Re: Information for family docs

[Guest guest]

At 7:54 AM -0500 12/8/01, pbl4Him@... wrote:

>I just read over the physician pamphlets on the duodenal switch site for the

>second time. I want something to give to my primary physician so he can

>understand the surgery. Has anyone given their doc a copy of one of these?

>What was the response? Does anyone have a better idea about what I could

>send over?

I recommend Dr. Baltasar's publication:

http://www.drbaltasar.com/i_default.html , then click on " Duodenal

Switch " just above the line at the top. --Steve

--

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/8/01 12:49:39 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< Has anyone given their doc a copy of one of these?

What was the response? Does anyone have a better idea about what I could

send over? I certainly would feel a little bit more comfortable if he

understood what I went through since I will be having the surgery out of

state. (That is if I get insurance approval of course!) >>

Pam: I actually mailed all the stuff to my PCP, not knowing what his

response would be. He actually READ IT ALL and was impressed with the DS

surgery. He had previously been recommending the RNY (he thought that was

the only surgery really available) but now recommends the DS, too and even

the option of laparoscopic surgery (he wasn't aware that people were doing

that).

The diagram and explanation of the surgery from the website is a great

introduction. The studies are also a good way for the inquiring mind to

learn more about the surgery's 'track record'. NOw, my PCP does my labwork

and everything and he read up on what was required for post-op care.

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

10 months post-op and still feelin' fabu

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 198 lbs/bmi 28/size sweet 16 but squeezin' into a 14

[Guest guest]

Hi Pam -

When my PCP first suggested WLS, the only thing he knew about (how amazing!)

was the RNY. I downloaded all of the studies that are compiled on Rabkin's

website and gave them to him. He supported my getting the DS. He is amazed

and pleased with my results and is now asking his other MO patients to talk

to me.

Best -

Nick

Information for family docs

> I just read over the physician pamphlets on the duodenal switch site for

the

> second time. I want something to give to my primary physician so he can

> understand the surgery. Has anyone given their doc a copy of one of

these?

> What was the response? Does anyone have a better idea about what I could

> send over? I certainly would feel a little bit more comfortable if he

> understood what I went through since I will be having the surgery out of

> state. (That is if I get insurance approval of course!)

> Pam

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

--- ruisha@... wrote:

>

> In a message dated 12/8/01 12:49:39 PM,

> duodenalswitch writes:

>

> << Has anyone given their doc a copy of one of

> these?

> What was the response? Does anyone have a better

> idea about what I could

> send over? I certainly would feel a little bit more

> comfortable if he

> understood what I went through since I will be

> having the surgery out of

> state. (That is if I get insurance approval of

> course!) >>

>

> Pam: I actually mailed all the stuff to my PCP, not

> knowing what his

> response would be. He actually READ IT ALL and was

> impressed with the DS

> surgery. He had previously been recommending the

> RNY (he thought that was

> the only surgery really available) but now

> recommends the DS, too and even

> the option of laparoscopic surgery (he wasn't aware

> that people were doing

> that).

>

> The diagram and explanation of the surgery from the

> website is a great

> introduction. The studies are also a good way for

> the inquiring mind to

> learn more about the surgery's 'track record'. NOw,

> my PCP does my labwork

> and everything and he read up on what was required

> for post-op care.

>

> all the best,

>

> lap ds with gallbladder removal

> January 25, 2001

>

> Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

>

> 10 months post-op and still feelin' fabu

>

> preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

> now: 198 lbs/bmi 28/size sweet 16 but squeezin'

> into a 14

>

> Sorry...I've not been lurking a lot lately...what

info/website are you discussing, Theresa? I'd love to

know!

By the way, I made an appointment with Dr. Herron for

MARCH 7TH!!!! Verrrry depressed about the long wait.

Also, finally (after about 1.5 weeks) received a reply

from Dr. Gagner, saying that I'd better get to a

surgeon, and quickly, given my

co-morbidities...ironic, ain't it???

Hugs...

Pre-op and current wt. 250/BMI 46

On pins and needles (and kinda scairt, to be waiing

this long for consult!!)

>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/9/01 3:02:41 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

> Sorry...I've not been lurking a lot lately...what

info/website are you discussing, Theresa? I'd love to

know!>>>>>

: Hi, there! I'm referring to the www.duodenalswitch.com website

(which the original poster mentioned). It is full of information -- the main

page has a great diagram of the surgery and there's a very concise

description of it. I printed this out for my pcp as well as some of the long

term studies. I was really impressed (and a little surprised) that he did

read all the info (I definately think he SHOULD if he's going to take care of

a post-op dser but I don't know if all the doctors are as dedicated or open

to being 'educated' by a non-medical professional).

Another piece of information that is extremely informative and useful for

one's regular doctor (and this is the person who will most likely take care

of the bulk of surgical aftercare) is the webpage that has mentioned

of Dr. Rabkins: It lists all the labwork that is required and it would be

good for a doctor who has to order labs but who isn't familiar with all the

'exotic' tests that must be performed. That address is:

http://www.pacificsurgery.com/AnnualDSLabOrders.pdf

I tell you, I didn't realize how much they cost! I switched insurances

around my 3 month checkup and I was still covered but my labwork was

submitted under my previous patient number and they billed me. I almost fell

off my chair! The bill for the complete labs was... OVER ONE THOUSAND

DOLLARS!!!! Thank GOD I'm covered!!! Something to seriously consider if and

when I ever am in a situation where I must choose whether to go on COBRA

coverage or something... Looks like I'm permanantly married to the insurance

industry for the rest of MY natural life!

<<

By the way, I made an appointment with Dr. Herron for

MARCH 7TH!!!! Verrrry depressed about the long wait.

Also, finally (after about 1.5 weeks) received a reply

from Dr. Gagner, saying that I'd better get to a

surgeon, and quickly, given my

co-morbidities...ironic, ain't it???

>>

I'm so glad you got an appointment... how frustrating about the wait. BUT,

if you call the office and ask daily (or weekly or so) if they have

cancellations, you're BOUND to get in sooner! :) I know a few people who

did this and got in faster (I just waited a couple months and spent the time

researching, etc.).

I'm sure Dr. Herron is worth the wait --- just be sure to keep calling the

office, being extra nice (I'm sure they'll get to know you after awhile!

LOL) and try to get an appointment sooner.

By the way, did you show Dr. Gagner's letter to your husband? Maybe that can

provide some impetus that he needs to see that the surgery IS needed and

vital even if it is 'elective'. I hope he comes around soon and is 110 pct

supportive! Also, if you are thinking of following up with Dr. Gagner,

I'd make the appointment with him NOW as well. If you decide to stay with

Dr. Herron all you have to do is cancel it. However, if you decide to go

with Gagner and wait until Dr. Herron's appointment, you'll still have the

extra looooooong wait. Get in the books now and you can always cancel with

Dr. G!

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

10 months post-op and still feelin' fabu

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 198 lbs/bmi 28/size sweet 16 but squeezin' into a 14! LOL

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the Dr. Baltasar site. You're right, it is very well done.

Claire