Re: Re: BPD Only?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/5/01 5:05:56 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< So I decided that, as much as I liked Dr. Ren, if she won't

do the DS for me I'm going to go to another surgeon. I know that

the group at Mt. Sinai does DS & I think the doctor at Columbia

(Bessler, I think his name is?) does it so I do have other options.

It's just very frustrating to start over - since I had to wait so long

for the consult appointment to begin with and now I'm sure I'll

have a long wait again. But I have to do what I feel is right for me

- even if it means waiting a little longer.

Does anyone have any experience/recommendations on the

other doctors in NYC that do the DS? Anyone know if it's a long

wait to get into see one of the surgeons at Mt. Sinai?>>>>

Robin: Hi! I had my surgery (lap DS with gallbladder removal) at Mt. Sinai

with Dr. Gagner on January 25, 2001. I think he is an outstanding surgeon

but the aftercare at both his office and the hospital leave much to be

desired. Guess that's the price one pays since I don't know of any other lap

program (besides Dr. Ren, and her insistance on not performing the DS is

rather alarming, IMHO) in the area. There is a Dr. Macura on Staten Island.

His patients say he is highly competent and the service at the hospital is

great. He only does open, though. I've heard of someone at Columbia, but

are you sure they perform the DS? If they do, it is MOST LIKELY only open.

Nothing against open procedures, but if you've considered your situation and

prefer laparoscopic, I think the best bet would be Mt. Sinai. I'm not sure

what their scheduling is like but Dr. Gagner is usually most booked. He also

is no longer accepting any insurance policies (so, depending on your

insurance, you may pay 'out of network' for everything or have to pay out of

pocket). Dr. Herron and Dr. Pomp (and Ibarnet) all perform VGB, RNY and DS.

I think that of the three Dr. Pomp *may* be the most 'pro-ds' of the bunch

(Dr. Gagner is definately the most pro-DS).

I would call the office and see what the wait is like. I would also make an

appointment ASAP. You can always change or cancel it. If you bug them and

call frequently, you may be able to be moved up with a cancellation!

Check out Columbia but I really don't think they perform the DS

laparoscopically. You may also want to check out Dr. Macura at Staten Island

University Hospital but I know he only performs an open DS.

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

eight months post-op and still feelin' fabu!

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 213 (still losin'! LOL)

[Guest guest]

Robin,

I just came back from my consult at Mt. Sinai with Dr. Herron. It took me 5

months to get an appointment with him but there are 4 other doctors in the

network that might br able to see you sooner one is Dr. Pomp. Dr. Gagner

will be the hardest to see as well as Dr. Herron. You can also call and ask

to be put on a cancelation list. Good luck!

Judy