"I came in to my consultation with four pages of questions. Most I already knew the answers to, but I really wanted to hear Dr Pomp's answers. I asked him questions ranging from 'why he does WLS' to 'would I have a nasal tube?'. As he answered I jotted down some notes. He was kind of chuckling that he felt like he was taking a test! He never once looked at his watch. Towards the end of my questions, he was making jokes to the PA that I wasn't letting him leave and that he'd have to charge me an extra consultation fee... But he said it was good, he wished all his patients were as prepared.
He has been with the group since 1997 and has performed the Duodenal Switch 20 times and assisted 60-65 times. Not per year, since he started there. Those numbers seemed kind of low to me. But then I realized Dr Pomp was only counting the DS procedure in his figures - he has done the RNY many times IN ADDITION to the DS count. Also, I like that they work in teams of 2 on the surgeries.
Dr Pomp was not really "Pro-DS" , either. He said if that's what a patient wants, he would do it. But, in his opinion, the RNY and the DS produce the same results. He said he has found that DS'ers can be very "evangelical" about their form of WLS; with an internet group, and such and that RNY people do not seem so strong opinioned.
Dr. Pomp said he generally tries to do the DS/BPD surgery laparoscopically, unless the patient has a higher BMI (like 60 or greater) and insisted on keeping the surgery as a Lap. In these cases, he might split the procedure into 2 parts (the sleeve gastrectomy as the 1st part, then after some weight is lost, the gastric bypass as the 2nd part). Or he could do it as an Open and do both parts at once.
The office staff was busy, but very helpful. They really tried to accomodate the fact that I was coming in from out of town. Niccole, the nutritionist, agreed to see me as a walk-in so I wouldn't have to make a separate trip back to NYC to see her, but she cautioned I might have to wait awhile. She came to get me in 15 MINUTES!
Aftercare was emphasized at every turn. They have you come back at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months. Then yearly after that. Basically it is PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN and Vitamin and mineral supplements religiously, FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. To me, however, this regimen would be SO MUCH more in my control than trying to regulate my messed-up metabolism to maintain a healthy weight.
Dr. Pomp was very up-front about the risks. I originally said my research on the internet revealed the mortality rates for WLS was 0.2-0.5% and he corrected me that it was more like 1%. It is very rare for a patient to die on the table, however the real risks of this type of surgery are within the 30 days following surgery (aka aka gastric leaks into the abdomen). Also, the long term risks of malnutrition are very real.
Overall, I would rate Dr. Pomp a 9 out of 10. This would increase to a 10 as he adds to his WLS experience over the years. His surgical competence is very good and his bedside manner is excellent. Patients do not have to sacrifice one for the other with Dr Pomp.
5/9/01 Darryl Williams, the insurance specialist at Dr Pomp's office, was very helpful in trying to help me get approved by my insurance co (CDPDP). They acknowledged that he sent them extensive information about my case and the procedure to be performed. He did draw the line at sending in another letter from Dr Pomp (at CDPHPs request) stating what was unique about the BPD/DS that no surgeons in the Albany area were performing it. I can't blame him for this. I mean, how would Dr Pomp know why no one in Albany chooses to perform one procedure over another? I am appealing their denial and if I do wind up getting an approval I am hoping Dr Pomp's office can get me a new date very quickly.
8/14/01 Two more good things to say about Dr Pomp and his office staff. When I got word of my insurance approval, I was able to get a new surgery date less than a month away due to a cancellation. I was very psyched.
Also, at 3 weeks post-op I was experiencing a pain that was not responding to changes in diet or anti-gas meds. After about 5 days, I called Dr Pomp's office and learned he was on vacation. I left a voicemail with his PA, Diana Gee. I also sent Dr Pomp an email describing the pain and what I had tried. Got a return call from Ms Gee within one hour and after describing the pain to her she said she would page Dr Pomp. He called me within the hour. He said he had read my email and the pain did not sound normal. He ordered some bloodwork which I was able to have done locally. The labs revealed I had Pancreatitis which can put one back in the hospital for pain and dehydration. Mine lasted about 8 days then went away as quickly as it came on; no hospital stay required. I was glad he called me so promptly when I was in distress.
The only negative I have on Dr Pomp is that his office is so busy that a patient can fall through the cracks unless they are very persistent. As long as you are very proactive in calling back when a return call has not been received as promised you can make their system work for you."
