Dr. Roslin's/Lenox Hill patients-question for you

Just wondering if ANYONE had the experience where they gave you something to calm you down before the surgery? I have heard they don't, but I will need it, and I was wondering if there was anyone out there who had an operation with him (or Lenox Hill) where they requested it and got it? Also, the notion of WALKING into the OR is very scary to me...I would much rather have the I'm drugged and being wheeled into surgery experience than the I'm stone stober and scared s**tless and walking myself into the OR experience! Anyone???

Hi Stephanie, Had surgery in CT, but wanted to comment that I didn't find walking into the OR scary, but what kind of added to my butterflies was watching everyone rush around. There were a lot of people moving fast, it reminded me of scenes from ER! The hospital is a teaching hospital so there may have been students. They gave me the anesthesia right away and it worked pretty quick, so I don't remember too much after that Kristine

Also, the notion of WALKING into the OR is very scary to me.. Well.................you don't walk into the OR, you get wheeled in. At the hospital I was in, you go into the OR completely awake and alert because they ask you a list of questions. The final question they will ask you is...Do you understand what is being done to you and do you want to have the surgery/ Because it has been known that some people will back ou tthe last minute because of fear, or whatever they may not be ready. Its perfectly normal to have fears and be anxious. But don't worry, everything will be alright. Keep us posted Marie Edie LAP RNY 7/18/05 Down 138 pounds

I spoke to someone the other day who had surgery with MY doctor and described the walk into the OR, so I was just wondering if anyone had surgery with Dr. Roslin at Lenox Hill and had a different experience? Thanks for the replies -Stephanie

Hey Stephanie, Dr. Roslin did my surgery...and trust me when i say you couldn't be in better hands. To be honest yes...it's a little bit nerve racking to walk to the OR...thoughts of running out one of the exit doors did cross my mind. Although at almost 500 lbs i dont' think i would have been able to run that far..lol. Once I was in the OR and they put the first IV in me..i was out in about 4 or 5 minutes...it was really fast. The next thing i remember was waking up in the recovery room. I have to say i really thank God that i found Dr. Roslin, he was suppose to be a 2nd opinion..and he ended up doing the surgery. Everything from the surgery to the post op care was tops. I know your nervous....trust me we all were...i don't think i've ever met a person that wasn't nervous at least a bit. But again Roslin is a great surgeon...and very "anal" which is a good thing for surgeons. If it makes you feel any better i'm 3 1/2 months out and i've lost 125 lbs. Let us know how you do. scott

I did not have surgery with Dr. Roslin, but I did walk into the OR, and got on the table myself. That did not bother me. It was the last minute of everyone rushing around, putting in IV's etc. But then, all of a sudden, I was in my room. And, all is well now. S

I just read this excerpt from someone's profile: "I kissed my mom goodbye and walked into the operating room." and this person had it done at Lenox Hill (not by Dr. Roslin). So, I'm beginning to notice a definite trend here, and doesn't it sound really nutty to have you walk into the OR with no meds to calm you down? People like me aren't meant for that, and I NEED something, and when I asked I was told that I will have to calm my anxiety without meds. WHY!??? Why do I have to suffer and prove I have enough courage to be granted access? It's ridiculous, and for all the people who have had the other experience of being given the happy juice and being wheeled in, I just don't see why I need this extra stress. I have been through surgery before, and that shot makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE. I am seriously thinking of changing doctors at this point, and it's SO RIDICULOUS! The plus side to my current doctor is that he doesn't require any pre-op diet, and most of the others do, and I don't think I could do 1-2 weeks pre-op liquid diet. The pros and cons of everything....sigh....thoughts?? Other NYC options suggested?

If I were you,I would really try to push the issue of the anxiety and see what they say. You are the patient, and they need to listen to you. Don't hold me to this, but I seem to recall somebody taking antianxiety meds preop somewhere. I do a lot of online reading on different forums, so I don't remember where might have I read that. If they don't listen to you, I heard Dr Ren and Dr Fielding at NYU are great lap band drs in NYC. You can most likely take copies of all the work you've done, the preop testing to them so you wouldn't have to restart the process! Good luck and let us know how you make out. Kristine

I second the notion on Dr Fielding at NYU. He is the surgeon, my surgeon recommended me to see for my second opinion in Jan. He is very experienced lapband surgeon(over seas and in the US) and caring down to earth person as well. He has the cutest accent(australian) and has the lapband himself(seven years ago). He understands how it is obviously. He goes out to eat w/his patients once a month to help them make the right choices and to just socialize w/them. He invited me to come any time I wanted but I feel a little wierd b/c he isnt my surgeon. Good luck!

hi stepahnie - i had my surgery with roslin @lenox hill. you will need to ask doc roslin about meds to calm you down. email him - he checks his emails regularly and will reply to you. i was super nervous. but the staff there is really unbeleivable. they did their best to "calm" me down because i was crying so much from nerves. the good thing is that when you get the anesthesia, you really dont remember anything since you are knocked out. i was very glad that i picked doc roslin, because when you are under anesthesia, you have n o control what happens to you and its good to have someone with a lo of experience like roslin. i would also recommend you attend his support groups. the people that go are really friendly and can provide you some more info. good luck. surgery is a big deal and the people at lenox hill treat you well - i hope this helps you.