I just read this article www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/09/16/2010-09-16_untitled_ _lapband16m.html I am so upset by it!

No, she was not a member of LIPO. I just read the article...I feel so sorry for her mom....it is interesting how many post ops go through a tremendous high then quickly followed by a terrible low. 

My personal feeling is how POST OPS should be mandated to seek therapy not only preoperatively! It is a BIG mistake and needs to be corrected by the physicians and the bariatric surgeons/industry need to mandate this rule ASAP. 

How many other suicides have been by bariatric post ops? I wonder if such a survey has been done? 

So many people cannot afford therapy if their insurance doesn't cover it and so many don't even attend support group meetings of any kind.

What can we do people? Can we email someone? Any ideas or suggestions? Together, we CAN make a difference!

Maryellen

Hey I'm a 21 year old from Brooklyn. I'm gonna get my surgery at St. Lukes in the city. I'm wondering if there are any others from Brooklyn or close by going along this journey too. I'd love to get in contact with local people. 

You can reach me at my Facebook.

Facebook.com/amosmoseswasahelluvaman

-Cherish

I was actually told the rates of some of these things during my inital meeting without even asking like leak rate/infection rate weight loss percentage hell i didnt even have questions to ask when he was done talking with his explanations i think it depends on previous patients and what they have asked also sometimes the doctor may make it part of his routine talk

When you're looking for a Bariatric surgeon/points to ponder:
http://www.amylhwilliams.com/questionsforsurgeon.html good link also

1) Check out info on this site: http://www.nydoctorprofile.com/ (*search under his name & look for any malpractice suits, payouts etc. You can ask about that). There must be a site for each state look up Doctor Profile + your state and google for a site!

2) Is he board-certified by the American Board of Surgery?
www.absurgery.org
American College of Surgeons?
http://web3.facs.org/acsdir/public/Detail.cfm?CHKDGTS=00299031800

3) Is he a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons? http://www.asbs.org/html/about/membersearch2.html

4) What is the mortality rate (is the number of deaths) of the surgeon, the success rate (those losing > 50% of their excess wt at 5 yrs out)? Complication rates (wound infections, hernias, strictures, leaks, reoperation etc)? Average length of time in hospital.

5) The surgeon you find should be well experienced in the area of weight loss surgery (BARIATRICS). It's clear that the more experienced the surgeon, the lower the risk of mortality. Ideally, you would prefer to find a surgeon who has performed at least 100 of these procedures. (I say over 500!). I also recommend a surgeon who dedicates his practice to WLS, not one who does a case a week....

6) What you are looking for doesn't stop with numbers and statistics -- you will also need a multidisciplinary team one that includes: Surgeon, nutritionist, exercise physiologists, psychological support & support groups, that can be utilized pre- and post-operatively.

7) Look for a center or hospital that offers educational seminars to those who are just beginning the process so you can learn more about the actual procedure, the benefits, and the risks.

8) Is the hospital a Bariatric Center of Excellence? MOST insurances won't pay unless it is (I wouldn't go if it weren't!!!)
http://www.asbs.org/html/about/coe.html or http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx
http://www.facs.org/viewing/cqi/bscn/fullapproval.html

9) The preparation, both physical and mental, comes next, and is as crucial to the entire process as the actual procedure. Look to a surgeon that requires clearance from (what is indicated w/ your particular medical status) various doctors (psych/endocrine/hemotology/pulmonary/cardiology/nutrition etc). No this is not @ hoops this is making sure your health status is optimized before surgery. Preop smoking cessation, preop wt loss..etc.

10) What procedures does he do? Open or Lap? What is his follow up plan? Recovery time?

Education is a tremendously important part of the preoperative process & there is no question that there are major risks associated with the operation. However, those risks can be minimized by having a thorough preoperative workup so there aren't surprises during the procedure, and by making sure the surgeon is experienced and qualified. This is a courageous step for people to take, and it's not just about weight changing -- it's about life changing. SO take your time, find the right surgeon/surgical program for you for your life and your health and success long-term! WLS is a decision many of us make, but should not be made impulsively (*the average time one thinks about and has WLS is 2 yrs!) as we as MO people can feel quite desperate and see this as a last resort and can sometimes go with whoever is telling us they will perform, that may not be in our best interest!
EDUCATION IS KEY, AS IS A COMMITMENT & dedication to a healthy diet and exercise regimen, continual follow-up with doctors to monitor progress, and commitment to a new life.

Ask him all these questions or any others think of or you think of, if HE isn't right, find someone who is! After all you're putting your life in his hands and needing someone to care for you for life!!! Be an educated consumer of your own health! HUGS!

Just stopping by to say hello to all my old friends that are still here.  Its been a journey thats for sure that started Halloween 2005.  I lost 90 pounds and have put back about 15 in the last year but still feel good.  I lost my mom suddenly in January and that seems to have been the downfall trigger for me.  I became depressed, stopped my bikram yoga and just didn****ch what i was eating.  I am feeling better these days even though my oldest has left me to go away to college and that also has me mixed with emotions.  I need to get back on track and catch myself before it spirals out of control and this is one of the places that has always helped me.  I look forward to speaking with old friends and making new ones.....