Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 LOL You are perfect Pam .. you're a legend in your own mind!!! lol Thanks for the kind words. I'm ok today .. was a bit shaky last night but otherwise just peachy! New day new 'tude! Hugs Lyssa Re: whining From: valiantduffy@... Lyssa, That lady was a jerk if you ask me. Nobody was hurt. Nobody's car was damaged. It was an accident. They call it an accident for a reason. She didn't have to talk to you like that. Don't let her bother you. Nobody is perfect and people like that feel bad about them self so they have to talk to others like that to try and bring them down. That is the only way they can feel good about them self. Don't let her bring you down. Oh, I forgot I am perfect. Pam _________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Lyssa, That lady was a jerk if you ask me. Nobody was hurt. Nobody's car was damaged. It was an accident. They call it an accident for a reason. She didn't have to talk to you like that. Don't let her bother you. Nobody is perfect and people like that feel bad about them self so they have to talk to others like that to try and bring them down. That is the only way they can feel good about them self. Don't let her bring you down. Oh, I forgot I am perfect. Pam ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Hate to add to the whining, but I am completely freaking out to the point where I’m making myself sick. I am a pre-op, and was planning to go ahead with Dr. Armour Forse at Boston Medical Center. I even have a pre-op test date of April 3rd. In the mean time, I met with Dr. Thayer for a second opinion, really liked him and his staff, and though I should change surgeons. I’m completely torn and don’t know what to do! I’m want Dr. Thayer, but the fact is that Dr. Forse is more conservative (safety-wise), has MUCH more experience, and BMC is supposedly a better facility. However, I loke the personal care aspect of Thayer’s team. My family wants me to go with whoever is the best surgeon - Dr. Forse, and I am teeter-tottering in the middle. I have a great case for using Thayer, all the right reasons and arguments, yet every time someone questions me, I totally fall to pieces and question myself! I’m becoming a wreck. I don’t want to risk my health for a “flashier” program.... ugh. Has anyone else been in this position with this kind of choice? I really need help on this. Thanks in advance! - Alice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Kim, Thank you SO much for your letter. It really made me feel better. Sounds like you and I think alike. I think that people usually recommend whichever surgeon they used, and I've never heard a single complaint about Dr. Thayer. I went to his last support group, met him and his staff yesterday, and as I said, I was very impressed with the amount of personal care and attention. I only say that Dr. Forse is " better " meaning that he does many more surgeries on average than Thayer or Reines, and has been doing WLS surgery for 20 years, whereas Dr. Thayer has only been at it for 2. I'm not saying that Thayer isn't as skilled, I just can't argue with experience. (The surgical resident at Thayer's office said the same thing, but also added that Thayer's support and care are excellent.) Thayer himself told me about Forse's experience, and that he is more conservative, ie he uses a g-tube for 6 weeks, requires a slightly longer hospital stay, requires psychological testing, and keeps you on liquids for a longer time. His reputation is that he is very academic, extremely experienced and knowledgable. A nice guy, but lacks Thayer's personality and bed-side manner. As for facilities, my mom said there had been articles in the Globe a few years ago about bad nursing care at Newton Wellesley. I can't verify that, and in any case, at Dr. Thayer's office convinced me that the WLS nurses are the best, and I believe that. Post-op care is VERY important to me, which is why I really think I want to go with Dr. Thayer. In any case, your letter did make me feel more confident about going with Thayer, and I really appreciate your support! By the way, what kind of emergency surgery did you require after surgery? - Alice A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Pam, Mind if I ask about your decision process, why you switched to Thayer, and how your experience with him was? Your success is amazing. Congratulations! Dying to know.... thanks! Alice A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Thanks, Dawn, (This is Alice, by the way ;-) I appreciate your advice! I'm still trying to get over the fact that Dr. Thayer has only done 110 of these surgeries. Then again, I'm not a doctor and have no idea whether that's alot or a little. I only know that Dr. Forse has been doing it for 20 years, and is considered in the academic field to be one of the best. I will ponder this decision carefully, and let you know how it goes. Thanks again!! - Alice A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 I have to work Sunday everyone...but I will be happy to write a letter and give it to ....is that ok with ya'll???? Carla =0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Alice My husband and I BOTH within the last 8 mos (my husband just 2 weeks ago) had our WLS with Dr. Thayer. I agree with Kim he isGREAT. I think the nursing care was fantastic! I had a problem the night before I was to go home, I had an infection and spiked at high fever, they had to open my incision (right there in the room) the nurse (monica) never left my side (the surgical team and Dr. Thayer were there within 10 minutes I think it was about 1 a.m., they worked nonstop runnning tests and doing everything they could to get me back under control and never left until they knew I was out of danger. I received wonderful care and after care, and my husband feels the same. Just wanted to add my 2 cents! Christie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 No its not whining. You have to go with whom you're most comfortable. Personally I had Dr. Thayer, thought he & his staff were wonderful, great experience with the nurses and hospital .. not sure what you mean by conservative safety wise but I know Dr. Thayer does use central iv line, heparin shots to try and avoid blood clots, the blue stocking thingys (technical name escapes me) for circulation, promotes getting up & moving asap and checks in on your very closely during your stay. Can't speak for Dr. Forse but Ive heard good things there too. Well with all the surgeons here .. really. So try and follow your heart and your head but best of luck to whichever you decide must be a hard task to decide! Hugs Lyssa Re: whining From: lknglas11@... Hate to add to the whining, but I am completely freaking out to the point where I’m making myself sick. I am a pre-op, and was planning to go ahead with Dr. Armour Forse at Boston Medical Center. I even have a pre-op test date of April 3rd. In the mean time, I met with Dr. Thayer for a second opinion, really liked him and his staff, and though I should change surgeons. I’m completely torn and don’t know what to do! I’m want Dr. Thayer, but the fact is that Dr. Forse is more conservative (safety-wise), has MUCH more experience, and BMC is supposedly a better facility. However, I loke the personal care aspect of Thayer’s team. My family wants me to go with whoever is the best surgeon - Dr. Forse, and I am teeter-tottering in the middle. I have a great case for using Thayer, all the right reasons and arguments, yet every time someone questions me, I totally fall to pieces and question myself! I’m becoming a wreck. I don’t want to risk my health for a “flashier” program.... ugh. Has anyone else been in this position with this kind of choice? I really need help on this. Thanks in advance! - Alice ------------------------------------------------------------------------ GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! http://click./1/975/7/_/675032/_/953848841/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Hi , Ok now...take a deeeeeep breath, exhale ... Well, here's my suggestion to you. As you know, MANY people on this list have used Dr. Thayer, and LOVED him. I personally know that everyone I have ever spoken to, have said very nice things about him, Dr. Reines, and their staff. The hospital stay despite what anyone tells you, is all about the same in my opinion. Either way, you're in a hospital, same environment, same types of people etc..personally I think all hospital environments plane outright stink. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Newton Wellesley, BMC, or any other hosp., may not have their " better sides " , but as a whole, they're all the same. As far as Dr. Forse, I do have a friend who went to him 3 years ago, and she loved him, however, it's my understanding he does not have a support group meeting held monthly (correct me if I'm wrong), and no Nutritional guidelines to follow, except on a one to one basis. I feel it is the MOST important to have all of these things. Support groups help you get through your happy times, enlighten your bad times, and helps you understand what others go through. Nutritional guidelines are VERY important, or you'll be lost without them. I've personally didn't chose my Dr. for the # of surgeries he preformed, but I looked at his stats. For instance, say Dr. Force did 1000+ surgeries, and had 20% of those people develop complications, and Dr. Thayre did 800+, and had 6% develop complications, I'd still rather go with Dr. Thayre even though the stats may be a bit higher. I look at the TOTAL # on paper, not the percentage. I hope this makes sense, and wish you all the luck! Dawn Re: whining From: lknglas11@... Hate to add to the whining, but I am completely freaking out to the point where I’m making myself sick. I am a pre-op, and was planning to go ahead with Dr. Armour Forse at Boston Medical Center. I even have a pre-op test date of April 3rd. In the mean time, I met with Dr. Thayer for a second opinion, really liked him and his staff, and though I should change surgeons. I’m completely torn and don’t know what to do! I’m want Dr. Thayer, but the fact is that Dr. Forse is more conservative (safety-wise), has MUCH more experience, and BMC is supposedly a better facility. However, I loke the personal care aspect of Thayer’s team. My family wants me to go with whoever is the best surgeon - Dr. Forse, and I am teeter-tottering in the middle. I have a great case for using Thayer, all the right reasons and arguments, yet every time someone questions me, I totally fall to pieces and question myself! I’m becoming a wreck. I don’t want to risk my health for a “flashier” program.... ugh. Has anyone else been in this position with this kind of choice? I really need help on this. Thanks in advance! - Alice ------------------------------------------------------------------------ GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! http://click./1/975/7/_/675032/_/953848841/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Kim in Plymouth, Mass Open RNY 5/24/99 Dr. Bruce Thayer-Newton Wellesley Hospital Harvard Pilgrim Health Care-Approved in 3 Days Highest Weight: 293 Weight at Surgery: 278 BMI 48 1/29/2000: 158!!!! Lost 120 lbs. since surgery and 135 from top weight! wooooo hooooo !!!! Psycheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Great loss my lil chickadie!! Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Kim glad to see things are moving again on your end. How have you been? Lyssa Kim in Plymouth, Mass Open RNY 5/24/99 Dr. Bruce Thayer-Newton Wellesley Hospital Harvard Pilgrim Health Care-Approved in 3 Days Highest Weight: 293 Weight at Surgery: 278 BMI 48 1/29/2000: 158!!!! Lost 120 lbs. since surgery and 135 from top weight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Alice First of all, everybody goes through the "which doctor is best for me?" process. I'd like to share my personal experience with you, and then ask you some questions that might help sort it out. First of all.....why do you think Dr. Forse is the "best" surgeon? Why is he "more conservative?" I'm really curious. And why is BMC a "better" facility? Did someone tell you that? My experience: Dr. Thayer is top notch--he IS the assistant Chief of Surgery at Newton Wellesley Hospital. His partner in the surgical practice is the Chief of Surgery, Dr. Reines. They are both awesome. The hospital itself is the best I have ever been in--I've been with my Mom while she had surgery at several of the "top" Boston hospitals, and I received much better care, by far, at Newton Wellesley than she EVER got after 5 major surgeries in those "top" boston facilities. When I needed an emergency surgery some months after my bypass, I INSISTED that the ambulance bring me to Dr. Thayer at Newton Wellesley. By the way, I live in Plymouth, MASS! My insurance wouldn't cover Dr. Forse for bypass surgery because he did not have follow up programs, support groups, on staff nutritionist and psychologist, etc. My insurance believed that those things were critical to the long term success of people who had the surgery. If they were going to put out that much $$$, they wanted me to be successful. Being successful takes much more than skillful surgery. In my opinion, the Newton Wellesley program is not "flashier." I think it (and other programs like it that take into account the whole person and not just the stomach) are critical to our success. I think if a doctor doesn't incorporate these things into his program, that will hurt your chances of success. Again, it takes much more than a perfect anastomosis (although that IS important!) to succeed. Another thing that is extremely important is your feelings......Assuming that Dr. Thayer and Dr. Forse have equal surgical skills and the hospitals are at least comparable, it is important that YOU feel good about your choice. Do NOT make a choice to please other people. It is too important. Your emotional and mental attitude will effect your healing and recovery. Seriously. It is important that you feel very comfortable and very good about your decision. Do not do it to please others--you need to feel confident and good about your choice. Please keep us all posted, ok? I care about how you are doing, Alice. Hugs from Plymouth Kim in Plymouth, Mass Open RNY 5/24/99 Dr. Bruce Thayer-Newton Wellesley Hospital Harvard Pilgrim Health Care-Approved in 3 Days Highest Weight: 293 Weight at Surgery: 278 BMI 48 1/29/2000: 158!!!! Lost 120 lbs. since surgery and 135 from top weight! lknglas11@... wrote: From: lknglas11@... Hate to add to the whining, but I am completely freaking out to the point where I’m making myself sick. I am a pre-op, and was planning to go ahead with Dr. Armour Forse at Boston Medical Center. I even have a pre-op test date of April 3rd. In the mean time, I met with Dr. Thayer for a second opinion, really liked him and his staff, and though I should change surgeons. I’m completely torn and don’t know what to do! I’m want Dr. Thayer, but the fact is that Dr. Forse is more conservative (safety-wise), has MUCH more experience, and BMC is supposedly a better facility. However, I loke the personal care aspect of Thayer’s team. My family wants me to go with whoever is the best surgeon - Dr. Forse, and I am teeter-tottering in the middle. I have a great case for using Thayer, all the right reasons and arguments, yet every time someone questions me, I totally fall to pieces and question myself! I’m becoming a wreck. I don’t want to risk my health for a “flashier” program.... ugh. Has anyone else been in this position with this kind of choice? I really need help on this. Thanks in advance! - Alice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Alice, I was in Dr shorika's program for months. He is a very good surgeon. But I went with Dr. Thayer in the end. So I did go through a similar thing. I think most of the surgeons who do this are good. Just check them out and go with who YOU feel the most comfortable with. This is your body and your decision. Take your time making it. It's for the rest of your life. Good luck, Pam 320/232/170. Oct 12,99 ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 what are we writing a letter for? Did I miss something???? Dawn Re: whining From: theenaildoctor@... I have to work Sunday everyone...but I will be happy to write a letter and give it to ....is that ok with ya'll???? Carla =0) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! http://click./1/937/7/_/675032/_/953860372/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Kim and Dawn said it wonderfully. They both are really nice people too, even if Dawn said I was a flirt. her hair is the wrong color though so we give her some slack.LOL Pam Pam...at least my hair color looks more natural than the black I see in yours! nah, nah, nah, nah, naaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh! PROUD TO BE AN ENHANCED BLONDIE!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 you are so sweet, Dawn! thanks..............kimmie :-) Dawn wrote: Kim in Plymouth, Mass Open RNY 5/24/99 Dr. Bruce Thayer-Newton Wellesley Hospital Harvard Pilgrim Health Care-Approved in 3 Days Highest Weight: 293 Weight at Surgery: 278 BMI 48 1/29/2000: 158!!!! Lost 120 lbs. since surgery and 135 from top weight! wooooo hooooo !!!! Psycheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Great loss my lil chickadie!! Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Alice, I switched to Thayer because I was tired of waiting on Shorika. They wouldn't give me any answers to my questions or a surgery date. I was in their program for about 5 months and I really felt like I was just a number. I felt like Thayer and his staff cared. Lyssa and I met when we both we looked into Shorika. Then she went to Thayer and did wonderful, had no complaints. I was still waiting on a dam phone call from Shorika. So I jumped ship and swam over to met up with lyssa. I have no regrets. It was the best thing I ever did for myself and my family. I still don't think it matters who you pick for a surgeon, but the people behind the surgeon is just as important. Kim and Dawn said it wonderfully. They both are really nice people too, even if Dawn said I was a flirt. her hair is the wrong color though so we give her some slack.LOL Pam ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 24, 2000 Report Share Posted March 24, 2000 Hey Lyssa! Naw.....nothins movin on my end! I fluctuate between 158-162, and have been doing that for over 3 months now. BooHoo.....I thought I was gonna get a year of weight loss! It was 7 months for me. Oh well....i'm very pleased anyway.....I'll take 160 over 293 any day! I'm doing ok, otherwise. Still being vigilant about exercize....my eating is bad though. I think it's stress eating...........thanks for thinking of me :-) hugs from plymouth.......kim LyssaF wrote: Kim glad to see things are moving again on your end. How have you been?Lyssa Kim in Plymouth, Mass Open RNY 5/24/99 Dr. Bruce Thayer-Newton Wellesley Hospital Harvard Pilgrim Health Care-Approved in 3 Days Highest Weight: 293 Weight at Surgery: 278 BMI 48 1/29/2000: 158!!!! Lost 120 lbs. since surgery and 135 from top weight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2000 Report Share Posted March 25, 2000 Kim...just too bad you're not a normal person to go with it! KIDDING! Blondie Re: whining By the way, what kind of emergency surgery did you require after surgery? - Alice A. Hey Alice- I had a small bowel obstruction--my intestine was completely blocked & nothing could get through. Unfortunately for me, it required major emergency surgery, same incision as my rny, and 4 more days in the hospital. However, it was a much quicker recovery since I weighed 80 pounds less than the first time around! The cause of the problem was an adhesion that developed and wrapped itself around my intestine. Some people develop them after any kind of abdominal surgery. They dont always cause problems, but if they strangle your bowel, well, that's a problem! Anyway, it's a complication that can happen, although not common, after any kind of abdominal surgery. Some people are prone to them. In other words, it WAS a complication, and I probably would have gotten it after any abdominal surgery, whether it was WLS or gall bladder or whatever. So, that's my story. Good luck with your decision, Alice. Please keep us posted. PS Even if I knew in advance that I'd have to go through TWO major surgeries in order to get this weight off, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I LOVE my life now! It's wonderful being a " normal " weight! Kim in Plymouth, Mass Open RNY 5/24/99 Dr. Bruce Thayer-Newton Wellesley Hospital Harvard Pilgrim Health Care-Approved in 3 Days Highest Weight: 293 Weight at Surgery: 278 BMI 48 1/29/2000: 158!!!! Lost 120 lbs. since surgery and 135 from top weight! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Good friends, school spirit, hair-dos you'd like to forget. Classmates.com has them all. And with 4.4 million alumni already registered, there's a good chance you'll find your friends here: http://click./1/2623/7/_/675032/_/953980309/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2000 Report Share Posted March 25, 2000 By the way, what kind of emergency surgery did you require after surgery? - Alice A. Hey Alice- I had a small bowel obstruction--my intestine was completely blocked & nothing could get through. Unfortunately for me, it required major emergency surgery, same incision as my rny, and 4 more days in the hospital. However, it was a much quicker recovery since I weighed 80 pounds less than the first time around! The cause of the problem was an adhesion that developed and wrapped itself around my intestine. Some people develop them after any kind of abdominal surgery. They dont always cause problems, but if they strangle your bowel, well, that's a problem! Anyway, it's a complication that can happen, although not common, after any kind of abdominal surgery. Some people are prone to them. In other words, it WAS a complication, and I probably would have gotten it after any abdominal surgery, whether it was WLS or gall bladder or whatever. So, that's my story. Good luck with your decision, Alice. Please keep us posted. PS Even if I knew in advance that I'd have to go through TWO major surgeries in order to get this weight off, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I LOVE my life now! It's wonderful being a " normal " weight! Kim in Plymouth, Mass Open RNY 5/24/99 Dr. Bruce Thayer-Newton Wellesley Hospital Harvard Pilgrim Health Care-Approved in 3 Days Highest Weight: 293 Weight at Surgery: 278 BMI 48 1/29/2000: 158!!!! Lost 120 lbs. since surgery and 135 from top weight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2000 Report Share Posted March 26, 2000 Thanks for the info, Kim! I decided to go with Dr. Thayer! - Alice A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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