"My journey to have gastric bypass was a long, emotional one right up to the day of surgery. I originally was referred to Dr. Tishler but due to schedule conflicts, I accepted an appointment with Dr. Papasavas. I was told by so many people that it really did not matter which one was my surgeon because they simply were both masters at what they do and I would be in the best of hands regardless.
The day of my surgery was a bit crazy. The anesthesiologist had concerns over a medicine I was still on which typically would have been stopped prior to any surgery. My perscribing physican instructed otherwise so that meant some serious discussions right when I should have been being wheeled into the operating room. Once the anesthesiologist talked to Dr. Papasavas and I about his concerns, Dr Papasavas was on the phone with my perscribing physican immediately. He also had the anesthesiologist speak with him as well. Later I learned discussions were also had with the Head of Pain Management at Hartford Hospital because my medication had serious consequenses with the anesthesia but also with the typical pain medications given post surgery. My surgery was seriously delayed because these consultations needed to happen. In the end I was given an arterial line to closely monitor my blood pressure during surgery and only then, was I cleared for surgery. The last thing I remember saying to Dr. Papasavas was that I felt bad about pushing his schedule back hours but he assured me I was his only surgery that day and not to worry.
I went through the surgery with flying colors thanks to the entire operating team at Hartford Hospital. Although I could not have the typical strong pain medication that normal patients would benefit from, I understand it was a small price to pay for ensuring my safety.
The morning following my surgery, I met my roommate for the first time and we were swapping stories. She mentioned Dr. Papasavas was her surgeon too. Then...she said "for some reason, my surgery yesterday was delayed for a couple of hours"... Right then I knew it was because of me! And I thought back to Dr. Papasavas trying to put me at ease going into surgery, telling me not to worry about his schedule. He didn't want me worrying about the lost time. His concentration was on me and my safety that morning - where it should have been.
I never had any issues related to the actual surgery. I healed quickly and have been losing weight and becoming healthier with every passing day.
I admit, I have s soft spot for Dr. Papasavas. Yes, as others have said he does have a dry sense of humor but I also found him to have a wonderful bedside manner. I sense a soft side with him too and this is very comforting. Afterall, he took my life into his hands, worked his magic, and then gave it back to me. Thanks to him, my future is now full of possibility!"
