: joostema@... ruisha@... To: duodenalswitch 08/06/2001 cc: 05:13 PM Subject: Re: BPD/DS Hopeful ... Please respond to duodenalswitch In a message dated 8/6/01 3:35:17 PM, duodenalswitch writes: << If anyone has undergone this surgery with either of the above mentioned Drs and has anything of their personal experience to share, I'd sure love to hear it !! I really need to make a decision as to which Dr. to go with prior to getting my referral. I know the hospital that Dr. uses is top notch, and I have read many complaints about Mr. Sinai, but I don't know if I should let that be a factor or not ... HELP !!! >> Donna -- Hi! I had a lap DS with Dr. Gagner on January 25, 2001. He is top-notch -- really one of the best laparoscopic surgeons in the country, if not the world (and there are others - I'm not saying he's the only one or anything like that). I would have my surgery done by him in a heartbeat. HOWEVER, his staff and the experience at Mt. Sinai leave much to be desired. Thank God, I didn't have complications and really bounded back from the surgery with flying colors (sprung out of that place in three days time! LOL). I had private assistants to help me in the first 24 hours and that really was invaluable. I am sure that if I were nauseous, the pain meds weren't working properly or if I experienced complications, my experience at the hospital (and even aftercare) could have very well been wrought with stress and worry..... I've heard about Dr. in GA and I think he has a sterling reputation -- I'll let someone who was his patient address that issue. Since you will be a long distance patient, I wonder if aftercare is as critical. Yes, prompt responses and ability of office staff to respond to your long distance inquiries is essential. However, if you have an intelligent, understanding PCP, that person will really be the primary care provider, order the labs, etc. and if you have excellent local support the Mt Sinai staff's deficiencies *may not* be as pronounced. So, your hospital stay can be made more bearable by hiring private assistants (at least part time for the first 24 hours), having someone accompany you and be able to speak on your behalf/comfort you. The long distance aftercare can be bettered if you have a strong local PCP helping you out with things. If I had to choose over again, I would choose Dr. Gagner out of all the surgeons in NYC. I have no comparison with Dr. since I didn't research anyone outside of the NYC area. I think it's great that you're corresponding with patients of all surgeons (Dr. Herron, Dr. Gagner and Dr. ) to get a more well-rounded and informed view of things. all the best, TEresa lap ds with gallbladder removal January 25, 2001 six months post-op and still feelin' fabu! pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45 (5' 9 1/2 " ) now: 228 (ok - it looks like I'll be here for awhile. BEtter settle in LOL) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2001 Report Share Posted August 7, 2001 I understood that you were only referring to the Gagner/Mt. Sinai situation. Believe me, your clarity of expression and thought are a source of constant delight and edification for me and, I'm sure, others. I just wanted to let joostream know that there was an alternative if he/she (? Ididn't catch the actual name) wanted to come to NYC for the procedure. Marcia > Re: BPD/DS Hopeful ... > > > , > > I should have been more clear. I was talking about the many reports > regarding Mount Sinai Medical Center. Note that this post only asked > about Dr. Herron/Gagner, and made no mention of any interest in > Ren /NYU - so I didn't mean to even address that issue in my response. > > Hull > > > > > > I have to take a small exception to one part of your statement > concerning > > heading south; I had my surgery done by Dr. Ren of NYU > (trained by > > Gagner, but now heading the NYU program). Not only was she superb > (DS, > > gallbladder and appendix removed, hiatal hernia repaired-no > complications, > > no nausea, we went out for Indian cuisine three weeks post-op), but > the > > nursing care was excellent at NYU. There was absolutely no need for > private > > nurses or companions! > > Marcia > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------ > ---- > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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