kwickklip

My journey started 8 yrs ago. I had no insurance and I needed to do something about my weight. I had 4 comorbidities and I wanted to get healthier for myself and my family... so I did some educating myself online and found I could go to Spain and have the sleeve done there for cash MUCH cheaper than here. Found Dr. Baltazar and spoke to him regarding my needs and we scheduled my surgery for January 2005. In August of 2004 I had a diverticulitis attack that caused me to have a colon resection. Hense my sleeve was postponed for a year. During that time I went to work for our local school district and WALA I had insurance. I have continued to be interested in having the sleeve done but every year I would end up having some other surgery ie: knee replacement, both shoulder cuffs repaired 1 year apart, additional knee surgeries, ( I have had a total of 38 surgeries in my 57 years of life). Which brings me to 6 weeks ago. My brother had his sleeve done. His family doctor told him if he didn't do something about his 300+ lbs... he wouldn't live for another 3 yrs. Now, I weight 220 lbs and my BMI is 35.....true,, that is on the lower end of the spectrum, however, I do have 4 comorbidities. My brother is doing great having lost about 38 lbs since his surgery...and well beyond where his doctor expected him to be 6 weeks out. SO his success has inspired me again to "get healthy with the help of the wonderful tool called the sleeve!" I scheduled a visit with Dr. Carlos Ferrari in Houston on 7/9/2012. Met with him and have started all my pre op tests. Have done the ultra sound on gallbladder, bloodwork, echocardiogram scheduled for tomorrow, and edg scheduled for 7/17/2012. Had my nutrionalist and psyc. appointment today..... SO after next Tuesday I should be ready to go for the gold!!!! If anyone has any information about Dr. Ferrari please let me know. I can't use my brother's dr. due to insurance reasons. So PLEASE fill me in on the pros and cons if you can. I am excited about my future and my journey to a healthier life. BUT I do have to work on my eating habits.LOL

Thanks everyone for their recommendations!!! Has anyone used Dr. Carlos Farrari in Houston? I have an appoinment with him on July 6th.

Well, after about 8 yrs of considering the bariatric surgery for WL..... I am finally going to DO IT!!! I have diabetes, acute sleep apnea, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and generally no entergy. SOOO I would like some input into a great surgeon for the verticule sleeve in the Houston area that is in the BCBS network. Anyone know one?