What procedure is right for me?
- Lap Band - the least invasive. This is where the place a small ring around your stomach and they inject the ring with fluid which can causes restriction and doesn't allow a lot of food to be consumed all at once which reduces a person from over eating.
- Gastric Sleeve - involves the removal of the large part of the stomach and converting the remaining part into a long, tubular structure, resembling the shape of a banana.
- Gastric By-Pass - Is the most common in the US, but also to me, the most invasive. involves the complete transection of the stomach, creating a small, new pouch, which is connected to the small bowel through a small orifice. Almost the entire stomach, the duodenum, and about 5 to 6 feet of the small bowel.
I started doing research a few years ago. Over time, I have had had 5 friends who had the gastric sleeve and about 8 friends who have had the Lap Band. About 6 our of the 8 friends who had lap band surgery had some kind of complication where they have had the band slip or had to have the band removed beyond their desire. All of those friends regret having the band. Of my friend who had the sleeve done, I do not have one that has regretting going this route. So then I start reading about it more. The sleeve is becoming more and more popular in the US because of it's record in safety and success.
So at this point, I do think I want to do the sleeve. There are a few things that can prevent a patient from having the sleeve, and those patients have to go full on Gastric By-Pass. Most of those are due to GERD (reflux). I spoke to the doctor about this. Although I do get reflux at times, mine is more caused by excessive cokes and sodas and he said that is normal.
So, I decide on the procedure, now, what doctor will I use?
Now that my insurance will pay, I have to find a doctor. There are so many doctors in Houston that performs this procedure, it is overwhelming. My insurance has a requirement of the doctor being part of a "Centers of Excellence" designation. So, I narrowed down my options to about 10 providers in my area.
I had to decide, what did I want in a provider. Well first, I want experience. Someone who has preformed many procedures are can really talk about the best options. Second, I wanted a more independent physician. Someone that isn't part of a large "chain" of weight loss surgeons where you just become a number.
I began to read reviews on each of the doctors and then I visited their website. By this point, I narrowed it down to two doctors. After reading everything and just evaluating what I see on the website, I decided to go with Dr. Carols Ferrari. Every review I read about him was positive. The only negative reviews I saw was about his staff. Let's face it, I have dealt with that before and to me, that isn't an issue. You have to understand that medical assistant deal with a lot (I used to work in the medical industry). So, you have to really be patient with them. I know, but I am the patient, so why be patient with them? Because it is the right thing to do. (NOTE: when I went in for my consult - they were so nice - AMAZING).
For anyone who wants to visit his website, please go to: https://www.drferrari.net/
Once I chose my doctor, it was time to make the appointment. I was SHOCKED how fast I was able to get in. I called on Monday, July 29th and they had an appointment for Friday, August 2nd. Now that I call service. I was able to get my new patient forms online so that avoids having to arrive so early.
So let's see where this consultation leads me..............more to follow!
