Larry Young, Dr. Husted & Choosing Your Surgeon

[Guest guest]

> > To be honest I am glad that the mortality rates are not dicussed in

> > great detail on this list. I understand that there are some

> > possible severe consequences including death. However if I had to

> > read through mortality discussions I would have chickened out.

I am definitely leaning towards chickening out after reading all this. I

was very gung-ho, but now I'm not so sure. It's very scary stuff.

[Guest guest]

> > To be honest I am glad that the mortality rates are not dicussed in

> > great detail on this list. I understand that there are some

> > possible severe consequences including death. However if I had to

> > read through mortality discussions I would have chickened out.

I am definitely leaning towards chickening out after reading all this. I

was very gung-ho, but now I'm not so sure. It's very scary stuff.

[Guest guest]

Wonderfully said!!

Pammi

> > In a message dated 8/11/01 11:44:40 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

> > tlarussa@p... writes:

> >

> >

> > > Do we care about our fellow MO folks? Do we care enough to

> caution

> > > them against doing something we know in our hearts is foolish

or

> > > dangerous?

> > >

> > >

> >

> > I think you made some very very good points. I am as guilty as

the

> next

> > although I'd never heard of Larry until his passing. I also

didn't

> realize

> > this was his surgeon's first DS. I would have to agree that as a

> surgeon,

> > maybe that was a bit ambitious to take on. While Larry didn't

have

> anything

> > major wrong (ie nothing most of us have either), his high weight

was

> enough

> > to move even an experienced surgeon to take more precautions and

> some even to

> > refuse to do the surgery before trying to get some weight off.

You

> brought

> > up many good things, and while you're right, its not going to

help

> Larry...we

> > have to as a group and as individuals, speak up if we think

> something is

> > being overlooked or leaving someone at a higher risk than

necessary.

>

> >

> > Thank you for bringing this up. I wish I'd given the whole

> situation more

> > thought and I am now, so thank you for bringing it to my

attention.

>

> >

> > ~~* AJ *~~

> > Post op 7/24/01

> > self pay - Dr Baltasar -Alcoy Spain

> > 07/24/01 BMI 64 - 415.1

> > 08/06/01 BMI 59 - 390.2 -24.9 lbs!!!!!!!!!!~~~~

> >

> > Check out the

> > Bellingham Support for WLS

> > WWW.WLSBellingham.homestead.com

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Wonderfully said!!

Pammi

> > In a message dated 8/11/01 11:44:40 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

> > tlarussa@p... writes:

> >

> >

> > > Do we care about our fellow MO folks? Do we care enough to

> caution

> > > them against doing something we know in our hearts is foolish

or

> > > dangerous?

> > >

> > >

> >

> > I think you made some very very good points. I am as guilty as

the

> next

> > although I'd never heard of Larry until his passing. I also

didn't

> realize

> > this was his surgeon's first DS. I would have to agree that as a

> surgeon,

> > maybe that was a bit ambitious to take on. While Larry didn't

have

> anything

> > major wrong (ie nothing most of us have either), his high weight

was

> enough

> > to move even an experienced surgeon to take more precautions and

> some even to

> > refuse to do the surgery before trying to get some weight off.

You

> brought

> > up many good things, and while you're right, its not going to

help

> Larry...we

> > have to as a group and as individuals, speak up if we think

> something is

> > being overlooked or leaving someone at a higher risk than

necessary.

>

> >

> > Thank you for bringing this up. I wish I'd given the whole

> situation more

> > thought and I am now, so thank you for bringing it to my

attention.

>

> >

> > ~~* AJ *~~

> > Post op 7/24/01

> > self pay - Dr Baltasar -Alcoy Spain

> > 07/24/01 BMI 64 - 415.1

> > 08/06/01 BMI 59 - 390.2 -24.9 lbs!!!!!!!!!!~~~~

> >

> > Check out the

> > Bellingham Support for WLS

> > WWW.WLSBellingham.homestead.com

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

,

It would NOT be normal to have doubts and concerns. Your concerns are very

valid. Use this opportunity to help you think through the surgery. If and

when you decide on the surgery, you'll have more confidence that it is the

right and the best decision for you.

I had doubts and concerns too, and I asked my doctor more questions, I

investigated his medical training, education and his experience with this

surgery. I talked to more people who have had the surgery. I bravely looked

at the other Obesity website and reviewed the not so successful stories.

The icing on the cake was a recent trip to Hershey Park, in PA. I had not

been there or to an amusement park in years...and it showed to my horror

when I was unable to fit into the roller coasters. I did a lot of deciding

in those steps down the " walk of shame " when I hat do get off on the exit

ramp after trying to be squeezed into a seat.

It is different for everyone and you may even decided against this surgery,

but either way you'll do so having done good research and making a very well

informed decision.

Nahodil

BPD/ DS

Pre-Op Dr. Elariny

Fairfax INOVA Hospital

10/1/01 - Lap

Re: Re: Larry Young, Dr. Husted & Choosing

Your Surgeon

> > To be honest I am glad that the mortality rates are not dicussed in

> > great detail on this list. I understand that there are some

> > possible severe consequences including death. However if I had to

> > read through mortality discussions I would have chickened out.

I am definitely leaning towards chickening out after reading all this. I

was very gung-ho, but now I'm not so sure. It's very scary stuff.

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

[Guest guest]

,

It would NOT be normal to have doubts and concerns. Your concerns are very

valid. Use this opportunity to help you think through the surgery. If and

when you decide on the surgery, you'll have more confidence that it is the

right and the best decision for you.

I had doubts and concerns too, and I asked my doctor more questions, I

investigated his medical training, education and his experience with this

surgery. I talked to more people who have had the surgery. I bravely looked

at the other Obesity website and reviewed the not so successful stories.

The icing on the cake was a recent trip to Hershey Park, in PA. I had not

been there or to an amusement park in years...and it showed to my horror

when I was unable to fit into the roller coasters. I did a lot of deciding

in those steps down the " walk of shame " when I hat do get off on the exit

ramp after trying to be squeezed into a seat.

It is different for everyone and you may even decided against this surgery,

but either way you'll do so having done good research and making a very well

informed decision.

Nahodil

BPD/ DS

Pre-Op Dr. Elariny

Fairfax INOVA Hospital

10/1/01 - Lap

Re: Re: Larry Young, Dr. Husted & Choosing

Your Surgeon

> > To be honest I am glad that the mortality rates are not dicussed in

> > great detail on this list. I understand that there are some

> > possible severe consequences including death. However if I had to

> > read through mortality discussions I would have chickened out.

I am definitely leaning towards chickening out after reading all this. I

was very gung-ho, but now I'm not so sure. It's very scary stuff.

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

[Guest guest]

,

Before I had my surgery a man died from complications but it didnt affect my

decision because with out the surgery I had no quality to my life and my

obesity would have shortened it and left me in more pain eventually.....

I guess you have to decide whether or not you will take the chance for a

better life with it or die in a few short years from complications from

being obese.....tough choice, I know but for some like me, I didnt want to

die before my time.....

Judie

[Guest guest]

,

Before I had my surgery a man died from complications but it didnt affect my

decision because with out the surgery I had no quality to my life and my

obesity would have shortened it and left me in more pain eventually.....

I guess you have to decide whether or not you will take the chance for a

better life with it or die in a few short years from complications from

being obese.....tough choice, I know but for some like me, I didnt want to

die before my time.....

Judie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/12/01 8:11:58 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

hbstandard@... writes:

> I am definitely leaning towards chickening out after reading all this. I

> was very gung-ho, but now I'm not so sure. It's very scary stuff.

>

>

The thing you have to remember is that is not the norm. There are not large

numbers of people dying...and even the complications are not very high.

Don't let something scare you....we all have that fear before surgery. Try

to think it thru and make sure if you do change your mind...its really what

you want. I'm the last person to tell someone they have to go thru with it,

but it wouldnt be right to cheat yourself of something that can change your

life and leave you feeling cheated down the road. Fear is healthy. Use it

to check your choices, your decisions but don't let it rule your final

outcome.

~~* AJ *~~

Post op 7/24/01

self pay - Dr Baltasar -Alcoy Spain

07/24/01 BMI 64 - 415.1

08/06/01 BMI 59 - 390.2 -24.9 lbs!!!!!!!!!!~~~~

Check out the

Bellingham Support for WLS

WWW.WLSBellingham.homestead.com

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/12/01 8:11:58 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

hbstandard@... writes:

> I am definitely leaning towards chickening out after reading all this. I

> was very gung-ho, but now I'm not so sure. It's very scary stuff.

>

>

The thing you have to remember is that is not the norm. There are not large

numbers of people dying...and even the complications are not very high.

Don't let something scare you....we all have that fear before surgery. Try

to think it thru and make sure if you do change your mind...its really what

you want. I'm the last person to tell someone they have to go thru with it,

but it wouldnt be right to cheat yourself of something that can change your

life and leave you feeling cheated down the road. Fear is healthy. Use it

to check your choices, your decisions but don't let it rule your final

outcome.

~~* AJ *~~

Post op 7/24/01

self pay - Dr Baltasar -Alcoy Spain

07/24/01 BMI 64 - 415.1

08/06/01 BMI 59 - 390.2 -24.9 lbs!!!!!!!!!!~~~~

Check out the

Bellingham Support for WLS

WWW.WLSBellingham.homestead.com

[Guest guest]

What an excellent post Pammi!

[Guest guest]

What an excellent post Pammi!

[Guest guest]

At 22:45 -0400 8/12/01, B. Standard wrote:

>

>> > To be honest I am glad that the mortality rates are not dicussed in

>> > great detail on this list. I understand that there are some

>> > possible severe consequences including death. However if I had to

>> > read through mortality discussions I would have chickened out.

>

>I am definitely leaning towards chickening out after reading all this. I

>was very gung-ho, but now I'm not so sure. It's very scary stuff.

not me!!! I'd rather brave the relatively small chance of either

dying on the operating table or later due to complications than this

drawn-out dying a little every day! I have grandchildren I not only

want to see, but interact with and right now that's just too much for

me in the shape I'm in.

This surgery is my lifeline, my hope, and my relief; more people die

every day from morbid obesity-related health issues than from this

surgery!

--stella

[Guest guest]

At 22:45 -0400 8/12/01, B. Standard wrote:

>

>> > To be honest I am glad that the mortality rates are not dicussed in

>> > great detail on this list. I understand that there are some

>> > possible severe consequences including death. However if I had to

>> > read through mortality discussions I would have chickened out.

>

>I am definitely leaning towards chickening out after reading all this. I

>was very gung-ho, but now I'm not so sure. It's very scary stuff.

not me!!! I'd rather brave the relatively small chance of either

dying on the operating table or later due to complications than this

drawn-out dying a little every day! I have grandchildren I not only

want to see, but interact with and right now that's just too much for

me in the shape I'm in.

This surgery is my lifeline, my hope, and my relief; more people die

every day from morbid obesity-related health issues than from this

surgery!

--stella

[Guest guest]

--

Don't let Larry's or anyone's death from WLS scare you off. Use it

to educate and prepare yourself.

There are issues and concerns that you need to adress preop--

1) Limited mobility---

How can overcome this? If you are unable to walk before surgery--

you can " move " in other ways. Doing leg pumps and leg lifts and

bicycling your legs preop to build your stamina and encourage better

blood flow to the legs.

Prepare your mind for when you come out of surgery to pump and move

your legs as much as possible. This is standard for Dr. B's patients

in Spain. I even encouraged those when on the long plane trips to do

likewise--there have been alot op people suffering from blood clots

and emboli after long plane rides.

If you and your doc are still concerned about possible emboli you may

want to consider a prophalactic Greenfield filter. They especially

will do this if you have had any hx of clots.

2) How long will you be on a respirator--and will they try to get

you up out of bed that day and as frquently as possible? If you you

have lung or breathing problems preop--are these conditions under

control. Work on deep breathing exercises, even the BALLOONS, so you

can clear the anesthetic quickly and get the breathing tube removed.

3) How long will the surgery take? The shorter, the better. Lap

procedures take longer--more anesthetic--. You have to weigh this

against having it open--where if you have alot of stomach fat to cut

through it may be harder to heal.

4) If you are superobese--how many has your doc done? What special

accomodations and procedures does he implement for them given the

higher risks?

5) Try to plan and visualize what will be happening to you

immediately postop--you may be groggy and fuzzy--but you need to be

an active participant in your recovery--you may wake with severe pain-

-prepare to breathe and relax your way through it until they can

start the pain meds.

It may seem like alot to think about--but it is your life we're

talking about here. Every proactive step you take lessens your risks

and betters your outcome. Doing these things also gives you a sense

of control--a willingness to fight and work through problems that

come up, and calm your fears.

I could go on and on---that is what this list is for to help you

prepare mentally--I'm sure there are many other things people can

add. You can do it!!

Pammi

[Guest guest]

--

Don't let Larry's or anyone's death from WLS scare you off. Use it

to educate and prepare yourself.

There are issues and concerns that you need to adress preop--

1) Limited mobility---

How can overcome this? If you are unable to walk before surgery--

you can " move " in other ways. Doing leg pumps and leg lifts and

bicycling your legs preop to build your stamina and encourage better

blood flow to the legs.

Prepare your mind for when you come out of surgery to pump and move

your legs as much as possible. This is standard for Dr. B's patients

in Spain. I even encouraged those when on the long plane trips to do

likewise--there have been alot op people suffering from blood clots

and emboli after long plane rides.

If you and your doc are still concerned about possible emboli you may

want to consider a prophalactic Greenfield filter. They especially

will do this if you have had any hx of clots.

2) How long will you be on a respirator--and will they try to get

you up out of bed that day and as frquently as possible? If you you

have lung or breathing problems preop--are these conditions under

control. Work on deep breathing exercises, even the BALLOONS, so you

can clear the anesthetic quickly and get the breathing tube removed.

3) How long will the surgery take? The shorter, the better. Lap

procedures take longer--more anesthetic--. You have to weigh this

against having it open--where if you have alot of stomach fat to cut

through it may be harder to heal.

4) If you are superobese--how many has your doc done? What special

accomodations and procedures does he implement for them given the

higher risks?

5) Try to plan and visualize what will be happening to you

immediately postop--you may be groggy and fuzzy--but you need to be

an active participant in your recovery--you may wake with severe pain-

-prepare to breathe and relax your way through it until they can

start the pain meds.

It may seem like alot to think about--but it is your life we're

talking about here. Every proactive step you take lessens your risks

and betters your outcome. Doing these things also gives you a sense

of control--a willingness to fight and work through problems that

come up, and calm your fears.

I could go on and on---that is what this list is for to help you

prepare mentally--I'm sure there are many other things people can

add. You can do it!!

Pammi

[Guest guest]

Excellent advice Pammi...

AJ agreeing 100%

psbilyeu@... wrote:

>--

>

>Don't let Larry's or anyone's death from WLS scare you off. Use it

>to educate and prepare yourself.

>

>There are issues and concerns that you need to adress preop--

>

>1) Limited mobility---

>

> How can overcome this? If you are unable to walk before surgery--

>you can " move " in other ways. Doing leg pumps and leg lifts and

>bicycling your legs preop to build your stamina and encourage better

>blood flow to the legs.

>

>Prepare your mind for when you come out of surgery to pump and move

>your legs as much as possible. This is standard for Dr. B's patients

>in Spain. I even encouraged those when on the long plane trips to do

>likewise--there have been alot op people suffering from blood clots

>and emboli after long plane rides.

>

>If you and your doc are still concerned about possible emboli you may

>want to consider a prophalactic Greenfield filter. They especially

>will do this if you have had any hx of clots.

>

>2) How long will you be on a respirator--and will they try to get

>you up out of bed that day and as frquently as possible? If you you

>have lung or breathing problems preop--are these conditions under

>control. Work on deep breathing exercises, even the BALLOONS, so you

>can clear the anesthetic quickly and get the breathing tube removed.

>

>3) How long will the surgery take? The shorter, the better. Lap

>procedures take longer--more anesthetic--. You have to weigh this

>against having it open--where if you have alot of stomach fat to cut

>through it may be harder to heal.

>

>4) If you are superobese--how many has your doc done? What special

>accomodations and procedures does he implement for them given the

>higher risks?

>

>5) Try to plan and visualize what will be happening to you

>immediately postop--you may be groggy and fuzzy--but you need to be

>an active participant in your recovery--you may wake with severe pain-

>-prepare to breathe and relax your way through it until they can

>start the pain meds.

>

>It may seem like alot to think about--but it is your life we're

>talking about here. Every proactive step you take lessens your risks

>and betters your outcome. Doing these things also gives you a sense

>of control--a willingness to fight and work through problems that

>come up, and calm your fears.

>

>I could go on and on---that is what this list is for to help you

>prepare mentally--I'm sure there are many other things people can

>add. You can do it!!

>

>Pammi

>

>

>

>

>

>----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Excellent advice Pammi...

AJ agreeing 100%

psbilyeu@... wrote:

>--

>

>Don't let Larry's or anyone's death from WLS scare you off. Use it

>to educate and prepare yourself.

>

>There are issues and concerns that you need to adress preop--

>

>1) Limited mobility---

>

> How can overcome this? If you are unable to walk before surgery--

>you can " move " in other ways. Doing leg pumps and leg lifts and

>bicycling your legs preop to build your stamina and encourage better

>blood flow to the legs.

>

>Prepare your mind for when you come out of surgery to pump and move

>your legs as much as possible. This is standard for Dr. B's patients

>in Spain. I even encouraged those when on the long plane trips to do

>likewise--there have been alot op people suffering from blood clots

>and emboli after long plane rides.

>

>If you and your doc are still concerned about possible emboli you may

>want to consider a prophalactic Greenfield filter. They especially

>will do this if you have had any hx of clots.

>

>2) How long will you be on a respirator--and will they try to get

>you up out of bed that day and as frquently as possible? If you you

>have lung or breathing problems preop--are these conditions under

>control. Work on deep breathing exercises, even the BALLOONS, so you

>can clear the anesthetic quickly and get the breathing tube removed.

>

>3) How long will the surgery take? The shorter, the better. Lap

>procedures take longer--more anesthetic--. You have to weigh this

>against having it open--where if you have alot of stomach fat to cut

>through it may be harder to heal.

>

>4) If you are superobese--how many has your doc done? What special

>accomodations and procedures does he implement for them given the

>higher risks?

>

>5) Try to plan and visualize what will be happening to you

>immediately postop--you may be groggy and fuzzy--but you need to be

>an active participant in your recovery--you may wake with severe pain-

>-prepare to breathe and relax your way through it until they can

>start the pain meds.

>

>It may seem like alot to think about--but it is your life we're

>talking about here. Every proactive step you take lessens your risks

>and betters your outcome. Doing these things also gives you a sense

>of control--a willingness to fight and work through problems that

>come up, and calm your fears.

>

>I could go on and on---that is what this list is for to help you

>prepare mentally--I'm sure there are many other things people can

>add. You can do it!!

>

>Pammi

>

>

>

>

>

>----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

,

I can understand you been frighten by all the talk of mortality and WLS. I

also get nervous, when I hear that one of Friends ..has lost their lives.

But I also have to search my soul.... do everything I can to help my

recuperation post surgery ( vitamins,exercise and changing some of the things

that I am eating- I hate the word diet)...I researched all the benefits, but

most importantly I know the risks.....

I try to focus on the benefits for surgery..and what will happen in my life

, when I begin to loose weight. I am having fun planning for a healthier

future.

I also have a

high BMI (65)....and I know the risks, but I know what will happen if I

don''t have this surgery......with this surgery I have a future...and for me

that is uplifting !

So I have stopped going to the Memorial Page on the ASBS site....

When, I hear that

someone has passed on , as a result of the surgery... I say a prayer for them

and their familes....But I move on...

I look at the miraclous Before and After Pictures....and I am Inspired and

Jazzed !

I visualize what will happen the next time I fly ...and don't have to ask for

the damn extender.....I visualize myself..walking past Lane ..and

heading to other stores that will give me more selections , better made

clothes, that I can afford.

I visualize that I will be able to fit in the booth at my favorite

restaurant...and not having to use the " jaws of Life " to remove me from the

booth...

I visualize what my life will be ....If I am finally able to get

pregnant...and be able to start that family..that I have always wanted !

It is not that I am ignoring the risks.....But I have chosen to focus on what

is positive ... to have FAITH..and plan for a healthier,happier life....

There is a song called " I hope you Dance " ....and when I hear it ..it inspires

me to dream...and yes, dance !

When I get to my goal....I am going to buy the sexiest red dress that I can

find...and yes , I will be dancing !

I hope you find the answers that are best for you...and that will give you

Peace !

Namaste,

Jordan

Planning and Visualizing for Surgery in 2001 !

Daytona Beach

( Namaste- for those who have asked..means " the divine in me , honors the

divine

in you " ..I think that is perfect for all of us that are going on the WLS

journey.

[Guest guest]

People read into something that which they wish to. That various

people have read different things into Tom's post is hardly

surprising.

For me, the important part of his post has nothing to do with

criticizing the doctor's expertise, rather it is the criticism of the

judgment of the doctor who takes a person weighing almost 700 lbs. as

their first DS patient. I am sure that Larry and his family were at

least to some degree aware of there being an additional risk to being

that first patient. However, we don't know how aware Larry and his

family actually were of any increased risk at the hands of a neophyte

to a particular surgery.

Yes, infections occur, etc. However, if the doctor hasn't " been

there, " how can he or she be expected to properly react even to a

familiar situation in a new context with the same level of expertise

as a veteran? Personally, I have major concerns about a doctor who

would take on a so much more high risk patient for their first

attempt at DS surgery.

No, I don't think that we're all responsible as we really had no

knowledge of Larry's situation before we heard of his most

unfortunate death. I do think, if we are aware, that we should be

ready to point out those issues about which patients should be

concerned if there appears to be a questionable course of treatment

being suggested. We often are unwilling to offer unsolicited

information in matters involving the personal decisions of others.

Sometimes, if we see issues that they have not, that just may not be

the best thing for their survival.

Best-

Nick in Sage

[Guest guest]

People read into something that which they wish to. That various

people have read different things into Tom's post is hardly

surprising.

For me, the important part of his post has nothing to do with

criticizing the doctor's expertise, rather it is the criticism of the

judgment of the doctor who takes a person weighing almost 700 lbs. as

their first DS patient. I am sure that Larry and his family were at

least to some degree aware of there being an additional risk to being

that first patient. However, we don't know how aware Larry and his

family actually were of any increased risk at the hands of a neophyte

to a particular surgery.

Yes, infections occur, etc. However, if the doctor hasn't " been

there, " how can he or she be expected to properly react even to a

familiar situation in a new context with the same level of expertise

as a veteran? Personally, I have major concerns about a doctor who

would take on a so much more high risk patient for their first

attempt at DS surgery.

No, I don't think that we're all responsible as we really had no

knowledge of Larry's situation before we heard of his most

unfortunate death. I do think, if we are aware, that we should be

ready to point out those issues about which patients should be

concerned if there appears to be a questionable course of treatment

being suggested. We often are unwilling to offer unsolicited

information in matters involving the personal decisions of others.

Sometimes, if we see issues that they have not, that just may not be

the best thing for their survival.

Best-

Nick in Sage

[Guest guest]

Hi Pammi:

Your reply to was right-on, with just one exception.

> If you are unable to walk before

> surgery-- you can " move " in other ways.

My understanding is that you really need to be able to walk, at least

short distances, before you can be considered a safe enough risk to

have the operation.

Dr. Anthone, who takes on more super-heavy patients than any other DS

surgeon I am aware of -- 2/3 of his patients are " super-morbidly

obese " and he currently has a patient with a starting BMI of about

109 -- uses this as his rule-of-thumb. I.E., if you can't walk, then

you'll need to lose some weight before he'll do your DS.

Tom

Panniculectomy, Dr. Anthone, 11/10/2000

Open DS, Dr. Anthone, 03/30/2001

Goal: Lose 80% of Excess Weight

*******************************

* Starting Weight = 386 *

* " Ideal " Weight = 142 *

* =========================== *

* Total Excess Weight = 244 *

* 80% x Excess Weight = 201 *

* Goal Weight = 386-201 = 185 *

* =========================== *

* Total Needed to Lose = 201 *

* Loss To Date = 116 *

* =========================== *

* Remainder to Goal = 85 *

*******************************

Weight By Date:

11/10/2000 . . 386

03/30/2001 . . 360

04/19/2001 . . 338

05/03/2001 . . 328

05/18/2001 . . 316

06/03/2001 . . 301

06/15/2001 . . 299

06/25/2001 . . 293

07/03/2001 . . 286

07/16/2001 . . 278

07/23/2001 . . 276

07/30/2001 . . 275

08/06/2001 . . 272

08/13/2001 . . 270

USC DS Support Group: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ds_usc>

[Guest guest]

Hi Pammi:

Your reply to was right-on, with just one exception.

> If you are unable to walk before

> surgery-- you can " move " in other ways.

My understanding is that you really need to be able to walk, at least

short distances, before you can be considered a safe enough risk to

have the operation.

Dr. Anthone, who takes on more super-heavy patients than any other DS

surgeon I am aware of -- 2/3 of his patients are " super-morbidly

obese " and he currently has a patient with a starting BMI of about

109 -- uses this as his rule-of-thumb. I.E., if you can't walk, then

you'll need to lose some weight before he'll do your DS.

Tom

Panniculectomy, Dr. Anthone, 11/10/2000

Open DS, Dr. Anthone, 03/30/2001

Goal: Lose 80% of Excess Weight

*******************************

* Starting Weight = 386 *

* " Ideal " Weight = 142 *

* =========================== *

* Total Excess Weight = 244 *

* 80% x Excess Weight = 201 *

* Goal Weight = 386-201 = 185 *

* =========================== *

* Total Needed to Lose = 201 *

* Loss To Date = 116 *

* =========================== *

* Remainder to Goal = 85 *

*******************************

Weight By Date:

11/10/2000 . . 386

03/30/2001 . . 360

04/19/2001 . . 338

05/03/2001 . . 328

05/18/2001 . . 316

06/03/2001 . . 301

06/15/2001 . . 299

06/25/2001 . . 293

07/03/2001 . . 286

07/16/2001 . . 278

07/23/2001 . . 276

07/30/2001 . . 275

08/06/2001 . . 272

08/13/2001 . . 270

USC DS Support Group: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ds_usc>

[Guest guest]

Hi Nick:

Thanks for your post. You stated what I was thinking much more

clearly than I did!

Tom

> People read into something that which they wish to. That various

> people have read different things into Tom's post is hardly

> surprising.

>

> For me, the important part of his post has nothing to do with

> criticizing the doctor's expertise, rather it is the criticism

> of the judgment of the doctor who takes a person weighing almost

> 700 lbs. as their first DS patient. I am sure that Larry and his

> family were at least to some degree aware of there being an

> additional risk to being that first patient. However, we don't

> know how aware Larry and his family actually were of any increased

> risk at the hands of a neophyte to a particular surgery.

>

> Yes, infections occur, etc. However, if the doctor hasn't " been

> there, " how can he or she be expected to properly react even to a

> familiar situation in a new context with the same level of

> expertise as a veteran? Personally, I have major concerns about a

> doctor who would take on a so much more high risk patient for their

> first attempt at DS surgery.

>

> No, I don't think that we're all responsible as we really had no

> knowledge of Larry's situation before we heard of his most

> unfortunate death. I do think, if we are aware, that we should be

> ready to point out those issues about which patients should be

> concerned if there appears to be a questionable course of treatment

> being suggested. We often are unwilling to offer unsolicited

> information in matters involving the personal decisions of others.

> Sometimes, if we see issues that they have not, that just may not

> be the best thing for their survival.

>

> Best-

>

> Nick in Sage

[Guest guest]

Hi Nick:

Thanks for your post. You stated what I was thinking much more

clearly than I did!

Tom

> People read into something that which they wish to. That various

> people have read different things into Tom's post is hardly

> surprising.

>

> For me, the important part of his post has nothing to do with

> criticizing the doctor's expertise, rather it is the criticism

> of the judgment of the doctor who takes a person weighing almost

> 700 lbs. as their first DS patient. I am sure that Larry and his

> family were at least to some degree aware of there being an

> additional risk to being that first patient. However, we don't

> know how aware Larry and his family actually were of any increased

> risk at the hands of a neophyte to a particular surgery.

>

> Yes, infections occur, etc. However, if the doctor hasn't " been

> there, " how can he or she be expected to properly react even to a

> familiar situation in a new context with the same level of

> expertise as a veteran? Personally, I have major concerns about a

> doctor who would take on a so much more high risk patient for their

> first attempt at DS surgery.

>

> No, I don't think that we're all responsible as we really had no

> knowledge of Larry's situation before we heard of his most

> unfortunate death. I do think, if we are aware, that we should be

> ready to point out those issues about which patients should be

> concerned if there appears to be a questionable course of treatment

> being suggested. We often are unwilling to offer unsolicited

> information in matters involving the personal decisions of others.

> Sometimes, if we see issues that they have not, that just may not

> be the best thing for their survival.

>

> Best-

>

> Nick in Sage