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Post by kokoro on Mar 8, 2015 17:58:15 GMT -5
Hello everyone! I live in the Chicago area, and I am (finally) looking at WLS after spending several years losing weight and studying options. My highest weight was 760+. Currently I am at 405 or so, and have kept the weight I lost off for several years. I've hit a weight loss roadblock however, and I also know that the statistics are against me in reaching a normal weight without WLS. The DS procedure is my preference because of my BMI (70+) and also because the long-term weight loss seems to be the best option for me. Currently, I am saving up PTO time at work for the procedure (two weeks so far!).
I was wondering if anyone here had experience with Dr. Alverdy. U of C seems to have a good program. My PCP wanted me to consult with a local doctor before checking the city, so I'm going to consult with one bariatric surgeon that the doctor referred me to before checking out the University of Chicago folks. I've already set up the appointment for information, though, so I can jump on scheduling an appointment ASAP. I really don't want to get the RnY or any other procedure, as I think it will just result in more surgery in the long run.
This is probably a dumb question, but I was wondering how follow up appointments work when your surgeon is not near where you live. I live in the suburbs near Chicago, but with traffic it's easily a 1.5 hour drive or more to go back and forth from the city. Would anyone mind sharing how this can affect recovery? I mean, I know it's not terribly far, but I was wondering if this puts a kink in things. What happens if there is an emergency?
I also was wondering what the weight cut off was for the laproscopic procedure. I will ask the surgeons (of course), but I am still trying to lose weight prior to surgery if I can. I would prefer to have the lap versus open surgery. I've had an open abdominal surgery before so I am prepared if that's the case, however.
One last question (sorry for all the questions) is: how long does it take to actually get on the schedule for surgery? My insurance has already told me they will cover the procedure, so I am really just waiting on surgeons to approve. How long does it typically take at U of C to get on the surgery schedule after all the approvals/intake/info sessions are done?
Thank you all so much. I appreciate all the other posts here... you guys have helped me make my decision, and I've found the information here invaluable.
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razbry
Junior Member
Posts: 56
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: March 17, 2002
Surgeon: Dr. Douglas Hess (retired)
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Post by razbry on Mar 8, 2015 18:05:27 GMT -5
Hello Kokoro
I also live outside Chicago (DeKalb area). I can't help you with any of your questions, as I got the surgery in OH by Dr. Hess (now retired). I will say, however, I contacted Dr. Alverdy and asked if he would be my emergency back up. To my surprise, he contacted me by text. He was more than willing to fill that role for me. If I remember correctly Dr. Alverdy was scrubbing in with Dr. Hess about the time I had the surgery, so he could learn it from the master. I've been able to have a good relationship with my local MD, and so far everything is working out fine (13 years post op). My best wishes to you!
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Post by goodkel on Mar 8, 2015 21:44:39 GMT -5
Hi Koko and welcome! These are the DS surgeons we have listed for Illinois: Illinois John C. Alverdy, MD * Email: jalverdy@surgery.bsd.uchicago.edu Vivek N. Prachand, MD, FACS * Email: vprachan@surgery.bsd.uchicago.edu Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity University of Chicago Medical Center 5758 S. Maryland Ave. Chicago, IL 60637 Phone: 773-834-8900 Fax: 773-834-0201 Office Mailing Address: John C. Alverdy, MD University of Chicago Medical Center 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 6090 Chicago, IL 60637 Office Mailing Address: Vivek N. Prachand, MD University of Chicago Medical Center 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC5036 Chicago, IL 60637 Read more: weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/thread/2084/list-vetted-surgeons-north-america#ixzz3Tqo9LsTYYou are absolutely correct that the DS is the best option for you, both for getting the weight off and keeping it off. Given your high BMI, you can expect lackluster results at best with any other bariatric surgery. The only follow up appointments you would require with your surgeon are the few he may require to make sure that his cutting has healed satisfactorily. If you are still on pain meds, you will need someone to drive you. Everything else, can be handled by your pcp. You'll just hand him a list of the labs you require and follow them yourself. I was self-pay and had my DS in Mexico with Dr. Ungson. I was required to stay in MX for a total of 10 days, including checking into the hospital the night before surgery, in case there were any complications. I have not had any contact with him in the 7+ years since. I was rushed by ambulance to the ER for an intestinal blockage caused by an internal hernia 3 years out and still did not require a DS surgeon for the surgery or care. I am pretty sure that there are no standard weight restrictions on whether or not a surgeon will perform the DS laparoscopically or not. It all will depend on your own individual anatomy and your surgeon. Once your approval is in hand, when he can fit you in will depend on the surgeon's schedule. I was offered a date two weeks after all my pre-op labs and tests had passed Dr. Ungson's inspection. I didn't take it because of an upcoming family vacation, but he had one 8 weeks later that I did take. I'm happy to see you and look forward to watching you bloom.  |
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Post by caprice on Mar 9, 2015 4:25:06 GMT -5
Another Ungson patient checking in...
My surgery weight was 310 pounds (or so), so the most miserable part for me was the flights from Columbus to Atlanta to Tuscon to Hermosillo. Surgery was open and uneventful, I stayed 10 days, Dr. Ungson gave me a final checkup the day before departure. then I flew back (H, T, A, C), then drove the hour home from the airport. I was tired, but the effects of the anesthesia were what was still slowing me down.
If you can build more time off, I would encourage you to do that, and use it. Getting used to your body's response to food is an adjustment - stuff feels weird going down, body's signals are messed up, you won't feel hungry, then you will feel hungry but don't want to eat because it might cause discomfort.... It takes adjusting, and then it all changes again. It's worth it.... it's just adjusting, and re-adjusting. Then there's getting used to a vitamin-taking schedule, if you're not already in the habit. I am so grateful that I was able to get the DS, I wouldn't change that, but if I could have spent a bit more time focusing on my body's needs, not setting some new record in returning to work, it would have been a better experience.
Yay, you, for doing this. I am in awe of you for the weight you have already lost, getting a DS would be a great next step. It is so wonderful to be able to eat like a normal person and maintain a normal weight. Happy Trails!
edit: Duh. Forgot to mention that I haven't had a need to see Dr. Ungson since, either. My local Doctor orders the needed bloodwork and is great about helping me keep an eye on things. I do have to get iron infusions just about once every year. No amount of supplementation keeps me at healthy levels in the Heme Department. I consider it worth it.
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PeteA
Full Member
Posts: 221
Surgery Date: 4/15/13
Surgeon: Dr. Phillip Schauer
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Post by PeteA on Mar 10, 2015 8:31:40 GMT -5
On the laporoscopic/weight limit question. Surgeons are all pretty variable based on their experience and skill. At 552 my surgeon didn't want to do the full DS as a lap but down at 464 he had no problem. He did tell me if there wasn't room for the lap tools he would just pull out since he didn't do it as an open procedure. Fortunately everything went fine.
Given your WL history I think you would be a great DS candidate. Congrats on all your hard work!!
Pete
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Post by mark540 on Mar 11, 2015 14:25:50 GMT -5
Definitly do the DS. Ihad a virgin DS at 562 lbs on the day of surgery and the surgeon was able to do it without trouble. Good luck.
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Post by kokoro on Mar 15, 2015 17:25:03 GMT -5
Thank you all so much! I went ahead and I have the University of Chicago webinar to take today. After that I can hopefully get in there to make an appointment, so we will see. I really appreciate you all sharing your experiences with me, and I'm definitely pretty much set on the DS. I'm much less nervous about being several hours away now.
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Post by goodkel on Mar 17, 2015 1:29:32 GMT -5
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Post by kokoro on Mar 17, 2015 22:34:36 GMT -5
Thank you very much Goodkel! That is great advice! I will definitely watch the video and bring that picture to my doctor and my counselor, too.
This may be a dumb question, but is it a good idea to get a medic alert bracelet after the DS do you think?
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Post by jpcello on Mar 18, 2015 4:40:25 GMT -5
Thank you very much Goodkel! That is great advice! I will definitely watch the video and bring that picture to my doctor and my counselor, too. This may be a dumb question, but is it a good idea to get a medic alert bracelet after the DS do you think? I keep a laminated card in my wallet right behind my insurance card. On one side is a picture of the DS and the other side is all the information for my DS surgeon, who happens to be local. |
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Post by kokoro on Mar 18, 2015 11:39:24 GMT -5
Okay. Thanks! That's actually a great idea. |
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Post by goodkel on Mar 18, 2015 12:02:13 GMT -5
Thank you very much Goodkel! That is great advice! I will definitely watch the video and bring that picture to my doctor and my counselor, too. This may be a dumb question, but is it a good idea to get a medic alert bracelet after the DS do you think? No. I don't think it is necessary. I have never read of a DS related medical emergency that presented when the person was unconscious. For emergencies that do not involve your gastrointestinal tract, your DS does not come into play. But, what everyone should carry with them is a list of medications and supplements they take as well as medical conditions, previous surgeries, implanted devices, and allergies. Such a list is invaluable to first responders in the event of an emergency. Include on the list the name and number of your pcp and the name and number of a DS surgeon in the same time zone just to have on hand. |
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Post by kokoro on Mar 18, 2015 17:43:20 GMT -5
Thank you very much Goodkel! That is great advice! I will definitely watch the video and bring that picture to my doctor and my counselor, too. This may be a dumb question, but is it a good idea to get a medic alert bracelet after the DS do you think? No. I don't think it is necessary. I have never read of a DS related medical emergency that presented when the person was unconscious. For emergencies that do not involve your gastrointestinal tract, your DS does not come into play. But, what everyone should carry with them is a list of medications and supplements they take as well as medical conditions, previous surgeries, implanted devices, and allergies. Such a list is invaluable to first responders in the event of an emergency. Include on the list the name and number of your pcp and the name and number of a DS surgeon in the same time zone just to have on hand. That is an excellent idea. I actually never thought to do that at all, and some of my medications should definitely be known (I'm on Contrave right now, so I can't take opiates). |
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Post by goodkel on Mar 19, 2015 0:03:46 GMT -5
If they don't know in advance, care is delayed while they figure out what is safe to give you both drug wise and test wise. I first made a list when I was taking my mother to many and various doctor appointments. Of course, they all wanted a list of everything she was taking. Making a list to give them for their files was just easier than carting all her meds there or trying to create it from memory. One night we had to call an ambulance and I handed the EMT her list. He gushed over it and he said that the list would help save her life. This was pre-DS, but after that night I made a list for myself, too. I have given one to everyone close to me and they all know that I keep one in the glove box of my car (I usually don't carry a purse) and in the stationery cabinet near the front door of my house. My pcp has one in my file and I give one to every new specialist I see. If you are in a car accident, for example, if they can't find your purse, they will look in your glove box. I would keep one in both places. Expect the best, plan for the worst. |
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Post by kokoro on Mar 19, 2015 14:23:12 GMT -5
Thanks for the great ideas, everyone.  I broke down and called the University of Chicago for an appointment. I will still be keeping the one on Monday to satisfy my PCP who wants me to check with her practice's affiliated clinic. I've already told her that I will not get surgery unless it is the DS, so this will be an interesting physician visit, heh. I will only have two weeks off from work for the surgery though, unfortunately. I am nervous about this, but I do have a desk job which is not strenuous. I am a bit worried about not having time off. Another option is to wait several months to get more paid time off, but my health is pretty crappy as it is and I don't really want to wait any more. I appreciate all of the help and advice, and will definitely update as I go. |
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Post by newyorkbitch on Mar 19, 2015 15:00:19 GMT -5
Thanks for the great ideas, everyone. I broke down and called the University of Chicago for an appointment. I will still be keeping the one on Monday to satisfy my PCP who wants me to check with her practice's affiliated clinic. I've already told her that I will not get surgery unless it is the DS, so this will be an interesting physician visit, heh. I will only have two weeks off from work for the surgery though, unfortunately. I am nervous about this, but I do have a desk job which is not strenuous. I am a bit worried about not having time off. Another option is to wait several months to get more paid time off, but my health is pretty crappy as it is and I don't really want to wait any more. I appreciate all of the help and advice, and will definitely update as I go. 2 weeks is not enough, no matter what your job. |
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Post by west4thavenue on Mar 19, 2015 16:48:27 GMT -5
Thanks for the great ideas, everyone. I broke down and called the University of Chicago for an appointment. I will still be keeping the one on Monday to satisfy my PCP who wants me to check with her practice's affiliated clinic. I've already told her that I will not get surgery unless it is the DS, so this will be an interesting physician visit, heh. I will only have two weeks off from work for the surgery though, unfortunately. I am nervous about this, but I do have a desk job which is not strenuous. I am a bit worried about not having time off. Another option is to wait several months to get more paid time off, but my health is pretty crappy as it is and I don't really want to wait any more. I appreciate all of the help and advice, and will definitely update as I go. 2 weeks is not enough, no matter what your job. PLEASE believe what nyb is telling you, kokoro. Two weeks is not enough! |
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Post by Joanne on Mar 19, 2015 18:37:24 GMT -5
Agreed. You can't go into this assuming two weeks is enough. There may be a very rare person who went back to work after two weeks, but I can't imagine doing that. You're setting yourself up for problems.
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Post by jpcello on Mar 20, 2015 5:10:06 GMT -5
I will only have two weeks off from work for the surgery though, unfortunately. I am nervous about this, but I do have a desk job which is not strenuous. I am a bit worried about not having time off. Another option is to wait several months to get more paid time off, but my health is pretty crappy as it is and I don't really want to wait any more. Remember that this is MAJOR surgery. Besides recovering from the surgery itself, you need to give yourself time to make adjustments to your life, because this is LIFE ALTERING surgery. At two weeks post-op you may not really eating food, you won't be taking vitamins, or able to drink 64 ounces of water per day. Everything with WLS (no matter what type of surgery you're having) is a ramp-up slowly. There have been people who have taken only 2 weeks off and have done fine and had no issues. But I believe (my opinion only) that those individuals are the exception to the rule. I had an uneventful surgery with no complications. I was able to take 4 weeks off because fortunately I had short term disability from work with enough vacation and sick time saved up. For me that worked perfectly. Then I went back to work part time for 2 weeks. I remember that first week back to work was so exhausting and I have a desk job too. Do you have a plan if you have complications and CAN'T go back to work after 2 weeks? |
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Post by newyorkbitch on Mar 20, 2015 6:54:07 GMT -5
Also you have to compare apples to apples. Generally speaking, the few people I have seen who have gone back to work in 2 weeks are able to rest during the day, or work part time at first, and they had lap surgeries, an they wren't SMO and weren't in bad shape before surgery.
Sounds like your health is not great, and your 400+ pounds.
Two weeks is not going to be enough.
And when you go back to work, even if it's 4 weeks...you are going to be exhausted, your toilet habits will be difficult to deal with at work, you'll have to eat every two hours, etc etc
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Post by caprice on Mar 20, 2015 7:32:39 GMT -5
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Post by west4thavenue on Mar 20, 2015 10:11:14 GMT -5
Amen all over that! This is a major surgery in which the workings of your entire digestive system are altered. The impact on your body is enormous. I know that there are people who have less invasive WLS who are able to return to work in a week or two. This is not that kind of party. Rest is not an option after the DS. It's an imperative.
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Post by goodkel on Mar 20, 2015 20:20:22 GMT -5
Thanks for the great ideas, everyone. I will only have two weeks off from work for the surgery though, unfortunately. I am nervous about this, but I do have a desk job which is not strenuous. I am a bit worried about not having time off. Another option is to wait several months to get more paid time off, but my health is pretty crappy as it is and I don't really want to wait any more. Definitely wait until you have more paid time off, four weeks with the option to start back part time after that. If, after surgery, you feel you can go back sooner you can give it a try. It is rare, but it happens. But, it is better to nail down the time off prior to your surgery. At three weeks out, I couldn't take a shower without needing a nap afterwards. 75% of your stomach will be removed and your intestines re-routed. This is major surgery. |
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Post by kokoro on Mar 20, 2015 20:54:02 GMT -5
Sorry for the delay... I was at a conference presenting research. I actually appreciate the reality check very much so. I am exceptionally blunt and I always appreciate candor, as well. I am an obnoxious former New Jersey girl, after all. I am often excessively stubborn, so I will always be grateful for such reminders and not offended in the least. I definitely am glad I can talk to people who have been in my exact same position for this reason. It's hard for me to gauge because I have had two other major abdominal surgeries, one of which was a super emergency: removal of a 12 pound ovarian cyst, the ovary it killed, and other pieces of girl things. Nothing like an emergency open surgery while super morbidly obese... I keep trying to remind myself this doesn't compare to it. Let me explain the situation a bit: it's community mental health where I work third shift, generally, doing crisis intervention and suicide prevention (it's much less stressful than it sounds). The issue is that we don't quite get time off like a normal job would. We always have to get someone to cover our shifts, and we get complaints for using our PTO regularly (it's as infuriating as it sounds). However, it pays well (for having a BA at least) and has ridiculously good insurance. Another issue is that I wanted to do it before starting my clinical internship and last two semesters of school. I see that I now need to remind myself to think even longer term than that for safety. I hadn't thought about long-term disability... I'll definitely check into that! I shall focus on the positive, which means I'll lose more weight before the procedure. I'm afraid of what will happen with work, but I can always get another job. I can't get another me. Thank you for all the links and information! I definitely see what you guys all mean. I am very glad I found this board, to say the least. I will make several fewer bone-headed decisions. I will definitely keep posting too, until I am able to get surgery. |
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Post by newyorkbitch on Mar 20, 2015 21:22:53 GMT -5
The difference with this surgery is that it's not like you heal from the surgery and then you're okay...because your digestive system is permanently altered in a big way so you don't "heal" in a traditional sense. I mean of course you heal from the surgery - internal and external incisions, recovery from anesthesia, etc. But you will be struggling to eat and drink ANYTHING for a long time, you will have to work hard not become dehydrated, you will have work hard to eat and drink, you will have all kinds of issues with food for a good long time, you will have gas and toilet issues which will be really bad at first and for quite a while...
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Post by Joanne on Mar 21, 2015 7:03:11 GMT -5
The difference with this surgery is that it's not like you heal from the surgery and then you're okay...because your digestive system is permanently altered in a big way so you don't "heal" in a traditional sense. I mean of course you heal from the surgery - internal and external incisions, recovery from anesthesia, etc. But you will be struggling to eat and drink ANYTHING for a long time, you will have to work hard not become dehydrated, you will have work hard to eat and drink, you will have all kinds of issues with food for a good long time, you will have gas and toilet issues which will be really bad at first and for quite a while... Yes, this exactly. You can't compare recovery to other abdominal surgeries. Prior to my DS I had a hysterectomy and my gallbladder removed in separate surgeries. You are correct in assuming the "pain" and "healing" will be mostly resolved in two weeks......BUT.....all the other things NYB discusses will be just starting. It will be a struggle to drink enough. You will be running for a bathroom when you least expect it. These things balance out and resolve, too, but take longer. |
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Post by kokoro on Mar 21, 2015 22:55:07 GMT -5
Thank you again everyone for sharing your experience and knowledge. I'm going to meet with the surgeon and check with HR about 6-8 weeks of medical leave or extended disability options. At worst, I will take 12 weeks of FMLA leave after saving up enough to live on during the time. It may mean I have to wait several months, but that is not necessarily a bad thing in the least when serious surgery is involved. Even if I am in a hurry, the shorter route is not necessarily the best one.
Today I received word that I need to get a GI endoscopy for celiac disease...so that is probably another reason to not rush, either. I'm not sure if it would cause complications or not with the DS (?) so it's likely good to get it under control for several months before surgery anyway. I also figure a lot of the preparations, like the sleep study, will only help me get stronger for the DS, even if I have to wait several months. taking care of whatever current issues I have and losing more weight will help make the surgery less risky. I will continue on my ketogenic food path sans grains, this time.
I really appreciate all of you. You've saved me lots of issues down the road for sure. I will definitely keep updating as I go along. I still think the DS is the best route, because as many of you have said, it is my best shot for keeping all the weight off. Even if I manage to get to 300 pounds or so, I will still proceed with it when I am healthy enough (and have enough time off!) to get it.
Thank you guys so much!
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Post by Joanne on Mar 22, 2015 4:20:59 GMT -5
Thank you again everyone for sharing your experience and knowledge. I'm going to meet with the surgeon and check with HR about 6-8 weeks of medical leave or extended disability options. At worst, I will take 12 weeks of FMLA leave after saving up enough to live on during the time. It may mean I have to wait several months, but that is not necessarily a bad thing in the least when serious surgery is involved. Even if I am in a hurry, the shorter route is not necessarily the best one. Today I received word that I need to get a GI endoscopy for celiac disease...so that is probably another reason to not rush, either. I'm not sure if it would cause complications or not with the DS (?) so it's likely good to get it under control for several months before surgery anyway. I also figure a lot of the preparations, like the sleep study, will only help me get stronger for the DS, even if I have to wait several months. taking care of whatever current issues I have and losing more weight will help make the surgery less risky. I will continue on my ketogenic food path sans grains, this time. I really appreciate all of you. You've saved me lots of issues down the road for sure. I will definitely keep updating as I go along. I still think the DS is the best route, because as many of you have said, it is my best shot for keeping all the weight off. Even if I manage to get to 300 pounds or so, I will still proceed with it when I am healthy enough (and have enough time off!) to get it. Thank you guys so much! Do you have short term disability insurance through your job? Most times that will take care of the time off for surgery. I have found that it's best to work with the insurance company with the details directly, and not give too many details to HR. I have seen HR people assume this surgery is cosmetic and initially deny time off requests. That isn't accurate, this is medical treatment for a medical condition. It should qualify you for medical leave and FMLA, if applicable (ie your company and role fit the requirements for FMLA such as 50+ employees. 1+ year of service. etc) Have you discussed the celiac disease with a DS surgeon? That will be important. It may be a relative contraindication. I'm not certain on that, but definitely needs to be discussed. |
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Post by kokoro on Mar 22, 2015 13:05:41 GMT -5
I'll definitely call and ask about the disability insurance, Joanne. I went through our HR manual and none was listed under benefits, though, which is frustrating. So far it appears that we do not, and I'd prefer to not suggest to my supervisor I'll be gone until I am relatively sure. The GI doc did not know if Celiac would counterindicate with surgery so I'll definitely ask the surgeon Monday. We will see what he says. I have a list of nearly 40 questions to ask, so one more can't hurt. Part of why I am looking at the University of Chicago rather than the local surgeon guy (aside from the fact it's one of the only nearby places to get the DS) is that they have one of the largest treatment centers for Celiac in the country...so they could easily work with the surgeon if needed. |
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indianamom
Full Member
Posts: 210
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: January 17, 2014
Surgeon: Dr. Vivek Prachand (Univ. of Chicago)
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Post by indianamom on Mar 26, 2015 1:49:08 GMT -5
I had my DS with Dr. Prachand in January 2014. I am very impressed with him. The only thing I know about Dr. alverdy isn't that they practice together. My doctor was very upfront that I coukd expect 4 to 6 weeks off... Easily. I was an anomaly. I was released early and was back at 2 weeks to my office. I was bored stiff at home and working from home after a few days... But only for a few hours a day. Again, I cannot stress enough that I was the exception.. I got lucky .... Best of luck.
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