Guest guest Posted October 24, 2001 Report Share Posted October 24, 2001 At 01:40 PM 10/24/2001 +0000, marym@... wrote: >One of the most interesting phenomenon for me in this whole WLS >business is the way that so many post ops seem to become emotionally >enmeshed with their surgeon. ... >Just once, just one time I would love someone to say that they had a >surgeon they loved but they know s/he is human and like other humans, >may have lapses in judgment and imperfect skills. > >I'm *not* holding my breath. Dr. Elariny in VA is a superb " cutter. " For example, he just beefed up a patient's esophageal sphincter (to lessen gastric reflux) with a " turtleneck " lifting of the stomach around the esophagus before doing the vertical gastroplasty, all lap. He has done at least two successful revisions from RnY to DS that I know of. He also displays great care for the welfare of his patients. I am not aware of any mistakes he may have made, but I have no doubt that if he has not already made some, he will surely make some along the line. I have confidence that he will not make too many, if any, irrecoverable ones, though. His prescribing skills for meds are at least average for the profession. In many, if not most, cases meds and dosages involve a lot of judgment. Everybody can make mistakes in judgment. For example, Dr. E. suggested that I stop my beta blocker and/or diuretic, but my PCP was more cautions and has me gradually weaning off both, and he has me monitoring my blood pressure as I do so. Which one is more correct? I am not sure, but I am following the advice of my PCP who reduces dosages in steps and has me back monthly for checkups before doing further reductions. Dr. E's knowledge of dietary needs of his various classes of patients (DS, VG, Rny, etc.) is, shall we say, " evolving. " I surely trust him to cut up my innards and sew and staple 'em back together right and also to follow my surgical recovery and advise accordingly. For the rest of my health management, I must rely in large part on what I learn, especially from you my fellow travelers in WLS, on my PCP, and on my own judgment. .. Just in case you were holding your breath, you can exhale now, Ms. M. --Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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