Dr. Helmuth Billy?

Hi, All.  I'm new to browsing the CA Forum.  I have chosen Dr. Billy and was wondering if any of you had him as your sergeon.  I'd like to hear your story/opinion.

Ugh, I'm struggling so bad with this choice.  I want to do this so bad!!!!  I'm just soooo scared to die!  I have four small children.  BMI is 42 w/no co morbitities.  Obese all my life.  I just keep torchering myself and reading over the memorials.  It's like I'm looking for bad things.  I want to be free of this weight.  I keep thinking why can't I do this on my own???  And then I realize I have never been able to before and this could be my one chance at surgery.  How could I let this pass?  But the what if's are driving me crazy!

-Danielle

Danielle,

I don't know anything about your Dr but I do know that pretty much everyone here has struggled with the "what-if's" before the surgery. Yes, you could die, however it is VERY unlikely. On the flip side, it is VERY likely that eventually obesity will kill you.

Do your research, know your doctor, be as prepared as you can be and remember, this is a very safe surgery, lots of us have already done it (me, I was higher risk than you as I was WAY heavier at the time of my surgery, and I came through with flying colors!), and we will all be here to support you in whatever way we can!

Stop reading the memorials! Not to discount any of those people but (especially) as a pre-op you need to be focusing on all the wonderful things that will come into your life as a healthier, lighter, more able person!

This surgery can give you the chance to be there for your 4 kids a lot longer, keep focused on that and all the healthy reasons you thought of doing this in the first place (heck, even the "selfish" ones, like that slinky little dress!!!)

This is a wonderful community of super supportive folks, and I know I speak for most of us when I say welcome, feel at home, and speak up whenever and if ever you need anything!


Shells

Hi Danielle.  I had Dr. Billy, and I can't say enough good things about him and his staff.  I even chose to self pay with him instead of going where my insurance would pay.  He is a very good surgeon, and has a great reputation.  His aftercare is outstanding.  He has a great support group, and does all of the pre-op testing in his new facility.  Please feel free to email me any time.  [email protected]

I was terrified! Had panic attacks during and after surgery. I am still wrapping my head around this. You adjust slowly, take your time and don't force yourself to do more than needed after surgery. As far as the surgery - it was a breeze really - no pain, just soreness. And I had no diabetes upon completion. Stay focused on the positive.
Good luck to you,

L.

Danielle,

You might want to take a look at this page on OH and IM'ing some of his patients if you want to hear their stories.  He's not my doctor and I haven't met him so that's about the extent of what I have to offer on the subject.

Lisa