Just getting started - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Codysmom · 09-17-2009, 03:22 PM

Hi all. I am new on here and just starting to look into getting gastric done. I actually had to convince my hubby for me to get it done. Not that I needed his permission, but I wanted his support. I told him I needed to do this for me and for our marriage. I've had the worse time trying to lose weight after I had my son 2 1/2 yrs ago and I kept going up & up. I have read all of the posts on the Pre-op thread and they have helped me considerably. I have talked to a couple of ppl that have had it done, but didn't want to bug them with all the questions and also didn't know what to ask. My next step is to find a respectful surgeon in my area that is in my insurance plan. Any ideas for the Pittsburgh area? I'm so glad I found this forum.

Vic-Vic · 09-17-2009, 06:01 PM

Hi and welcome I am new to the site. I am just starting my process you will find lots of support. I wish you lots of luck on your weightloss journey!!!!1

pawpal · 09-17-2009, 06:24 PM

Welcome! My husband was also VERY reluctant about me having gastric bypass - but mostly because he wasn't familiar with it and thought it was too dangerous. I had my son 16 years ago - and continued to add weight to what I originally was never able to take off. After a good friend of ours (same age as my husband) passed away from a heart attach, I started to look into having the procedure a little more. I found a surgeon thru talking w/some co-workers at work & after attended some meetings and sharing info w/my husband he quickly became my biggest supporter for having the surgery. I had the surgery a week ago and I can truly say I feel really good! I'm not sure if you read about other's going thru "hell week" the 1st week after surgery.... I must be one of the lucky ones because it really wasn't that bad for me! Being from the Massachusetts area, I'm not familiar with recommending a surgeon in Pittsburg -- but I wish you the best of luck! Doreen

hollycerniglia · 09-17-2009, 06:43 PM

Good luck with your journey! I can't help you with finding a surgeon because I am from TN.

Marella · 09-18-2009, 01:26 PM

Hi Codysmom, welcome to Thinner Times.

I convinced my husband with the seminar. But it wasn't until he met my surgeon that he was totally on board. I insisted that he come to all my doc appointments, and I relayed everything I learned with my NUT. We instituted a new way of eating in our home pre-op and post-op to where everyone is healthier now AND both my husband and son have lost weight.

I actually didn't know my city had a bariatric program. I started my research online and my actual doc didn't come up in the search... but a program an hour away did. I went to THAT seminar.

After the seminar I did some more Googling and found my doc and made an appointment. I really, really wanted to be more local -- if I could. I felt very confident with the answers this doc gave me, as well as his track record. I met some of his patients in the local support group meetings and all had glowing reports. I know that surgery was what I really wanted, and my doc was the man for the job.

Do as much research as you can so that you can find the right questions to ask your surgeon. Write down all the questions, and even write down the answers he/she gives you. IMO, I think that questions impress them, because it shows them how serious you are by coming prepared.

Finally, confidence in your surgeon, his/her staff, the program, to me, is essential to YOUR success. Too many TT'ers, most who've had their WLS years earlier have complained that their surgeon's programs where not enough or non-existent. In Pittsburgh you should have more choices than my tiny area, insurance permitting.

(I can't help you with a bariatric doc, but I've already chosen a Pitts doc for my body lift when the time comes. No, I haven't interviewed him, but I've seen his work.)

Take care, and enjoy your journey.

I Googled these:

Allegheny Bariatric Surgery‎
320 E North Ave
Pittsburgh, PA‎
(412) 359-8630‎
(412) 359-5900‎
(412) 359-3721‎
(412) 359-3056‎
(412) 359-3685‎

Bariatric Surgery Center W Penn
4727 Friendship Ave # 140
Pittsburgh
(412) 235-5900

Associated Surgeons-Western Pa: Gagne Daniel J MD‎
4727 Friendship Ave # 140
Pittsburgh, PA‎
(412) 235-5900‎

Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC:
Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery‎
Pittsburgh, PA‎
(412) 641-3632‎

University of Pittsburgh‎
4200 5th Ave
Pittsburgh, PA‎
(412) 692-4888‎

Codysmom · 09-18-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marella

Hi Codysmom, welcome to Thinner Times.

I convinced my husband with the seminar. But it wasn't until he met my surgeon that he was totally on board. I insisted that he come to all my doc appointments, and I relayed everything I learned with my NUT. We instituted a new way of eating in our home pre-op and post-op to where everyone is healthier now AND both my husband and son have lost weight.

I actually didn't know my city had a bariatric program. I started my research online and my actual doc didn't come up in the search... but a program an hour away did. I went to THAT seminar.

After the seminar I did some more Googling and found my doc and made an appointment. I really, really wanted to be more local -- if I could. I felt very confident with the answers this doc gave me, as well as his track record. I met some of his patients in the local support group meetings and all had glowing reports. I know that surgery was what I really wanted, and my doc was the man for the job.

Do as much research as you can so that you can find the right questions to ask your surgeon. Write down all the questions, and even write down the answers he/she gives you. IMO, I think that questions impress them, because it shows them how serious you are by coming prepared.

Finally, confidence in your surgeon, his/her staff, the program, to me, is essential to YOUR success. Too many TT'ers, most who've had their WLS years earlier have complained that their surgeon's programs where not enough or non-existent. In Pittsburgh you should have more choices than my tiny area, insurance permitting.

(I can't help you with a bariatric doc, but I've already chosen a Pitts doc for my body lift when the time comes. No, I haven't interviewed him, but I've seen his work.)

Take care, and enjoy your journey.

I Googled these:

Allegheny Bariatric Surgery‎
320 E North Ave
Pittsburgh, PA‎
(412) 359-8630‎
(412) 359-5900‎
(412) 359-3721‎
(412) 359-3056‎
(412) 359-3685‎

Bariatric Surgery Center W Penn
4727 Friendship Ave # 140
Pittsburgh
(412) 235-5900

Associated Surgeons-Western Pa: Gagne Daniel J MD‎
4727 Friendship Ave # 140
Pittsburgh, PA‎
(412) 235-5900‎

Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC:
Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery‎
Pittsburgh, PA‎
(412) 641-3632‎

University of Pittsburgh‎
4200 5th Ave
Pittsburgh, PA‎
(412) 692-4888‎

Thank you so much for those names. I've been running into roadblocks with finding doctors. Much appreciated.