My surgery was scheduled for next Thursday...I never heard anything from them to see if I meet with him before the surgery, so I called this morning to see what was going on....Well low and behold, the girl I spoke to said..OH your surgery is cancelled...We are not doing any bypasses right now...I was in shock..I thought it was a joke....Not once, but twice they have scheduled me and then cancelled just before!! Then to think, they never bothered to call me!!  Good thing I called.  Do they not have any idea what an emotional rollar coaster ride this is already, and then have them play with my emotions again!!! I just dont get it!!  They have now moved to St Elizabeth in Gonzales, and now saying that they have to train staff there....They are preparing the staff by doing the sleeves and bands first, then will start with the bypasses in March..I am not so sure I wanna go to a hospital that is not fully trained yet for gastric bypass...This is so frustrating!! Is this a sign from God for me to just give up!! I am so depressed!!

Cheer up! I'm sure this is just a minor set back; I understand your frustration.My doctor is Dr. Hargroder, and as you probaly know they share an office. I would have preferred to have my surgery in Baton Rouge also; I have also been surprised with all of the un-organization around there, I hope that's no indication of what's to come...when I went for my consult, they didnt even have a scale. But prior to them moving I think things were running alot better... I had heard nothing but good thing about them.

How far are you from Ochsner in New Orleans? I recommend Dr Richardson at Ochsner.

Pattie, Thanks for the reply!  I live in Pierre Part, I would guess probably about 60 or 70 miles away..hoping to not have to go that far...are they a center of excellence??   Myoa, thanks for the reply also, Yes they were very good when they were at Vista and was a center of excellence..I heard nothing but good about them as well, it seems as though the move has really messed things up for now..I know it may take some time to get things back in order...but its just so hard to deal with the let downs...One time is ok, but cancelling me twice is kinda stressing me out too much!!  Someone should of made sure of the dates BEFORE they inform their patients..I do understand that the surgeon is what really matters the most..and I hear he is excellent at what he does, but if the staff keeps getting things mixed up, one tends to lose faith..I hope for their sake that they can pull things back together..I just dont know if I can handle it till they do.....

Yes Ochsner is a center of excellence. I went to a support meeting last night and they said a doctor from vista hospital has joined dr Richardson. Pattie

Don't give up. Maybe you should check with a different office. One that is not on the move searching for a place to land.

I also had my surgery with Dr. Hargroder at Vista. I had a great experience there. If I am being honest with you though if I were to have my surgery now I think I would do it at another location. What about the Dr.'s at Our Lady of the Lake. At least that is still in Baton Rouge.  I remember meeting you at the support group the day they canceled your surgery the 1st time and you were very upset. I think for your emotional well being it might be best for you to have your surgery somewhere else that can offer you the kind of of support post-op that you might need.  I have spoken to a few people that had surgery at VISTA and they have now had post-op appointments with the doctors in Gonzales. One lady said that she went to 2 different appointments and they forgot to call her and tell her that the Dr. was not seeing patients that day. I just don't think that is the kind of environment you will be comfortable after your surgery. Look into some other places.

Thank you so much for your reply.  I did in fact meet with Dr Karl Leblanc this morning at OLOL.  WOW he is wonderful!! So down to earth and funny!!  The staff is awesome too!!  On the other hand, Dr Bellanger was a very nice & experienced Dr also, but its just with the move and the staff , and himself not knowing whats going on, I cant take anymore chances with them.  I feel so much more secrue about it this go round, I know they wont be going anywhere any time soon.  Going through all this is a rollar coaster ride in itself, much less to be turned away two times.  I know I couldnt handle a third time.   I would not feel safe having RNY at a new location either, with newly trained staff.    I hope for their sake they can get things straight as I am sure lots of paitients will be seeking other options.   Some times its not the quantity of things but the Quality!!!

I'm so happy to hear that you feel comfortable and safe in your decision. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is your health and happiness. Here's to both! Frances PS: *anything* you need, you call me

Thank you so much Ms Frances!!! It was great to meet you today even though our visit was breif!!  You are truley a caring and compassionate person!! Hopefully next time we can visit for longer and do that lunch together!!  I hope to stay in touch with you along our journeys!! Thank you for recomending Dr Leblanc, he is wonderful!!  I hope our wonderful journey continues with much success!!!   Thanks again "Ms Faye" opps I mean Ms Frances hehehe Big (((((HUGS))))) to ya!!!

Hey Woman!!! I see that your appointment went well with Dr. Leblanc!!!  You'll have to give me the lowdown!!! I think that this really is devine intervention...  Follow it and let's see where it goes! Big hugs to you!!!  I'll talk to you soon!

hey Lauren!! Thanks so much..yea girl it went soooo well.  I feel as though a ton of bricks has been lifted from my shoulders, you just cant imagine!!  I had been so stressed out with them since I began this journey..no good came from  it!! Except the good people like you *wink* I met along the way!!  So far so good!! I am finially on the right path!!!  So move ya but on over cause I will be hittin that losers bench  real soon!!!  Oh and I even lost 2 pounds yahoo!!!  big ((((HUGS)))) to ya!

YIPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! !!!!!! OKAY, enuffffffff of that!!!! I am soooooo happy for you . . no matter what doctor you decided on, I agree with other posts about the problems that you have had . . I know that Dr. Bellanger is a great doctor and, unfortunately, the move from Vista to St. Elizabeth and all the instability over there right now just didn't work out for you .. . Dr. LeBlanc "tells it like it is", huh???  I think this was meant to be and I'm sooooooooo happy for you!  Keep us posted of your new date --- sounds like it will be soon and that's a good thing because you've waited so long . . and you will really like it at OLOL Hospital -- great care there, for sure!!!   Know that I am thinking about you and praying that all goes well and it will be VERY SOON you will be losing, losing, losing that weight and happy you made that decision . . Keep in touch . . FAYE

Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Today is God's gift, that’s why we call it the present.

  

I tried to use Dr. Hargroder for my surgery but his reason for not doing my surgery was absurd.  I went to a doctor in Texas who did the surgery, no complications, no issues at all.  I am actually greatful that he wouldn't do my surgery for me.   I am totally satisfied with the doctor who took on a challenge that Dr. Hargroder wouldn't even consider.  Actually there was no real issue except my age.  Regina

Hi Patricia . . I've been thinking of you and I know that you were going through your tests again and hoping to have a date set soon . . any luck with that?  I know it must be frustrating, but now that you've made a great decision and will be movin' on and movin' forward, I know you must feel a great relief --- keep in touch --- FAYE is with you all the WAY!

  Dr. Le Blanc should be very good... his brother used to be our PCP in the Breaux Bridge area and I've heard lots of good things about his bariatric practice in Baton Rouge... good luck!!

HArgroder did mine 3/17/06 and Im down 225 BUT, I had a bad experience in the recovery room there at Vista, I am not over it emotionally.  I am however happy withthe results.  Didn't knwo they moved?  They seemed "disorganized " in the initial process nad was less than informative about what to expect in hindsight.  There, now that's off my chest.  Step it up in a couple areas and I think I would be satisied with the rest of staff, hospital especially and outcome