Initial Consult

Nov 19, 2009

October 2009. Meet with Dr. Galo Grijlava for my initial consult to see if I am eligible for weight loss surgery. Weight was 318 lbs, BMI 44. I am eligible. He talked me through the risks of obesity, benefits of surgery as a tool used with proper eating habits and exercise.

At the time of the consultation I indicated that I was partial to having the Lap Band surgery.  He talked me through both the Lap Band procedure as well as the RNY procedure.  Very informative. The consult appointment lasted about an hour.

At the end of the appointment he had me make further appointments for an informational "intake" group session on the Lap Band in December, as well as appointments to meet with the nutritionist and psychologist.

I was very comfortable meeting with and speaking with him. At the time of the appoitment we discussed my diagnosis of Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease. He did some research and spoke with the representatives of the Lap Band, and stated that he would be comfortable completing my surgery.  I was happy with that decision.

Its been about a month and I am rethinking my Lap Band decision. Further research revealed that NSAIDs are discouraged or even restricted/ eliminated - and I take Advil for all my aches & pains. Also, seasonal allergies tend to make my asthma worse, and coughing is a risk for slippage of the Band.  I am a cougher. I do not smoke, but I live with a smoker. And I cough.  This is a huge issue for me, especially since the Band is held in place by STITCHES?!?!  I don't really trust stitches as an effective way to keep the Band in permanent place - no wonder there is slippage of the Band and erosion of the stomach.

My research has me now looking more and more into the Duodenal Switch.  I have found two lists that offer a listing of surgeons that complete the DS surgery, and there is one physician with in 2 hours of me that is listed on one of them, but not the other.  So hopefully, when I contact the hospital, He still does this surgery.

I am still going to keep the appointment for the group session for the Lap Band, but I am going to contact the hospital in Rochester and attend one of their seminars as well.  My fingers are crossed that this will help me in my decision.

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