Dr Kim And Forest Park Medical Center

[newlifeforlittleME 23]

Hi all. I am being sleeved on July 31 by Dr David Kim at Forest Park in Dallas. I was just curious about what to expect...

How was the facility? Nurses?

How long were you there?

What type of pain control was used? Was Dr Kim good at getting the gas out?

Was a family member able to stay at all times with you?

Any tips on things to bring with me?

Sorry! I am just so excited and it would be great to get a few pointers from some that is familiar with Dr Kim or the facility.

[KayKay20 13]

Hey I'm going thru Dr. Kim Aug 6th, let me know how everything goes, please.

[Bypassjourney 88]

I was at Forest Park with Dr. Kim in January. I think you will be pleased.

How was the facility? Nurses? The facility is top notch. I was told that 85% of their total "business" is bariatric surgery so the staff and nurses were very informed on what I needed. I did have a nurse for one shift that wasn't too helpful and seemed like I was a bother, but you could have that anywhere.

How long were you there? I was there two nights but only because I couldn't even hold Water down the first day and was running a slight fever.

What type of pain control was used? I had the IV pump the first night for pain medicine. The next day they took it out but gave me liquid pain meds every 4-6 hours as I needed it.

Was Dr Kim good at getting the gas out? I don't really have anything to compare this to, but I think all was fine. I did alot of walking like they said and it seemed to help.

Was a family member able to stay at all times with you? Their rooms are really nice! They do have some rooms that literally have a seperate area cornered off for your family inside your room. But even the regular patient rooms are big enough for someone to stay with you.

Any tips on things to bring with me? I used my robe and house slippers the most since I got up so much to walk and go to the bathroom. I stayed in the hospital gowns so as not get my gowns dirty. If you do a search of previous posts on this forum, Lil Diva has posted a list of what to bring. It was very helpful!

I saw Dr. Kim at my consultation and then the day of surgery but other than that, I haven't seen him since. The hospital doctors saw me while I was in the hospital. I have seen David the PA at all my follow up appointments. Some people have been bothered by that but I am fine with. If you prefer to see Dr. Kim for the follow-up, you can specifically ask and they will schedule you with him. It just takes longer to get an appointment that way.

One thing I will mention is that they told me to be at the hospital at 8 a.m. They called me back to get started on the pre-op procedures at 9:30 a.m. and had me hooked up to the saline IV by 10 a.m. I did not go back to surgery until 4:30 p.m.!! Yep, I was his 13th surgery that day. The nurse in pre-op told me that unless you are Dr. Kim's first patient at 5 a.m. then be prepared to wait. Its not like I was going anywhere anyhow, but by the time I got to surgery, the anticipation of the day had my nerves all kinds of frazzled!

Let me know if you have any more questions. I know your minds are on overload right now with all the questions, excitement, reservations, etc. It's ALL worth it over here on the loser's bench!!

[Smiley79 13]

Thanks for sharing this. I am considering Dr. Kim and this was helpful!

[Laura_W 3]

I was just there and sleeved by Dr Kim last week. I had to check in for surgery at 4:30 AM - yes, I said AM. I was in surgery by 6 am.

My husband had a problem with the receptionists in the waiting area finding out information after the surgery. His pager went off and when he went to the desk he was told to have a seat and wait. He went back up there several times and they told him each time to just sit and wait. He had never met Dr Kim so when he saw him walking around the waiting room he wasn't sure it was him. He went to the desk and asked if Dr Kim was looking for him and was told once again to sit and wait. Then he eventually got a page to go wait in my room. He was very frustrated to say the least. At this time he had no idea what condition I was in or if the surgery had went well. He expressed his problems to the nurses and they sent a patient advocate up to speak to him. Dr Kim made a personal visit to the room later that afternoon to discuss everything. Yesterday I received a certified letter in the mail from Forest Park addressing the issues and what they have done to rectify them. Although we had a problem, it was handled in a professional manner by the facility and Dr Kim.

I stayed one night and went home the next afternoon. I overpacked. The only things I used were lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste and hairbrush. I wore my hospital gown and hospital socks the whole time. I wasnt able to change into the PJs I brought because of the IV. Had to have IV demoral till I had a swallow test, then was givin liquid vicodin. My husband stayed with me overnight on a pull out chair. One of the nurses brought all the bedding and made it for him. They offered him sandwhich and chips snack packs they had pre-made. Nurses were great. Very helpful and experienced.

[beefalogal 43]

Has any one gone to Dr. Kim that live outside the Colleyville area? I live about 150 miles South and wondering how long I need to plan on staying in a hotel. Also, what is his pre op diet like? I finish up my BEND classes this Thursday and have my edg next Thursday. That should be the last of the requirements - both Aetnas and Dr. Kim's.

I am 5' 5" and currently 230.

[Smiley79 13]

I am wondering about Dr. Kim's pre-op diet & post-op diet as well. Thanks!

[Smiley79 13]

I was just there and sleeved by Dr Kim last week. I had to check in for surgery at 4:30 AM - yes, I said AM. I was in surgery by 6 am.

My husband had a problem with the receptionists in the waiting area finding out information after the surgery. His pager went off and when he went to the desk he was told to have a seat and wait. He went back up there several times and they told him each time to just sit and wait. He had never met Dr Kim so when he saw him walking around the waiting room he wasn't sure it was him. He went to the desk and asked if Dr Kim was looking for him and was told once again to sit and wait. Then he eventually got a page to go wait in my room. He was very frustrated to say the least. At this time he had no idea what condition I was in or if the surgery had went well. He expressed his problems to the nurses and they sent a patient advocate up to speak to him. Dr Kim made a personal visit to the room later that afternoon to discuss everything. Yesterday I received a certified letter in the mail from Forest Park addressing the issues and what they have done to rectify them. Although we had a problem, it was handled in a professional manner by the facility and Dr Kim.

I stayed one night and went home the next afternoon. I overpacked. The only things I used were lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste and hairbrush. I wore my hospital gown and hospital socks the whole time. I wasnt able to change into the PJs I brought because of the IV. Had to have IV demoral till I had a swallow test, then was givin liquid vicodin. My husband stayed with me overnight on a pull out chair. One of the nurses brought all the bedding and made it for him. They offered him sandwhich and chips snack packs they had pre-made. Nurses were great. Very helpful and experienced.

Did you have a catheter?

[newlifeforlittleME 23]

I can't help with the hotel portion but I am currently on day seven of his preop diet. I purchased Protein Shakes from his office. Two week supply was $180. I chose the BariEssentials. vanilla and chocolate. I am to have 4-5 shakes per day (4 if I use milk, 5 if water). I am also able to have sugar free Jello or sugar free Popsicles as well as 8 ounces of chicken broth daily I was instructed to do 2 weeks of this and after 7 days I have lost 14 pounds so far with the shakes. Hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.

[Smiley79 13]

I can't help with the hotel portion but I am currently on day seven of his preop diet. I purchased Protein shakes from his office. Two week supply was $180. I chose the BariEssentials. Vanilla and chocolate. I am to have 4-5 shakes per day (4 if I use milk, 5 if water). I am also able to have sugar free Jello or sugar free Popsicles as well as 8 ounces of chicken broth daily I was instructed to do 2 weeks of this and after 7 days I have lost 14 pounds so far with the shakes. Hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.

Thanks!

[Smiley79 13]

I was at Forest Park with Dr. Kim in January. I think you will be pleased.

How was the facility? Nurses? The facility is top notch. I was told that 85% of their total "business" is bariatric surgery so the staff and nurses were very informed on what I needed. I did have a nurse for one shift that wasn't too helpful and seemed like I was a bother, but you could have that anywhere.

How long were you there? I was there two nights but only because I couldn't even hold Water down the first day and was running a slight fever.

What type of pain control was used? I had the IV pump the first night for pain medicine. The next day they took it out but gave me liquid pain meds every 4-6 hours as I needed it.

Was Dr Kim good at getting the gas out? I don't really have anything to compare this to, but I think all was fine. I did alot of walking like they said and it seemed to help.

Was a family member able to stay at all times with you? Their rooms are really nice! They do have some rooms that literally have a seperate area cornered off for your family inside your room. But even the regular patient rooms are big enough for someone to stay with you.

Any tips on things to bring with me? I used my robe and house slippers the most since I got up so much to walk and go to the bathroom. I stayed in the hospital gowns so as not get my gowns dirty. If you do a search of previous posts on this forum, Lil Diva has posted a list of what to bring. It was very helpful!

I saw Dr. Kim at my consultation and then the day of surgery but other than that, I haven't seen him since. The hospital doctors saw me while I was in the hospital. I have seen David the PA at all my follow up appointments. Some people have been bothered by that but I am fine with. If you prefer to see Dr. Kim for the follow-up, you can specifically ask and they will schedule you with him. It just takes longer to get an appointment that way.

One thing I will mention is that they told me to be at the hospital at 8 a.m. They called me back to get started on the pre-op procedures at 9:30 a.m. and had me hooked up to the saline IV by 10 a.m. I did not go back to surgery until 4:30 p.m.!! Yep, I was his 13th surgery that day. The nurse in pre-op told me that unless you are Dr. Kim's first patient at 5 a.m. then be prepared to wait. Its not like I was going anywhere anyhow, but by the time I got to surgery, the anticipation of the day had my nerves all kinds of frazzled!

Let me know if you have any more questions. I know your minds are on overload right now with all the questions, excitement, reservations, etc. It's ALL worth it over here on the loser's bench!!

You were the 13th patient? WOW. That seems like too many patients!

[Smiley79 13]

I can't help with the hotel portion but I am currently on day seven of his preop diet. I purchased Protein shakes from his office. Two week supply was $180. I chose the BariEssentials. vanilla and chocolate. I am to have 4-5 shakes per day (4 if I use milk, 5 if water). I am also able to have sugar free Jello or sugar free Popsicles as well as 8 ounces of chicken broth daily I was instructed to do 2 weeks of this and after 7 days I have lost 14 pounds so far with the shakes. Hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.

Is the required length of his (Dr. David Kim's) pre-op diet based on each patient's BMI? Like lower BMI's = shorter pre-op diets and higher BMI's = longer pre-op diet days?

[Back~To~Amy 307]

I can't say too much about how Dr. Kim is as a doctor as I used Dr. Nicholson. But I did have my surgery on June 5th at Forest Park and I can only say wonderful things about my experience there. Everyone I came in contact with was very caring and on top of things. You will love it there. In answer to questions from others, about Dr. Kim's preop diet, I've heard he requires you to use a specific brand of product regardless of whether or not you like it. Also, someone commented that a nurse said expect to wait on Dr. Kim unless you are the first patient of the day. I was told by two different nurses that Dr. Nicholson is always on time unless there is a patient complication which is very, very rare. Good luck to everyone!

[Smiley79 13]

I can't say too much about how Dr. Kim is as a doctor as I used Dr. Nicholson. But I did have my surgery on June 5th at Forest Park and I can only say wonderful things about my experience there. Everyone I came in contact with was very caring and on top of things. You will love it there. In answer to questions from others, about Dr. Kim's preop diet, I've heard he requires you to use a specific brand of product regardless of whether or not you like it. Also, someone commented that a nurse said expect to wait on Dr. Kim unless you are the first patient of the day. I was told by two different nurses that Dr. Nicholson is always on time unless there is a patient complication which is very, very rare. Good luck to everyone!

Thanks Amy! Dr. Nicholson is another surgeon I am considering. Would you happen to know how many patients he performs surgery on per day? 13 patients seems excessive to me.

[KS Fort Worth 86]

I get sleeved in the morning by Dr. Kim, but at Baylor Trophy Club. That one is on Aetna's network. I also chose the BariEssentials, and it's been OK for the most part. I am glad it's only 14 days, as my brain was a little foggy yesterday and today. I did find that adding flavors helps break the monotony. I've used orange and coconut extracts in the vanilla, and use a spoon of instant Decaf coffee in the chocolate. Tonight I added almond extract to the chocolate/coffee and it was tasty! I always added a few ice cubes to all of them, It makes them colder and a little thinner, and usually frothy as I used a Bullet to mix them. The occasional cup of broth satisfies the want for something savory instead of sweet. I chose Swanson low-sodium chicken broth, and to me it tastes just about like Campbell's chicken Noodle Soup, but with no noodles or actual chicken.

As for not seeing Dr. Kim every time I went in, I have no problem with that. I realize that his services are in great demand, but I feel confident he will be there if need arise. He has deliberately surrounded himself with a highly trained staff. Every interaction I've had with all of them has been very professional.