"Had my initial consult with Dr. Huse on 7/10/01 after I had chickened out and cancelled 3 prior appts. Got there earlier because friend had told me the first ones on the list were the first to be talked with after the group consultation. Office staff very friendly. Like every one else has said...Dr. Huse was not quite what I had expected. Older, very quiet person. He explained the process in the intial group consult then sent everyone back to the lobby. The staff started calling people in one by one and placing them in rooms. I was second and it took him a good 1/2 hour to get to us. He came in and asked if I had any questions. I explained my concerns and he addressed those. I have reflux and love ice cream so he suggested the open RNY. My time was very quick with him but he did answer all my questions and even cracked a joke. He told me to start checking with insurance in two weeks and I did just that. Today makes 3 weeks and my information has still not be received by the insurance company. I have since seem an article about the first Lap RNY in Indianapolis and have contacted Dr. Gomez office that did it. They are sending me the paper work and then I can schedule an appt.
9/12/01 Had my initial visit with Dr. Gomez on 9/11/01. It was a very lengthy appt. I arrived late due to the wonderful traffic even though I left my house at 7 am and allowed an hour! Anyway, I finally found the building and room. A nurse measured my BMI, height, weight , etc. and then took me to a waiting room. There were two other people in there and a guy that had already had the surgery that was a volunteer. The dietician was covering for another nurse that usually explains the surgery, etc. She explained the surgery, what to expect, etc. Then she did her dietician part of explaining from point of surgery on what you can eat etc. Then we were called in one by one to meet the doctor. I let the other two go first since they were there first. I met Dr. Gomez. He was nice, very professional. He examined my abdominal area to see if I was a candidate for the LAP. Apparently, the area under the breasts to the waist is where he is checking to see how 'thick' you are and if the LAP instruments will work. He did say he thought he could do a LAP but may have to open me up since I have had galbadder surgery and there may be too much scar tissue, etc. Then, when I thought I was done I was told I had to meet with physical therapy. A very nice young gentlemen met with me and asked me general health questions, etc. He tested the strength in my legs, arms, etc. He gave me a hand out of excercises that they would like for you to start to strengthen yourself for surgery and a faster recovery! Total the appointment took 4 hours. The dietician also wants you to prepare for surgery by starting to increase fluid intake, start taking the vitamins and calcium. I am going to try and get approval from the insurance for Dr. Gomez. My reasons are he is head of the trauma unit! They are the only #1 level trauma hospital in Indiana. Frankly, he has seen more BAD things than anyone in any other hospital between IU Medical Center and Wishard which he works at both. He only does the LAP at Wishard because they bought the equipment for him. Knowing what I do from having worked for IU Med Center over 8 years ago, they see the
worst of the worst and frankly, I would feel very safe having him work on me. The only downfall is Wishard. They are a county hospital and do care for a high number of indigent people so I will make sure that I request a private room! I am not a snob but I know when I am in that much pain like I was with my hysterectomy that I don't want someone whining in the bed next to me like I had then! They don't have a support group but are working on getting one together. They do have the dietician and you do meet with her on at regular intervals throughout your weight loss in addition to being able to talk with her in between visits.
09/28/01 Approved with Dr. Gomez!!!!! Tentative surgery date 11/26/01 due to personal scheduling conflicts...could have had surgery in October!
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