Re: Starting out - Please Help!

[Guest guest]

Hi

You don't want to rush into surgery so quickly anyway. I know how you feel

because I just had my consultation with my dr and he said my surgery wouldn't

be until next year... he didn't even give me a clue as to when. I see him

again in October and hopefully he will know then about my surgery. You don't

want to pick a dr just because of when he/she can do the surgery either. You

should find one that you are comfortable with.

Good luck.

Matina

[Guest guest]

Hi

You don't want to rush into surgery so quickly anyway. I know how you feel

because I just had my consultation with my dr and he said my surgery wouldn't

be until next year... he didn't even give me a clue as to when. I see him

again in October and hopefully he will know then about my surgery. You don't

want to pick a dr just because of when he/she can do the surgery either. You

should find one that you are comfortable with.

Good luck.

Matina

[Guest guest]

,

I decided on the open RNY because I had heard how wonderful Dr Thayer was and

I also wanted to make sure nothing went wrong. I have seen Dr. Thayers work

and he does a beautiful job stitching (just ask for his link). I work

for AT & T Wireless and under the FML Act I was able to take one month off with

short term disablity covering 70% of my pay ...the other 30% was covered by

my sick time.

I asked Thayer if he thought one month was enough and he said I will want to

go back sooner. I feel confident that I will be in Great shape by the first

week in Sept as I am having my operation next week on the 9th.

C

[Guest guest]

-

Unfortunately right now, with all the publicity surrounding WLS, the

name of the game is hurry up and wait. Once you have made the

decision, more or less, you want it to happen right away. I had my

surgery 7/24/01 at NWH with Dr. Thayer, that practice does not

currently do the lap procedure, however there are two new surgeons

coming on board to replace Dr. Reines who is relocating. Who knows

what that will mean in terms of waiting. Once you have had your

initial appointment, currently the wait is approximately 4 to 6

months for the surgery. They offer a twice monthly support group at

the Riddle Building on the hospital grounds. There is one

tonight I believe, which might be a nice way to see the scene. Cause

it is a trip, this is not just a snip and go kinda thing, people have

been there for a long time, post-op and it just feels good to be in a

room full of people who know what you are going through.

Recovery time until you are completely healed is probably 5 to 6

weeks, but I know there are people who have gone back to work

depending on what you do in two weeks it is all relative and

different for everyone. I have the time coming, so I am going to

take it. I don't really feel that I could go back next Tuesday

regardless, but I have a very long communte.

You have come to the right place for advice, there is more than

enough to go around here.

Good Luck!

Patti

> Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston area)

and

> I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am torn

> between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but because

of

> the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

> (ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time

for

> the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that

time

> off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

> procedure

> is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the

killer

> is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure is

> just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

> currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds like a

> program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump

through

> an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said that they

> would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3 weeks

> (Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a packet.

Dr.

> Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and the

> place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because it's

in

> her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been too

> obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure my

> feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not unique.

> Can

> some one please shed some light on how you have dealth with all of

> these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many

thanks!!

>

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome! I know this is a big decision, but it was the right one for me.

I had an open RNY 15 months ago with Dr. Thayer, and Iíve lost 85 of my

extra 100 pounds. Iím 5í4 and 30 years old. I chose open because youíre

under anesthesia for a shorter amount of time, and in my view,

anesthesia is the most dangerous part. I also like the idea of the

surgeon really being able to feel his way around in a more hands on

approach. Dr. Thayer is fabulous, and Iím so glad I chose him. He offers

great follow-up care and his staff is wonderful.

That said, I was up and around, as most are, from week 1. After 2.5

weeks, I started to feel normal again, and could have gone back to my

desk job at week 3. I chose to take a 4th week off to rest, and Iím glad

I did. I was very tired. Of course, I was lucky and had no

complications. You can never tell whether or not there will be problems,

so itís hard to judge the recovery time. I was also lucky that I get 4

weeks sick time from work. You might also look into short term

disability.

In any case, good luck with your progress, and let us know if you have

any more questions and concerns.

- Alice A. (AA)

4/25/00

236/151

acox@... wrote:

> Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston area)and

> I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am torn

> between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but because of

> the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

> (ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time for

> the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that time

> off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

> procedure

> is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the killer

> is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure is

> just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

> currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds like a

> program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump through

> an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said that they

> would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3 weeks

> (Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a packet. Dr.

> Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and the

> place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because it's in

> her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been too

> obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure my

> feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not unique.

> Can

> some one please shed some light on how you have dealth with all of

> these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many thanks!!

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

My name is Anita and I had lap 5 months ago. I have to tell you that

differences in recovery times between the two surgeries are ON

AVERAGE. I was in NO WAY ready to go back to work after 2 weeks. I

did not have an easy recovery from the lap - again just my experience

and on the flip side I know several people who had breezy recoveries

from open. What I would tell you is that the program you choose to

have the surgery with should have nothing to do with scars, type of

surgery, or recovery time as these are mostly unpredictable anyway

(e.g., you could go in for lap and midway through the op they could

find they must do open) - it really should be about where you feel

supported and encouraged and respected. Take it from someone that

feels she chose the WRONG criteria for deciding where to have

surgery. The thing we all need most after surgery and of course

before as well is support with a capital S. I know the practical

issues and concerns you raise are real but if at all possible see if

you can work around those and choose the program that will work best

for you.

Just my 2 cents.

Anita

> Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston area)

and

> I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am torn

> between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but because

of

> the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

> (ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time

for

> the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that

time

> off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

> procedure

> is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the

killer

> is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure is

> just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

> currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds like a

> program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump

through

> an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said that they

> would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3 weeks

> (Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a packet.

Dr.

> Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and the

> place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because it's

in

> her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been too

> obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure my

> feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not unique.

> Can

> some one please shed some light on how you have dealth with all of

> these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many

thanks!!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

My name is Anita and I had lap 5 months ago. I have to tell you that

differences in recovery times between the two surgeries are ON

AVERAGE. I was in NO WAY ready to go back to work after 2 weeks. I

did not have an easy recovery from the lap - again just my experience

and on the flip side I know several people who had breezy recoveries

from open. What I would tell you is that the program you choose to

have the surgery with should have nothing to do with scars, type of

surgery, or recovery time as these are mostly unpredictable anyway

(e.g., you could go in for lap and midway through the op they could

find they must do open) - it really should be about where you feel

supported and encouraged and respected. Take it from someone that

feels she chose the WRONG criteria for deciding where to have

surgery. The thing we all need most after surgery and of course

before as well is support with a capital S. I know the practical

issues and concerns you raise are real but if at all possible see if

you can work around those and choose the program that will work best

for you.

Just my 2 cents.

Anita

> Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston area)

and

> I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am torn

> between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but because

of

> the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

> (ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time

for

> the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that

time

> off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

> procedure

> is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the

killer

> is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure is

> just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

> currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds like a

> program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump

through

> an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said that they

> would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3 weeks

> (Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a packet.

Dr.

> Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and the

> place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because it's

in

> her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been too

> obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure my

> feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not unique.

> Can

> some one please shed some light on how you have dealth with all of

> these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many

thanks!!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi there! The waiting period does suck buthere are hoards of people who

want it and most surgwons require attending group meetings prior as well as

meeting with a nutrionist and therapist. There is Dr. at

UMass/Worcesterr where I had LAP surgery...I think it took 5 months to

operation time. Good luck and pace yourself. Even with LAP the healing

takes time. Priscilla

> From: acox@...

> Reply-To: OSSG-NewEngland

> Date: Thu, 02 Aug 2001 16:21:08 -0000

> To: OSSG-NewEngland

> Subject: Starting out - Please Help!

>

> Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston area)and

> I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am torn

> between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but because of

> the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

> (ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time for

> the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that time

> off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

> procedure

> is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the killer

> is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure is

> just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

> currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds like a

> program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump through

> an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said that they

> would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3 weeks

> (Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a packet. Dr.

> Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and the

> place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because it's in

> her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been too

> obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure my

> feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not unique.

> Can

> some one please shed some light on how you have dealth with all of

> these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many thanks!!

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi there! The waiting period does suck buthere are hoards of people who

want it and most surgwons require attending group meetings prior as well as

meeting with a nutrionist and therapist. There is Dr. at

UMass/Worcesterr where I had LAP surgery...I think it took 5 months to

operation time. Good luck and pace yourself. Even with LAP the healing

takes time. Priscilla

> From: acox@...

> Reply-To: OSSG-NewEngland

> Date: Thu, 02 Aug 2001 16:21:08 -0000

> To: OSSG-NewEngland

> Subject: Starting out - Please Help!

>

> Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston area)and

> I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am torn

> between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but because of

> the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

> (ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time for

> the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that time

> off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

> procedure

> is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the killer

> is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure is

> just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

> currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds like a

> program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump through

> an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said that they

> would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3 weeks

> (Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a packet. Dr.

> Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and the

> place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because it's in

> her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been too

> obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure my

> feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not unique.

> Can

> some one please shed some light on how you have dealth with all of

> these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many thanks!!

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I had my surgery 10 wks. ago at Beth Israel. I guess I started the

process (calling for the info) about the beginning of Nov.

I had my surgery June 1, but could of had it done in April. I had

to wait because of work. I'm not sure if thier wait time is longer

now but it is worth a shot. I know they do LAP there. I had to do it

open because of prior surgery.

I feel the care at BID was great and my Dr. was wonderful (Dr.

Gastwirth).

So I hope I helped. Ask any questions and you will get answers

from this group. It's great!!!

Kathy V.

BID

06/01/01

> Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston

area)and

> I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am

torn

> between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but

because of

> the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

> (ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time

for

> the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that

time

> off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

> procedure

> is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the

killer

> is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure

is

> just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

> currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds

like a

> program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump

through

> an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said

that they

> would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3

weeks

> (Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a

packet. Dr.

> Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and

the

> place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because

it's in

> her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been

too

> obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure

my

> feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not

unique.

> Can

> some one please shed some light on how you have dealth

with all of

> these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many

thanks!!

>

[Guest guest]

,

I had my surgery 10 wks. ago at Beth Israel. I guess I started the

process (calling for the info) about the beginning of Nov.

I had my surgery June 1, but could of had it done in April. I had

to wait because of work. I'm not sure if thier wait time is longer

now but it is worth a shot. I know they do LAP there. I had to do it

open because of prior surgery.

I feel the care at BID was great and my Dr. was wonderful (Dr.

Gastwirth).

So I hope I helped. Ask any questions and you will get answers

from this group. It's great!!!

Kathy V.

BID

06/01/01

> Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston

area)and

> I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am

torn

> between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but

because of

> the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

> (ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time

for

> the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that

time

> off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

> procedure

> is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the

killer

> is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure

is

> just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

> currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds

like a

> program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump

through

> an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said

that they

> would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3

weeks

> (Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a

packet. Dr.

> Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and

the

> place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because

it's in

> her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been

too

> obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure

my

> feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not

unique.

> Can

> some one please shed some light on how you have dealth

with all of

> these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many

thanks!!

>

[Guest guest]

,

I had my surgery 10 wks. ago at Beth Israel. I guess I started the

process (calling for the info) about the beginning of Nov.

I had my surgery June 1, but could of had it done in April. I had

to wait because of work. I'm not sure if thier wait time is longer

now but it is worth a shot. I know they do LAP there. I had to do it

open because of prior surgery.

I feel the care at BID was great and my Dr. was wonderful (Dr.

Gastwirth).

So I hope I helped. Ask any questions and you will get answers

from this group. It's great!!!

Kathy V.

BID

06/01/01

> Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston

area)and

> I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am

torn

> between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but

because of

> the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

> (ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time

for

> the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that

time

> off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

> procedure

> is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the

killer

> is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure

is

> just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

> currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds

like a

> program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump

through

> an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said

that they

> would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3

weeks

> (Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a

packet. Dr.

> Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and

the

> place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because

it's in

> her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been

too

> obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure

my

> feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not

unique.

> Can

> some one please shed some light on how you have dealth

with all of

> these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many

thanks!!

>

[Guest guest]

angela,

i dont think dr. thayer does lap?? not quite sure though. It's been 3 weeks

today since my surgery and i have to admit i feel good today. went swimming

with kids, went to son's hockey game and did groceries with daughter. i

followed all the doctor's orders from day one... take care of me.. sleep when

i need to.. don't over do it...

it was painful , but the meds did help alot. you will need help... but mostly

for your kids so you can recooperate. good luck.. dr. thayer and his staff

are wonderful !!!

kim fitchburg

[Guest guest]

angela,

i dont think dr. thayer does lap?? not quite sure though. It's been 3 weeks

today since my surgery and i have to admit i feel good today. went swimming

with kids, went to son's hockey game and did groceries with daughter. i

followed all the doctor's orders from day one... take care of me.. sleep when

i need to.. don't over do it...

it was painful , but the meds did help alot. you will need help... but mostly

for your kids so you can recooperate. good luck.. dr. thayer and his staff

are wonderful !!!

kim fitchburg

[Guest guest]

angela,

i dont think dr. thayer does lap?? not quite sure though. It's been 3 weeks

today since my surgery and i have to admit i feel good today. went swimming

with kids, went to son's hockey game and did groceries with daughter. i

followed all the doctor's orders from day one... take care of me.. sleep when

i need to.. don't over do it...

it was painful , but the meds did help alot. you will need help... but mostly

for your kids so you can recooperate. good luck.. dr. thayer and his staff

are wonderful !!!

kim fitchburg

[Guest guest]

angela,

had my consult on april 25th, day after i was in fla for 2 weeks, got

approved on june 18th, had pretesting and 2nd appointment with dr. thayer on

june 25th and surgery was on july 12th. actually called me twice for

cancellations to have the surgery sooner.... but didn't fit my schedule.

(ask to be put on the waiting list)

kim

[Guest guest]

angela,

had my consult on april 25th, day after i was in fla for 2 weeks, got

approved on june 18th, had pretesting and 2nd appointment with dr. thayer on

june 25th and surgery was on july 12th. actually called me twice for

cancellations to have the surgery sooner.... but didn't fit my schedule.

(ask to be put on the waiting list)

kim

[Guest guest]

angela,

had my consult on april 25th, day after i was in fla for 2 weeks, got

approved on june 18th, had pretesting and 2nd appointment with dr. thayer on

june 25th and surgery was on july 12th. actually called me twice for

cancellations to have the surgery sooner.... but didn't fit my schedule.

(ask to be put on the waiting list)

kim

[Guest guest]

-

As to recovery time, investigate what your company offers - for

instance, I am on short-term disability which pays 80% of my base

salary and I only needed to use one week of Paid Absence/Vacation

time. You may also be covered under the Family Medical Leave Act.

Your Benefits Coordinator in HR can give you the facts for your

company. All companies are different. And you don't have to tell him

or her what you are inquiring for specifically - just a medical

procedure that would require you to be out of work for an extended

time.

Take care,

Devon

> Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston area)

and

> I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am torn

> between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but because

of

> the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

> (ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time

for

> the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that

time

> off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

> procedure

> is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the

killer

> is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure is

> just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

> currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds like a

> program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump

through

> an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said that they

> would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3 weeks

> (Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a packet.

Dr.

> Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and the

> place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because it's

in

> her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been too

> obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure my

> feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not unique.

> Can

> some one please shed some light on how you have dealth with all of

> these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many

thanks!!

>

[Guest guest]

-

As to recovery time, investigate what your company offers - for

instance, I am on short-term disability which pays 80% of my base

salary and I only needed to use one week of Paid Absence/Vacation

time. You may also be covered under the Family Medical Leave Act.

Your Benefits Coordinator in HR can give you the facts for your

company. All companies are different. And you don't have to tell him

or her what you are inquiring for specifically - just a medical

procedure that would require you to be out of work for an extended

time.

Take care,

Devon

> Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston area)

and

> I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am torn

> between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but because

of

> the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

> (ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time

for

> the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that

time

> off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

> procedure

> is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the

killer

> is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure is

> just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

> currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds like a

> program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump

through

> an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said that they

> would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3 weeks

> (Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a packet.

Dr.

> Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and the

> place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because it's

in

> her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been too

> obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure my

> feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not unique.

> Can

> some one please shed some light on how you have dealth with all of

> these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many

thanks!!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ! Welcome!

The only places I know of that do lap are either Dr. Shikora, or the Dr.

(forget his name) at UMass Med Ctr. I don't honestly know much about the

lap procedure, but I do know that some people can't have lap due to either

scar tissue, or where the person may hold his/her weight. I believe there

are certain limitations as far as where the person carries their weight, and

if too much depth would be involved, usually the open procedure is used. I

may be wrong on this, but this is my understanding. Also, sometimes when

doing lap verses open, Dr's sometimes need to do the open once trying the

lap for " better view " .

I had thought about the lap before inquiring with Dr's about the open, but

changed my mind for a few reasons of my preference. Nothing against lap at

all, I think it's great, just not my choice.

I also was worried about time off work, but I saved during my waiting time,

and was ok. It was tight, but I managed. I do not have kids, so I have no

idea about that part, but I did Nanny once, and I could only imagine how

tough that would be after any type of surgery.

Could you get any help with the kids after surgery for a few weeks perhaps?

That may help take the burden off of you while recuperating.

Good luck with your choices!

Dawn

Starting out - Please Help!

Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston area)and

I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am torn

between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but because of

the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

(ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time for

the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that time

off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

procedure

is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the killer

is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure is

just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds like a

program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump through

an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said that they

would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3 weeks

(Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a packet. Dr.

Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and the

place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because it's in

her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been too

obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure my

feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not unique.

Can

some one please shed some light on how you have dealth with all of

these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many thanks!!

[Guest guest]

Hi ! Welcome!

The only places I know of that do lap are either Dr. Shikora, or the Dr.

(forget his name) at UMass Med Ctr. I don't honestly know much about the

lap procedure, but I do know that some people can't have lap due to either

scar tissue, or where the person may hold his/her weight. I believe there

are certain limitations as far as where the person carries their weight, and

if too much depth would be involved, usually the open procedure is used. I

may be wrong on this, but this is my understanding. Also, sometimes when

doing lap verses open, Dr's sometimes need to do the open once trying the

lap for " better view " .

I had thought about the lap before inquiring with Dr's about the open, but

changed my mind for a few reasons of my preference. Nothing against lap at

all, I think it's great, just not my choice.

I also was worried about time off work, but I saved during my waiting time,

and was ok. It was tight, but I managed. I do not have kids, so I have no

idea about that part, but I did Nanny once, and I could only imagine how

tough that would be after any type of surgery.

Could you get any help with the kids after surgery for a few weeks perhaps?

That may help take the burden off of you while recuperating.

Good luck with your choices!

Dawn

Starting out - Please Help!

Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston area)and

I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am torn

between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but because of

the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

(ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time for

the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that time

off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

procedure

is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the killer

is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure is

just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds like a

program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump through

an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said that they

would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3 weeks

(Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a packet. Dr.

Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and the

place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because it's in

her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been too

obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure my

feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not unique.

Can

some one please shed some light on how you have dealth with all of

these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many thanks!!

[Guest guest]

Hi ! Welcome!

The only places I know of that do lap are either Dr. Shikora, or the Dr.

(forget his name) at UMass Med Ctr. I don't honestly know much about the

lap procedure, but I do know that some people can't have lap due to either

scar tissue, or where the person may hold his/her weight. I believe there

are certain limitations as far as where the person carries their weight, and

if too much depth would be involved, usually the open procedure is used. I

may be wrong on this, but this is my understanding. Also, sometimes when

doing lap verses open, Dr's sometimes need to do the open once trying the

lap for " better view " .

I had thought about the lap before inquiring with Dr's about the open, but

changed my mind for a few reasons of my preference. Nothing against lap at

all, I think it's great, just not my choice.

I also was worried about time off work, but I saved during my waiting time,

and was ok. It was tight, but I managed. I do not have kids, so I have no

idea about that part, but I did Nanny once, and I could only imagine how

tough that would be after any type of surgery.

Could you get any help with the kids after surgery for a few weeks perhaps?

That may help take the burden off of you while recuperating.

Good luck with your choices!

Dawn

Starting out - Please Help!

Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston area)and

I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am torn

between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but because of

the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

(ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time for

the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that time

off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

procedure

is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the killer

is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure is

just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds like a

program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump through

an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said that they

would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3 weeks

(Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a packet. Dr.

Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and the

place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because it's in

her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been too

obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure my

feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not unique.

Can

some one please shed some light on how you have dealth with all of

these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many thanks!!

[Guest guest]

-

Dr. Mun at the Beth Israel does LAP, but your BMI must be within a certain

range...and I want to say it has to be 40 or under. Pam from Peabody just had

hers done by him, and she had LAP, so she may be able to shed some more light on

the subject, as far as Dr. Mun is concerned.

Jeff

Starting out - Please Help!

Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston area)and

I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am torn

between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but because of

the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

(ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time for

the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that time

off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

procedure

is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the killer

is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure is

just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds like a

program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump through

an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said that they

would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3 weeks

(Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a packet. Dr.

Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and the

place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because it's in

her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been too

obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure my

feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not unique.

Can

some one please shed some light on how you have dealth with all of

these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many thanks!!

[Guest guest]

-

Dr. Mun at the Beth Israel does LAP, but your BMI must be within a certain

range...and I want to say it has to be 40 or under. Pam from Peabody just had

hers done by him, and she had LAP, so she may be able to shed some more light on

the subject, as far as Dr. Mun is concerned.

Jeff

Starting out - Please Help!

Hi all. My name is . I live in Massachusetts (Boston area)and

I am presently very seriously considering RNY surgery. I am torn

between open and lap - not because of the scar issue, but because of

the healing time. I work full time and have 2 very small children

(ages 2 and 3). My research thus far reveals that recovery time for

the open procedure is 5 - 6 weeks. I can't afford to take that time

off from work and I don't know many people who can. The lap

procedure

is about 2 weeks. With vacation, I can afford that. BUT, the killer

is that trying to get into a program that does the lap procedure is

just awful! I've called everywhere. The Lahey Clinic program is

currently not accepting new patients. Mass General sounds like a

program, in addition to charging extra money, makes you jump through

an enormous amount of hoops. NEMC and Dr. Shikora said that they

would send me a packet that I could expect to receive in 2-3 weeks

(Yikes!) and Beth Isreal said they would also send me a packet. Dr.

Thayer's office is the only one that has been encouraging and the

place that my PCP really wants me to go to (probably because it's in

her " circle " for insurance reasons). To be honest - I've been too

obese and unhealthy for too long to wait much longer. I'm sure my

feelings of impatience, frustration, and finances are not unique.

Can

some one please shed some light on how you have dealth with all of

these issues - especially the " recovery time " issue. Many thanks!!