"First, I want to mention that my surgeon will be Dr. Holup who is associated with Dr. Goodman. As Dr. Goodman advised me, they work together in the same office. Dr. Holup is on my Aetna/US Healthcare approved surgeon's list so he will be my surgeon.
12/14/00 - I met Dr. Holup today for the first time. He is very personable, honest, knowledgeable, and made me feel very comfortable. I was thirty minutes late to my consultation with him due to bad weather here on the east coast, and when I called his receptionist, she understood and was very accomodating. So, when I arrived I had a very short wait, filled out several forms, and was escorted to a room to watch a video about the different procedures, and the benefits and risks of the surgery. I was also given paper and clipboard to write my questions as they came to me watching the video. Shortly after, Dr. Holup arrived, shook my hand, and told me I could ask him questions anytime during the course of our conversation.
After discussing and noting my medical history at length, he presented what I feel is an honest assessment of what I can expect from surgery, the type that would be appropriate for me (Open RNY proximal) and the what I will be facing in the coming months after the surgery. He basically reiterated what the video mentioned, and answered my particular questions to my satisfaction.
He suggested I attend one of the support groups at Pascack Valley Hospital on Monday 12/18, which I will do. He emphasized the importance of meeting with people who have been through the surgery, as a way to know what I can expect, and also for support afterwards.
Of Note: He also strongly suggests that I quit smoking, which should enable my skin to have more collagen and better elasticity.
As I left, he advised of all preadmission tests I will need to undergo, and we scheduled a tentative date. As I hoped, from conducting my own research prior to meeting with Dr. Holup, I'm further convinced that this surgery is the right choice for me.
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