Anyone use Dr. Fitzer at Virginia Bariatric?

[gr8ful1 122]

27 minutes ago, tera73 said:

Hey guys! Hope you’re enjoying your Sunday! For those that have already had surgery, did you have to take the Bariatric surgery class with Azra at Reston? My paper has that on there, but I wasn’t sure when I should do it or what all it entailed.

I sent Azra an e-mail asking her about that, and she sent me a link to a youtube video where she explains the logistics of surgery at Reston.

[obxshell89 33]

They do always say to watch the website videos and they have support groups onsite if you want to join in but they didnt require it - at least last year when I had mine

[tera73 34]

4 hours ago, gr8ful1 said:

I sent Azra an e-mail asking her about that, and she sent me a link to a youtube video where she explains the logistics of surgery at Reston.

Ok, I thought I read a comment saying that’s what it was. I guess I could go on and email her. Thank you!

[tera73 34]

Ok...I watched the video that Azra sent me... so one question...if you are used to drinking a lot...how easy is it to take small sips at first...I’m paranoid I will mess up...

[SampTheChamp 234]

3 minutes ago, tera73 said:

Ok...I watched the video that Azra sent me... so one question...if you are used to drinking a lot...how easy is it to take small sips at first...I’m paranoid I will mess up...

Super easy. It'll let you know if you do too much. It's all mental. Over the first few days it gets easier as you go. Nothing to worry about.

[tera73 34]

Ok! I drink a lot of Water. I quit soda almost 8 weeks ago. But I take big drinks...I was like ‘how will I know!?!?’ Lol!

[SampTheChamp 234]

Just now, tera73 said:

Ok! I drink a lot of Water. I quit soda almost 8 weeks ago. But I take big drinks...I was like ‘how will I know!?!?’ Lol!

Trust me, you'll definitely know!! Hahaha. It doesn't take long to be able to take big drinks and chug. I can drink pretty fast at almost 4 months out. I can't chug a whole bottle Water, but I can get after it pretty good.

[tera73 34]

I know some of you went back to work after just two weeks...what does Dr Fitzer put on your paper work as far as how long to stay out?

[gr8ful1 122]

On 4/10/2018 at 5:05 PM, tera73 said:

I know some of you went back to work after just two weeks...what does Dr Fitzer put on your paper work as far as how long to stay out?

I was in the office today and asked Heather how long (at a minimum) does Dr. Fitzer require patients to take off from work? She didn't give me a specific answer. Just said it depends on the type of work, and it was really up to me when I felt like returning to work. She said the only restrictions he has are 1) no driving for a week, and 2) no lifting >25# for 4 weeks. This doesn't help me tell my boss how long I'll be out, but I think I'll tentatively plan to return to work the day after my 3-week post-op visit.

[gr8ful1 122]

Good news! I was in the office today for Suzanne visit #3. While I was waiting, Heather told me that my insurance company, GEHA, denied my surgery. She submitted it to the insurance company for approval several weeks ago because I had previously participated in a medical weight loss program that met all of the requirements. I completed that program about 16 months ago, however, and that is the reason for not approving my surgery. The good news is that I just need 3 more appointments with Suzanne, and Heather will resubmit to insurance. The really good news is that Heather offered me a surgery date today, which I was not expecting to happen at this stage, especially after hearing from her that it won't be right after dietitian appointment #3.

My surgery date is 7/25. Woohoo!

[tera73 34]

I emailed Heather the other day and heard back from her...she told me pretty much the same thing. No driving for a week...no lifting 25# for 4 wks...she pretty much asked me how long I wanted off, and that he gives up to 4 weeks. I am a transportation Aide for Jefferson County Schools. Our kids last day is June 1st...but we have to go a little longer. I told her I would rather be safe and do 4 weeks, but asked if I could be released before then and able to return back if I felt like it. My only worry at this point would be that I can’t take Water or anything with me around the students. I did get my FMLA papers returned yesterday, it didn’t have how long on there.

[nia24 4]

I wish I would have found you guys before surgery! Lol. You guys are awesome. My Surgery date was April 9th. Home and resting now. I have 2 jobs so the time off is different between the two because of the type of work they are. One desk the other way more physical.

I do have to add that this office is AMAZING!!! I actually started my process at MedStar Washington and it was the worse!!!! Night and day to Dr. Fitzer and his incredible team! So much so that my bestie who dropped me off went up to get her process started while we were waiting to get checked in for pre-op.

No regrets!!

I look forward to getting to know ya’ll

[tera73 34]

I wish I would have found you guys before surgery! Lol. You guys are awesome. My Surgery date was April 9th. Home and resting now. I have 2 jobs so the time off is different between the two because of the type of work they are. One desk the other way more physical.
I do have to add that this office is AMAZING!!! I actually started my process at MedStar Washington and it was the worse!!!! Night and day to Dr. Fitzer and his incredible team! So much so that my bestie who dropped me off went up to get her process started while we were waiting to get checked in for pre-op.
No regrets!!
I look forward to getting to know ya’ll

That is awesome! Glad you’re here! How are you feeling? What hospital did you use?

[gr8ful1 122]

4 hours ago, tera73 said:

My only worry at this point would be that I can’t take Water or anything with me around the students.

This would be a major problem if it means you won't have access to Water for hours. You're not drinking while you're sleeping, you're not drinking within an hour of eating, and if you're not drinking while you're working, that only leaves a few hours per day to get in lots of water. And you can only drink a small amount at a time. Can you wear a hydration waist/backpack or something with a drinking tube? If it's a work policy issue, maybe a letter from the doctor that states you have a medical condition that requires constant access to drinking water would help.

[gr8ful1 122]

1 hour ago, nia24 said:

I wish I would have found you guys before surgery! Lol. You guys are awesome. My Surgery date was April 9th. Home and resting now. I have 2 jobs so the time off is different between the two because of the type of work they are. One desk the other way more physical.

I do have to add that this office is AMAZING!!! I actually started my process at MedStar Washington and it was the worse!!!! Night and day to Dr. Fitzer and his incredible team! So much so that my bestie who dropped me off went up to get her process started while we were waiting to get checked in for pre-op.

No regrets!!

I look forward to getting to know ya’ll

Welcome to the group! We're glad to share our experiences here, and looking forward to learning from yours as well. Have you also been to either of the support groups at Reston Hospital? Those are wonderful resources, too. There is also a 'secret' Facebook group for Dr. Fitzer's support group that is pretty active.