Any DC Metro/NoVA/MD folks

[Jessica.O 47]

Kim- one of my big apprehensions is how conservative my surgeon seems to be with pain meds. His standard protocol is oral pain meds in hosp (not IV) and none to go home. How is your pain level?

[draytonp 6]

I am schedlued for surgery with Dr. Fitzer on August 8th. Please post any tips or pre-surgery advice!! Good luck with your surgery.

[Jessica.O 47]

Hi draytonp

Are you having bypass? What is your pre-op diet? Mine was three days of Clear Liquids. My surgery was July 1 with Fitzer and I'm doing well.

[draytonp 6]

Yes I am having RnY. I was told to lose 6 pounds and then of course the 3 days of clear liquids. That all seems like the easy part to me! I am scheduled for August 11th. My wife should be having the same surgery with Dr. fitzer about 6 weeks after me. We have only heard and read good things about Dr. fitzer and Fair Oaks, so we are hoping for the best. I hope you continue to improve! Drayton

Edited July 7, 2014 by draytonp

[Jessica.O 47]

Draytonp-

I am one week postop today. Feeling good, minimal pain, no nausea. Just feeling weak and wobbly.... I cant wait for some cottage cheese on Thursday, lol.

The liquid diet pre-op, for me, was easy the first day. The second day was hard. I was emotional and hungry! The third day I was so nervous about my surgery I couldn't have eaten if I wanted to. Be prepared for diarrhea ????

I had no problems with VBSC or Fair Oaks. Everyone was great. Did you know it is a bariatric center of excellence? That means they are held to higher standards than non-excellence hospitals.

[Jessica.O 47]

Oh also, I recommend staying away from yummy food smells during your three day pre-op diet. I avoided movie theaters, malls, etc. i mostly stayed home. Went to Lowes one day and the pool another.

[draytonp 6]

Jessica,

Sounds like you are doing great! I do know about the Center of Excellence ratings. My insurance is much faster to approve procedures when they are done in a certified hospital with a certified surgeon. Its all been pretty easy up to this point. I am practicing eating without drinking and eating slower now. Its not painful, but it is much harder to do than I had imagined it to be. I think it will be much easier when my stomach can tell me to slow down.

Take care of yourself! Try not to dream of the food to much.

Drayton

[Deactivate 10]

I had my surgery on Monday, it is Wednesday, was just discharged today. Fair Oaks staff was fantastic. Dr. Fitzer's assistant is great, Jenny.

Glad to be home, bed was uncomfortable there, but that is really my only complaint. Room can be a bit cold, and may I recommend loose comfy clothes post-op the incisions rubbing against them is no fun. Also ask for a heating pad, it helps soreness.

[pik 262]

Glad it went well! I will be checking into Fair Oaks in 6 days!

[Deactivate 10]

Best wishes!

[draytonp 6]

Glad it went well! I will be checking into Fair Oaks in 6 days!

Good luck!

[bmoo 7]

Any form Mississippi Gulfport

[jenncox 4]

Going thru bluepoint surgical with Dr Moazzez. Anyone use him.....and anyone want to let me know about their surgery experience at Fair Oaks hospital.

[pik 262]

Going thru bluepoint surgical with Dr Moazzez. Anyone use him.....and anyone want to let me know about their surgery experience at Fair Oaks hospital.

There are some here that use BluePoint. I use them, I use Dr. Halmi, and I really like him. Hopefully people will chime in. There are folks here that used Fair Oaks. I have not had surgery yet, coming up on the 16th. I have however had a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy there and I really liked the staff and facility.

Make sure you remember how much you owe as you go along with this process because they do not remind you.

Other than that, I have no qualms.

[NewLife4Me7 110]

Kevswhif - I have the Dr. Gandsas too. My surgery is July 30th. This Tuesday I see dr. Gandsas, Arianne and get blood word done. I'm sure I will start the diet the next day. Best wishes with your surgery and a speedy recovery.