Dr. Keshishian where to stay?

[SLVinNorCA]

LA is WAY too far from Delano. Over the grapevine! If you want a bigger city, (still a commute of about 30 or so miles) is Bakersfield.

[MsVee]

I know Lisa-Lou rented a house. Maybe she will respond if you PM her. The hotel I stayed in (Best Western) does not allow pets.

MsVee

[Girlrocker]

Hi Whit, I'm a Dr. K patient too. I'm not as familiar with Delano area as I am the Verdugo Hills location, but yes, Bakersfield is very close. LA is wayyyy too far, about a 45-60 min drive. We also have a gal here - Tammy/wildred1ca who lives in Bakersfield, she just had her RNY revision to DS with Dr. K a few weeks ago. She would for sure be able to recommend places to stay, and would be happy to talk to you. I'm assuming for sure your surgery will be scheduled at Delano, not Verdugo Hills? If you do want to make more of a 'trip' out of this, as many do who travel for surgery, building in extra pre-surgery time, Verdugo Hills would be the better option, as it's an LA suburb.

Keep us posted on your plans, feel free to contact me any time, via PM here or I can send you my email as well. Can you put your stats in your signature, too, so we know a little more about you (which surgery you're revising from, height, weight, etc) ? Also let us know if you would like an angel, can be done via email and phone.

[wildred1ca]

Hi Whit,
I googled pet friendly hotels in Bakersfield and we have quite a few. Depending on what you want to spend per night, here are a few that I would say are close to the freeway and in good locations. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you. I would be happy to come and see you during your stay and cheer you on!!

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield, Hotel Rosedale, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Courtyard by Marriott Bakersfield. Hope this helps.

Tammy

[Girlrocker]

Jul 24, 2012 15:58:43 GMT -5 whit said:

Thanks Ladies,
I am having second thoughts. The revision to DS really scares me and to pay a 4k fee in addition to the 5K (my part for 70/30) is a bit cost prohibitive for me.

I just need to relax and make a decision. But that is much easier said then done!

Best,

Whit

Hi Whit, this is more than understandable. Virgin surgeries are a big enough consideration as it is, and the RNY to DS is the most complex revision of them all. If you've been reading here lately, there are indeed people who have complications, making their recoveries much more difficult, longer. Some are basic mechanical fixes (but still unpleasant), some requiring more surgery We've got a couple still struggling - so far everyone else has turned the corner, and hoping same for these other gals whose issues are more complicated. My own recovery has been very smooth (had a terrible time actually with my RNY, there's an update thread posted here) though it kicked my a$$, has taken a long time for me to reintegrate back into full-time life energy-wise. Please don't be shy about asking questions, voicing your doubts, fears. It isn't for every one, and you absolutely have to make the decision that is best for you in all aspects of your life - physical, financial, mental, spiritual.

[smileyjamie]

Hi Whit!!!

I know that Dr. K's fee is steep, but I believe once you pay it, you will never be charged for another office visit (I could be wrong, though). Have you checked int Dr. Rabkin's fees? Not that I suggest you change doc's, but if one of your struggles is the financial side, and you have 2 TOP NOTCH revision docs in your own state, why not check into them both from the financial standpoint, right?

Good Luck to you & keep all of us posted!!!!

[goodkel]

Aug 3, 2012 18:52:26 GMT -5 whit said:

Thanks Ladies,
I have sent all records to the Dr. and he wants me to come in for a Scope. Yikes I guess it's official I am seriously considering the DS. I am going to fly into Burbank it's only aboy 15 miles away.

Whit

Does your surgeon know that you are traveling for this?

Often they will allow you to conduct any pre-op testing from home and fax or email them the results.

I had my surgery in Mexico and that's what we did. I know Dr. K. has had many patients travel to him. He may do something similar for you.

Good move, btw. Dr. K. is a top notch revision surgeon.

[teachermomolp]

Hi Whit. I am trying to revise with Dr. K right now too.I'll be traveling from San Diego. He really is the best. You've got to meet him. He explains everything and you'll feel good about your choice, I'm sure. $4000 is killer for me too, but I'm begging and borrowing and stealing (not really) to pay it. I still have to get approved, so we'll see...but meet him if you can. Also, the fee covers you for visits for two years... I also met with Dr. Peter Crookes at USC. He was a DOWNER and he sent his henchwoman (PA) in to talk me out of the DS. She actually was telling me things that aren't true to convince me NOT to have a DS. Forget him. Dr. Rabkin doesn't take my insurance so he's out too. Keep us posted!

[MsVee]

I am a Dr Keshishian Revisionista (revision patient). It is a big decision especially when it involves travel arrangements etc.

I live in New York and I manage the care for my 82 year old Mother who has mobility issues from a stroke and requires 24 hour care. I have a full time job as well. My health insurance picked up the tab for the surgery but I had to pay the 4000 program fee, airline tickets for me and my brother, fees for a rental car, and the hotel fee as well.

I have not had the smoothest recovery. Early on I suffered from acid reflux, severe nausea and extreme fatigue. I have managed to resolve the first 2 and am currently having iron infusions to address the fatigue. I am also losing the weight. It is not as quick as I would like but the scale is slowly moving down.

I still feel that this surgery was the right decision to restore my health. The beginning is not easy. We are in this for the long haul. You focus on the big picture restoring your health and getting your weight under control. It is a major investment of time, resources, and money but we ARE worth it.

MsVee

[goodkel]

Aug 3, 2012 20:12:59 GMT -5 whit said:

Hi Goodkel,
His Staff does and I want to meet him. I am still on the fence. I know the complication rate is high and recovery long. I have to work. We are going into the busiest time of year.

I do wish I did not have to stay in a hotel for a week after. I see the value and know that it is nessesary but I come with 2 dogs. So a hotel may not be the best as they can not stay by themselves (husband will be with me). I may have hi come after surgery but I know he will not like that at all. It will all work itself out...but i am a worrier.
Best,
Whit

The dogs can't go in a kennel for a week? The have some cushy ones around with swimming pools and indoor play arenas for bad weather.

Actually, you really won't need your husband and definitely not in the hospital. You'll be drugged up and sleeping most of the time. There are local people here who would be willing to check in on you. Maybe your husband could arrive to check you out of the hospital and stay the week with you in a pet friendly hotel?

Or find a local doggie day care center for when your husband will be at the hospital. I used to take my dogs to one on rainy days when they were rambunctious puppies. They loved it so much I had a hard time getting them to leave.

I went to Mexico by myself without a problem. A companion would have been bored senseless. It can be done.

You'll figure out what will work best for you. You have many options.

[lynn22]

A good kennel would probably fit your needs; that way you (or your helper) don't have to deal with taking care of them while you are trying to recover.

Good luck!

[mhfein]

I am having a revision (VBG to DS) with Dr. K on August 20 in Delano. Lots of excitement and some fear about the recovery process, but mostly I am feeling good about it. My husband will come with me. We also live in Northern CA (4 1/2 to 5 hour drive away) . We were driving through Delano recently and checked out the 3 listed motels in Dr. K's book. I picked the Holiday Inn Express, good rate for Dr. K's people, about $75 a night for the handicap access room with big walk in shower and room to have a recliner delivered. We also looked at Best Western Liberty and Rodeway, all fine, but Holiday Inn seemed just a little bit nicer to me. Also, they are flexible about the checkout day, since that may be an unknown. They were very nice so far. I'll post more after we have stayed with them.

[stillhopefull]

I traveled from Florida to Dr. K. He had done the most revisions at the time. It is costly but well worth it. I had a LOT of complications and Dr. K was on the phone with me all the way. I still call and he calls right back. I had RNY to DS and I can't say I love my DS like many others but I am starting to like it almost 2 years out. Best of luck and keep us posted.
Terry