Newbie here

stromgardgirl · July 24, 2010

Hi everyone. I've been lurking on this site for the past couple weeks to get some answers to my questions. I do have my first appt set up with Dr Barker next Thursday, but I'm having second thoughts about him. On another site there were several people that had nothing but horrible things to say about him. I have also heard great things. Just not sure what to believe, and I'm already nervous to be going down this road. My Aunt passed away from bypass around 5 yrs ago, so I'm not telling anyone in my family about my choice to have this done. i do know that the sleeve is the best option for me.

Thanks

educationrulz · July 25, 2010

I'm sorry to hear about what happened to your aunt. I can only imagine how difficult that makes it to take this step. I don't know anything about the doctor you mentioned but I'm sure you'll get some feedback. Try running a search and checking the doctor/hospital thread if you haven't already done so. Good luck!

stromgardgirl · July 25, 2010

Yes this decision was very hard to make. To top that I have 3 young children which heavily weighs on me. I know this will make me a better mom since I will be able to run around with them more. I know my husband supports my decision. I know I have a long road ahead of me.

lil red raider · July 25, 2010

I have had a great experience with Dr. Barker. I am scheduled for surgery on the 16th of August. Be prepared for a long stay in his office. His staff is very nice except for one older man. I did not like dealing with him at all. Dr. Thompson, Dawn (nutritionist), the Physical therapist, and the lady at the front desk are all really great. My one-on-one with Dr. Barker was easy. He answered all my questions and did not rush me. If you have any questions, you can pm me. Good Luck with everything.

Donna4545 · July 26, 2010

Find out how many sleeves he has done and what his complication rate is. He should have done at least 200. My surgeon's complication rate was zero--that's what I would look for. I asked the bariatric coordinator these questions and she had the answers--don't be afraid to ask. The morbidity rate for the sleeve is no different from gall bladder surgery so don't let your aunt's experience scare you. There were definitely problems with early RNYs. But you're not getting an RNY so your surgery risk is the same as for any other abdominal surgery (I looked it up). The biggest problem with the sleeve is post-op dehydration, but you can avoid this by asking for a scopolamine patch to control nausea and religiously getting your fluids in. Find out how many leak tests, and what kind are done before you are discharged. My surgeon does 4--two during surgery and two after. It's very important to have these. Also ask if the staple line is oversewn (making it extra strong).

cwalker · July 27, 2010

I don't know about the surgeon but welcome aboard and we're here for you.

stromgardgirl · July 27, 2010

Find out how many sleeves he has done and what his complication rate is. He should have done at least 200. My surgeon's complication rate was zero--that's what I would look for. I asked the bariatric coordinator these questions and she had the answers--don't be afraid to ask. The morbidity rate for the sleeve is no different from gall bladder surgery so don't let your aunt's experience scare you. There were definitely problems with early RNYs. But you're not getting an RNY so your surgery risk is the same as for any other abdominal surgery (I looked it up). The biggest problem with the sleeve is post-op dehydration, but you can avoid this by asking for a scopolamine patch to control nausea and religiously getting your fluids in. Find out how many leak tests, and what kind are done before you are discharged. My surgeon does 4--two during surgery and two after. It's very important to have these. Also ask if the staple line is oversewn (making it extra strong).

Thank you so much for the info.. I was at a loss what to exactly ask. I think the nervousness is kicking in evenf or appt which is silly. This did put at ease more which is very nice. I shouldn't worry more about this than my tonsilectomy I had several months back.