Scottsdale Healthcare Bariatric Program

Hello All , 

  I just scheduled an appointment with Scottsdale healthcare. They said the initial appointment will be 4 hours.  Has anyone used them? Can you tell me precisely what goes on in those 4 hrs ?  I have my diet , paperwork and all that turned in. Just need a physic evaluation .

 If you used them, how did you like the care you received? 

Hi Sara,

First off, I'd like to say congratulations for deciding to have WLS. It's truly a life changing experience that you will not regret.

I had my surgery with Dr. Blackstone and Scottsdale Healthcare and It has been a fairly good experience. I was approved and scheduled for a duodenal switch, which only Dr Blackstone can do at SHC, but ultimately, she opted to do my surgery in two stages.  I have the VSG for now, later on after I've lost about 100 pounds, she'll go back and do the second part of the procedure.  My husband is also a patient there, he had an RNY with Dr. Swain about 3 weeks before I had mine.  So we have a little bit of experience and knowledge with them. lol

Your initial appointment is about 4 hours in length. If you didn't already know, their program is a TOTAL bariatric program. On your appointment day, they will do your psych consult, with their own psychologist. That takes about an hour or more in itself. Then you also meet with their nutritionist and exercise specialist, then the Doctor. Before surgery you also have classes to attend as well as the pre-op appointment.  After surgery there are more classes and more appointments as you go along. It may seem like a lot at first, but really you need to go to those classes. They are very informative and helpful.

Once your surgery day comes, it'll be a breeze. They are very good with answering your questions and making you feel comfortable. If you want to talk to me more about my experience or if you have any specific questions, I'd be more than happy to talk to you.

Good Luck, Barbara

Just want to add in to everyone's responses. I had Blackstone as well. I think she's the best.  They really go the extra steps for your success with the classes and appointments.    You will be happy you chose her. The hospital is great too!  

Sarah,

Just confirming what Barbara said.  The Psych evaluation is a combination of a questionaire and an interview, There will also be meetings with diet and exercise staff.  A fair amount of the time is spent in the waiting room between these meetings so you may want to bring a book or puzzles.  I am 11 months out from RNY surgery and highly recommend Scottsdale Healthcare.  You will not spend much time with the surgeon but the staff is readily available for any issues that occur.  They have there own support forum and I would suggest you get an ID and password. www.scottsdalebariatricsupport.org  Here you will be able to ask questions of the staff and patients as well as make a few friends along the way.  I also recommend the twice monthly support meetings at the hospital.  These are informative and attendees of these groups seem to be more successful in the long run.  Good luck!

Thank you.  I researched all the bariatric surgeons in the Phoenix area, she seems the best.  Glad to hear you both had positive experiences. So I guess I better bring a book, or my kindle.  I hate waiting rooms, generally because the armchairs are to small . I would hope they have ample size chairs being a place for overweight people!   Do you go to the meetings 2x a month ?  Do they have guest speakers come in ?  I went to a group back in NC with my other surgeon. I really enjoyed them. Each time would be a different speaker. 

Yes they have extra large chairs (they are slightly smaller than a loveseat!).  You won't need them for long.  I go to the support groups most of the time.  I find them interesting.  Especially the preop to 4 months group.  There is talk of s guest program in March regarding body image.  They sometimes have vitamin reps there too.  Mostly the meetings are peer to peer support with a professional facilitator.

That sounds great. I'm sure they'll give me all the details on when/where on 2/6.  Looking forward to meeting you there .  

Good luck on your future surgery.  It will be the best thing you could ever do for your self.  Please keep us updated on how the process is going for you.

Sip and walk,

Debbie