"My first impression of Dr. Rehnke was that he was an extremely busy guy! Lots of activity in his surgical office! His staff seemed to be quite capable and accustomed to dealing with "large" patients (I didn't hear any gasps or "Oh My God's") He answered all the questions I asked in terms that were easy to understand. He addressed the downside of having surgery (not just weight loss surgery but any type because the risks are the same). He told me blood clots and infection were my two biggest enemies but that all precautions would be taken to help me through the surgery and the recuperation afterward. I wish he would have spent more time discussing the time immediately following surgery and what could be expected but I sensed he had a great many people waiting their turn to see him. I had a bit of a "jump" on him because I had attended 2 support group meetings prior to actually meeting him and had alot of my initial questions answered by those who have "gone down the path before me." He does have monthly support group meetings that are chaired by his nurse Julie, Dr. A. Lindsay (neuropsychologist) and when able, Dr. Rehnke, himself. These meetings have proved to be invaluable to me...........its like having a weight loss surgery encyclopedia at your disposal! Once I receive (note the optimism) approval from Blue Cross/Blue Shield I will have another appointment with him to discuss surgery dates and procedures. We applied to approval on Monday, 1/29/01 and hopefully should know something in the next 3 weeks or so.....
Overall, I feel comfortable with my choice of a surgeon, with the competence of his staff and with his ability to perform this surgery safely and with his patients best interest at heart............ I'll keep you posted as to the progress!"
