Childcare is free. When you enter the fitness center, the childcare center is to the left of the front desk, if they inquire say you are attending a meeting in the conference room.

I will be there hopefully with a friend. What about the child care. The person I'm bringing has 2 kids and he may not be able to come because of childcare

You may or may not 'know me' but here's my story shortened to the Reader's Digest version.  --

Had RNY in June 2003 with Dr Heather McMullen at Staten Island University Hospital, at a starting weight of 340, (buried my husband in May 2004), lost 180 pounds within 18 months to 160 pounds.  Insurance covered 100% of RNY.  Coincidentally, Dr McMullen was doing DS at the time, and although I made myself familiar with it, my insurance wouldn't cover it, and I dismissed it -- Hindsight now!  STUPID.....

Had all of my plastics in 2005.  Insurance covered most of LBL and I self-paid (financed) for other procedures.  Maintained my weight through 2006 (remarried in June 2006).

Started regaining in early 2007, never feeling any restriction, got full eating, but shortly after was hungry again and could re-eat the amount I just ate!  Had endoscopy done which showed excessively enlarged stoma, and slightly enlarged pouch.  At 195 pounds, I saw Dr Shawn Garber in LI and had Stomophyx in October 2007 -- Self-paid -- What a RIP-OFF!  I was grasping at straws -- Did absolutely nothing for me -- I basically threw away $9K!!!!!!

Fast forward to 2011 -- I am currently at 225-230 pounds - gaining about 15 pounds per year, and desperate not to let all that I've already done go to waste -- started researching revisions.  Checked out BOB - dismissed rather quickly.  Checked out DS -- realized that was my last shot!

Met with Dr Greenbaum in NJ early this year -- he said I hadn't gained enough weight back, and that he was cutting back on revisions.  Met with Dr Roslin couple of months ago, provided him with all copies of past surgical reports, endoscopy and blood work, and he agreed to take me on. 

JOY -- (not for long) -- Come to find out that my medical insurance with small firm employer that I have been with for last two years has a Bariatric Exclusion against any surgery, as well as complications from past bariatric surgeries!  Tried several things to get around it, including getting on my husband's plan, which although they cover bariatric surgery -- is an HMO and does not have ANY out-of-network benefits.  Dr Roslin's office tried to see if they could get an exemption --  NO GO -- which means I am SELF-PAY!  OUCH>>>>>>

Decided I'm worth it -- and will take out money from retirement IRA that matures in December -- in the meantime, it's going on credit cards......Definately scared that any complications, however minor, could financially devastate me -- Total cost will be approximately $39K.  Hospital charge just went up another $1,500, plus a new NYS tax of $3,500 within last three week.  Oh well, guess I'm a gambler, but asking for prayers and good thoughts anyway!

Met with Dr Roslin yesterday for my final consult -- surgery scheduled for August 15th -- Here's how I understand the procedure, but many of you will probably be able to enlighten me further.  He will reconstruct my stomache into sleeve from unused part left behind from RNY (piecing portion of pou***** - and reinstate my pyloric valve.  He will then do traditional DS -- he mentioned lenghs of 125m for one, and 150m for other (although I'm not clear on which is which).  He said that there will be three connections/reconnections involved.

He briefly mentioned a type of DS being done in Spain with the intestined looped, that is a bit easier to do, with less connections, that he had done only once, but was very optimistic about, but gave me the choice.  I had read about this on this site, but when he mentioned it, he said my body language spoke volumns and he would do the traditional DS instead.

So, I have ordered my vitamins and some protein drinks -- let my job know that I will be out for three weeks (that's all I can take off reasonably), and will make the surgeon and hospital pre-payments next week.  The balance will be billed to me after the surgery.

I'll be getting myself to the hospital day of surgery by bus from the Jersey Shore -- day of dismissal, I'm hoping my sister or a friend can pick me up to drive me home.

I'll take any well wishes, hints, tips, etc -- I've read the DS Facts and other info you guys routinely give to pre-ops and newbies -- Thanks guys.

Hugs,
Nannette

Recently I was told Dr Baptiste no longer has privileges to operate at Morristown Memorial Hospital. Doctor Abkin, and the rest of the wonderful Doctors at Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons of Morris will be more than willing to help you out.

Call them (973) 410-9700

Or here is their website

 http://www.njbariatricsurgeons.com/

 

 

Hi Sharon,
Its my understanding that Dr. Baptiste is no longer seeing patients.  The program he was involved in at JFK has been revamped.  Dr. Alexander Abkin now runs the show at JFK and is assited by a top flight staff.  You can call them at 1 732 343 7484.
Good Luck!!!