Distance from Hospital

Hi Everyone I received a packet from a new WLS center yesterday, and was for joy when I read through everything, and did some checking on the doctors qualifications and found them to be great, and get this everyone.....they are very much payment friendly!!. Now for my question....The WLS center is about 5 hours away from where I live...did any of you let the distance to the WLS center play a roll in your decision? My mind keeps wondering about what if I have some kind of problem after I get home and they are 5 hours away.....I know I'm getting the cart before the ...but it's one of those little naggy things. Thanks and Big Hugs to Everyone Theresa

Theresa, I live in NH and chose a hospital in Boston. Sometimes it is an hour away, but sometimes it takes 4 hours or more to get there, so when I go, I always have to assume it is going to take the longest time so I am on time. It is a minor inconvenience, and definitely worth it to get the care I did. I just take a day off for follow-up appointments and make a day of it. If I am early, I do some shopping, and same for after. Obviously, the shopping is better in Boston than NH! I think the most important thing is how comfortable you are with the center you picked, and in the case of an extreme emergency, you can always go to your local ER. Think of all the people who have gone to Mexico for surgery! Good luck! Carrie

Hey theresa, I had my surgery in atlanta which is like four hrs from where the surgeons office is downdown and it can be annoying but can tell ya this. Go to the surgeon that is best qualified. I hated the trips but can feel very confident that he was the best in his field around here. Noone does the RNY around here. Only the lap band and so traveling to atlanta was just somthing I got used to. My girls wanted me to stay near the hosptial after I got out but was feeling so good if I was gonna be misserable I wanted it to be at home lol. So just think about the best surgeons in your area and try to adjust to the miles because in the end, thats what matters. The expertice of the surgeons.... Hugs marge

I am about two hours from hospital. And I would travel further if need to get this surgery. I figure in a emergency, the local hospital can do what it needs to till they can get me to my doctor love marie