Familyte

How would you or did you go about deciding on the surgeon for your surgery? I'm starting the process for the Gastric Sleeve. I have checked into two programs and I'm trying to decide which to go with. I started this process in June. I'm looking at Franciscan Center for Weight Management in Federal Way, WA and Virginia Mason's Bariatric Program. With Franciscan I was able to get in for an appointment within 3 weeks of inquiring for a consultation. I meet and liked the surgeon that would being doing my surgery - Dr. Troy Houseworth, MD FACS during this consultation. He said he uses the da Vinci Robot to perform surgery which studies show reduce the potential for leaks and reduces hospital stays. It took me 3 months to get an appointment with Virginia Mason and in my consultation I meet with a PA and was told I would not meet face to face with Dr Jeffery Hunter, MD until I have completed all the steps required by my insurance company to have my surgery. I have found information on the internet that Dr Hunter is identified as one of the best Bariatric Surgeons in the Seattle area, but I'm concerned that I don't get to meet him until it's time to schedule the surgery. I'm looking for feedback on what other's experience was selecting a surgeon and does it seem reasonable that I should not expect to meet with Dr Hunter before hand when I'm trying to make this decision? Does anyone have any experience with either of these programs you can share? If so and you've used them can you tell me why you went with that particular program? Thanks for any feedback.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I went with Dr Troy Houseworth at Franciscan. My surgery date is March 1, 2016. I'm glad to finally be moving on to this stage of the journey.

Hi there. I had and I'm having similar issues with a family member. When I made the decision to have wIs I told my brother who I'm extremely close to. He immediately told me I should not do it. It's too dangerous. For a week after he was calling me to share outcomes of individuals who had horrible issues because of the surgery. I took his concern for what it is, his love for me. I'm the little sister he's always protected. It didn't change my mind because I have put in the work and done the research on this action I'm about to take. I've involved my doctor, husband and son, who all support my decision. I attend support groups, I've connected with others who have had the surgery and saw their results, I've kept my reasons for doing it in front of me (high blood pressure, pre diabetic, wanting to be healthy as possible). I appreciate his concern, but in the end this is about me and what I feel is best for me.

Hi everyone. I'm into my 2nd month of the 6 medically supervised weight loss program required for me to have the surgery. I lost 3 lbs last month and my nutritionist was happy with that. I'm feeling in a haze however this month finding it hard to focus on logging my meals, working out or just engaging for this process at all. It's like this little voice in the back of my consciousness throwing up road blocks and sending messages that I can't quite understand. Has anyone else experienced this? I think I'm self sabotaging myself. What is this about??

Congratulations to all of you! I'm still working through my 7 nutrition visits I have to have to get my sleeve. I'm looking at January 2016. It's great to hear about your experiences.