Need a recommendation for sleeve surgery in Durham NC or in NC

Hi all,

 

I'm contemplating getting gastric sleeve surgery and would like to know if you could recommend an excellent surgeon in the NC area. I would also like your opinion on the sleeve surgery -the good, bad and the ugly of it all. I am over 150lbs overweight and I'm wondering if the sleeve is a good option for me or if another surgery like duodenal switch would be more appropriate and give me a better chance of losing the weight. Any input would be greatly appreciated. 

Once final thing. Some folks have mentioned that how small the surgeon makes the sleeve makes all the difference in the world as far as weight loss. Do you any of you have an opinion on this?

Thanks so much...

Hi!! I'm Rho, I Live In Durham, NC As Well. I Went To UNC-CH For My Surgery.

Hi Rho!

 

Thanks for replying. How do you feel about the surgery so far?

 

Mary

I Feel Pretty Good. I've Just Moved To The Soft Food Stage. Right Now I'm Alittle Scared it's Been So Long Since I've Had Food So I'm Very Cautious Right Now. I'm Walking Around As Well As I Can (You Know The NC Heat!!) I'm Still Tender But I haven't Had Pain Meds In The Last 4 Days. I Had No nausea(Thankfully) And Have Been Fine. Things Tasted A Little Funny At First And My Taste Bud Have Changed, I Loved Milk Before Surgery And Now It Tastes Strange.

Glad you are doing well and hope that things continue to progress nicely. Sounds like your surgery was very recent...Do you ever attend the weight loss surgery support group in Raleigh? I think it's called one step at a time and it's on the meetup group list serve...I have been to it before and the folks are great...I have heard about the tastebud change thing..several folks have mentioned it...I'm hoping that will work in my favor...

I would recommend researching all doctors you are considering.  I think you will find that most people will recommend the doctor they went to, just because they made such a huge impact in their lives.  And while those recommendations are great, in the end you have to pick one with the best track record.  Only you can determine which one that is by researching them.

Thanks Christine..That makes a lot of sense....Is there a specific place you can look to find out a docs track record and success rates? I have heard a lot of great things about Dr. Sudan but they would not give me individual surgery success rates etc at Duke so it's hard to find out his track record except to ask folks here what their experience was. 

Sunshine... I'm a nurse and a patient... I have three co-workers and several other friends outside of work that have had WLS - all with the same surgeon, Dr. Paul Enochs (www.surgerync.com).  I had my first appt on 2 July and have already completed all pre-op requirements, so it moves fast.  And, yes, I did my research in terms of experience with VSG, medical board actions, etc.  He's top notch and has a great bedside manner!  Best of luck!

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I met Dr. Enochs and he has a wonderful bedside manner. He is one of the docs I am considering. Just need as much feedback as I can get. Did your friends have the sleeve and have they had any complications-if it's not too personal to share...

So.... I have 1 friend that was an RNY after failed lap-band, one that was a sleeve after a failed lap-band, and the rest were sleeved from the start.  None of them have had any complications post-op and are feeling fantastic - and look AMAZING!!  I've definitely done the homework... blogs, forums, literature searches, etc... and I feel comfortable for sure.  Choosing a surgeon is very similar to choosing a spouse... you have GOT to be 100% comfortable and trust in them.  :)  You'll know when you find the right one!