Re: RNY in Rochester, NY area

[Guest guest]

I had my original surgery in Rochester, with Dr. O'Malley. There are

three doctors who do it there, Dr. O'Malley, Dr. Sax and Dr. Iannoli. I've

heard a few negatives about Dr. Sax, but don't have anything to substantiate any

of it so I won't say any more. I'd suggest contacting Alice Grillo -

rgrillo@... - who leads the support group there. She'll be able to

give you lots of answers.

As far as lap vs. open. I'd pick open because - in MY opinion only - there

seems to be far fewer complications. This is only based on the doctors in

Rochester. I think Dr. O'Malley is the only one doing them lap anymore anyway,

I think Dr. Sax was forced to stop doing them lap. Also, from what Dr. O'Malley

and Dr. Sax said, when the surgery is done lap, the pouch tends to be larger for

some reason. Can't remember why.

Anyway, drop Alice an email. She's a really nice lady and loves to help people.

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

Terry Mayers

5DollarHosting.comT

http://www.5dollarhosting.com

(877)-838-HOST /

.... because it shouldn't cost a fortune to make a fortune! ®

RNY in Rochester, NY area

Hi,

I'm new to the list and am considering, although I live in WV, going up to

Rochester, NY to have the RNY procedure because I have family up there. At

this point, I have appointments w/two different Drs. at Strong over the

holidays, one who does the open RNY and the other who does lapropscopic (and

has done over 100 of the lap procedures).

I've noticed that most of you have had the open RNY, and I'm interested in

hearing from anyone about experiences you've had w/doctors in the Rochester,

NY area and what are the benefits of lap vs. open or vice versa?

in WV

[Guest guest]

Hi and welcome to our wonderful group. Nice to have you with us. The

issue of lap versus open is a difficult one because it really varies with each

surgeon and what they are comfortable with. I was told by my surgeon that it

would take 5 hours to do a lap procedure, and 90 minutes for an open. I had

also had previous abdominal surgeries which would make a lap very difficult, so

that's why I had an open. I didn't want to be under anesthesia for 5 hours or

more. But I know there are others on the list who've had 2 hour lap surgeries,

so it just depends on the surgeon that you go with. Good luck with your appts.

at Christmastime.

Jeanne in WI

Age 39

Open RNY 05/21/2002

314/ 251/150-175

5' 8 "

djgraves@...

[Guest guest]

Dear in WV,

Welcome to the GBIC website and e-mail group. You've found a

wonderful, supportive group of people!

I, too, had an open RNY on 9/5/02. I've lost 32 pounds so far and I'm

doing great. Life is pretty much back to normal except for the fact that I

am still get tired easier and earlier than I used to but hey.. I feel so much

better with just 32 pounds off my frame!

My surgeon swears by the open RNY procedure because, to quote him, " He

can see what he's doing! " Others swear by the Lap and feel completely

comfortable with that procedure. Ask your surgeon (when you have one) his

complication rate, percentage and don't ever be afraid to ask ALL the

questions you have about the surgery and your post-op life style.

Good luck to you and God bless you richly! Visit the files section of

the website and read up. Great info there!

Love,

Trace

Open RNY -- 9/5/02

Dr. Schechner, Norfolk and Va. Beach, VA

Height -- 5' 9 1/2 "

Starting weight -- 351.2

Current weight -- 319

Minus -- 32 pounds gone!

Gal. 2:20

[Guest guest]

<><

I have been thinking about gastric-by-pass surgery, but, at nearly 62

years old, and with emphysema as well as assorted arthritic spots, I

don't think it's a realistic solution for me. However, I am thrilled for

each of you that have had the courage, and I do mean COURAGE to go

through such drastic surgery to realign your life.

I have been reading your postings with great interest and think it's

wonderful how you all love and encourage each other.....keep up the good

work and always keep first and foremost in your minds and hearts that GOD

is in control.

I have to say, however, that I was shocked and disheartened at the vulgar

language used by Chad....loverman.....that kind of language is not loving

in anyone's book. Vulgarity is used by people who don't have a good

enough command of the language to express themselves. I think Chad owes

a whole lot of people an apology for his unfortunate choice of words.

In Christs' Love,

Ruth K.

><>

[Guest guest]

Ruth,

I understand your concerns about having the surgery with your other ailments.

I too have emphysema, RH Arthritis, Lupus and fibromyalsia. I had lost 60

percent of my lung capacity and was on oxygen 24/7 and weighed 375. I had my

surgery out of need to live. In other words my doctors didnt give me but a

maximum of 5 years in my then condition. I was in a even higher risk factor

bracket for this surgery. I was very scared. But felt well Im gonna die if I

dont have it so might as well die trying. My doctor was wonderful. Here I am 6

months later and down 125 lbs and completely off the oxygen. My fibromyalsia is

still flaring. But I am still happy with my results. I know that you have a few

more important concerns that I didnt have to deal with. Age being number one.

BUT...if you decide to have it let me know so I can start saying prayers for

you. And if you dont, that is totally understandable too. Its not a easy

decision to make when you are completely healthy much less added concerns. My

thoughts are with you.

Vicki S.

Re: RNY in Rochester, NY area

<><

I have been thinking about gastric-by-pass surgery, but, at nearly 62

years old, and with emphysema as well as assorted arthritic spots, I

don't think it's a realistic solution for me. However, I am thrilled for

each of you that have had the courage, and I do mean COURAGE to go

through such drastic surgery to realign your life.

I have been reading your postings with great interest and think it's

wonderful how you all love and encourage each other.....keep up the good

work and always keep first and foremost in your minds and hearts that GOD

is in control.

I have to say, however, that I was shocked and disheartened at the vulgar

language used by Chad....loverman.....that kind of language is not loving

in anyone's book. Vulgarity is used by people who don't have a good

enough command of the language to express themselves. I think Chad owes

a whole lot of people an apology for his unfortunate choice of words.

In Christs' Love,

Ruth K.

><>

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[Guest guest]

Ruth K. my Mom had her RNY surgery on January 3, 2002, at the age of 72. She

has now lost over 90 pounds and is looking good and feeling a whole lot

better. If you really want to have the surgery you may have to do some

research and you may have to travel to have it done. My Mom is in Eugene,

OR. Please contact me if you would like any more information. I had my

surgery 3 weeks ago today and with the weight I lost pre-op I have now lost

87 pounds. The two of us have lost almost 180 pounds in less than a year.

Good luck in your research.

in Sacramento, CA

Dr. in Burlingame, CA

Lap RNY 9-16

Starting weight 380

Pre-op weight... 311

Current weight... 293

Total weight loss... -87

Goal 130

RM2003VR158 @ aol.com

" Beauty is soul deep. Learn that and you may realize

that you are far more attractive than you ever thought. "

by Steve Goodier

[Guest guest]

<><

Dear and Vickie,

Thank you both for your lovely letters of encouragement. I'm still in

the thinking stage, but, from what I've seen on this site, everyone is

extremely happy they had the surgery.

I live in CT., so, I would probably go to a hospital in New Haven, which

is only about 20 miles away. I also have the name of a surgeon there who

is supposedly very good.

A man I go to Church with had the surgery in April and has lost WELL

over 100 lbs. and hasn't seemed to have any problems thus far. He looks

fantastic, and doesn't have any obvious loose skin.....he does have

little " love handles " which I'm sure his wife doesn't mind.

He has encouraged me to call his doctor and see what he thinks, but, I

haven't done it yet. I think I'm just waiting for GOD to tell me to go

ahead and do it.

I just can't imagine me going the rest of my life without any sugar or

milk.....or chocolate!

Enough of my rambling....I just wanted to thank you both and ask you to

pray that I find out what GOD wants me to do.

Thanks,

Ruth K.

><>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

My name is Judy, I live in Rochester, NY and had Laproscopic gastric

by-pass on 12/27/01. Dr. O'Malley was the surgeon and I can

say for myself, I have had no problems with the surgery or

afterwards. This was the best gift I could have ever given myself.

Currently, there are 3 surgeons doing this surgery, Dr. O'Malley,

Dr. Harry Sax and Dr. Ianolli who operates out of Park Ridge

Hospital. Dr. Sax is at Strong Memorial and Dr. O'Malley is

affliated with Strong but operates out of Highland Hospital.

What I do know about the differences between open & lap is that

generally, the recovery from lap is quicker. The only surgeon doing

lap is Dr. O'Malley. My daughter, Terry and I have had the surgery,

Terry's was open. Other than the way our surgeries were done, I

don't know of any differences. Terry has been successful and lost

around 140 LBS. Her surgery was on 9/26/00. On 9/26/02, she had a

revision of the original surgery and a tummy tuck. My surgery was

12/27/01 and I've lost 95.5 LBS. We both felt great after surgery.

As a matter of fact, I was driving 5 days after surgery. I had no

pain and didn't need pain meds. In my opinion, Dr. O'Malley is a

gifted surgeon and the other doctors are just as good. I chose Dr.

O'Malley because that's who Terry used and I was hoping for the

procedure to be done lap.

If I can answer any more questions, please feel free to e-mail me.

I don't read this board as often as I check my e-mail. Whatever

your decision, Good Luck.

Judy Shapow

jshapow@...

[Guest guest]

Dear Ruth,

Welcome to the GBIC website and e-mail group. I understand that your

age and health problems are major factors to consider when making a decision

this large and life-impacting.

I do encourage you, however, to talk to your doctor about the benefits

you'll reap if he/she thinks you might be a good candidate for WLS surgery.

I know my Mom struggles with her weight but not to the degree I have

for the last ten years. She will be 64 on Oct. 21 and she has recently lost

about 35 - 40 pounds on Weight Watchers and walking every day. She told me

that if she was 100 pounds overweight, she'd opt for the surgery. I think

she's tired of gaining, losing, gaining, losing for so many years.

I told her to be glad that she only had about 50 pounds to lose as

opposed to my 175 - 200 pounds to lose. I do understand her though -- She

feels that she will forever be trapped in the diet/yo yo syndrome.

Take care, Ruth and God bless your WLS decision making process. I know

He will.

Love,

Trace

Open RNY -- 9/5/02

Dr. Schechner, Norfolk and Va. Beach, VA

Height -- 5' 9 1/2 "

Starting weight -- 351.2

Current weight -- 319

Minus -- 32 pounds gone!

Gal. 2:20

[Guest guest]

Dear Chad,

I want you to know that I completely understand your frustration with

what is happening to you. No one is perfect and everyone needs to vent their

frustration, sometimes.

I want you to know, however, that I was surprised at the words you

used and I, too, was offended. I know that we're adults here but there are

young gals and guys who read these posts as well. I wouldn't want my

daughters (or anyone's daughter or son for that matter) to read those types

of words if they happened to be reading the posts that day.

You were absolutely right when you said that this was a " Free Country "

and that you had the " right " to express yourself and speak your mind.

While you do have these rights, I would encourage you to think before

you typed or sent anymore profanity in e-mails that are read by hundreds of

people and possibly younger patients, or even children. The GBIC website and

e-mails group is for everyone. That's why it's important to watch what we

say because we don't want to offend each other with inappropriate language,

etc.

I hope this letter doesn't offend you. It's written with the best

intentions and lots of brotherly-sisterly love. Take care and know that I am

praying for you.

Love,

Trace

Open RNY -- 9/5/02

Dr. Schechner, Norfolk and Va. Beach, VA

Height -- 5' 9 1/2 "

Starting weight -- 351.2

Current weight -- 319

Minus -- 32 pounds gone!

Gal. 2:20