Better than dead

First time post, be gentle! I have settled on the sleeve and that I will have it done in the Dallas area. I am having a hard time picking a surgeon. It is really hard to find solid information on them. Of course everyone loves their Dr (assuming they didn't have problems) and their websites all say they are great. Is there an unbiased source for true numbers such as how many procedure completed and complications? How do you educate yourself and make the choice? By the way, I am a self-pay (insurance excludes WLS) so I don't care about insurance issues and such. Thanks for your input. I welcome all responses about Dr's in the DFW area.

Ditto to the other comments about not going crazy and buying a new wardrobe just yet. I thought a 36 was skinny and i would never be smaller than that and now 32 is loose on me (started at a 48). No telling how much i have spent on clothes over the year...good problem to have, but hold out as long as possible until you stabilize.

You are ok with that amount, but i would suggest not hitting the feeling ill point for numerous reasons; develop good habits, dont stretch your sleeve, etc.... Enjoy being full quickly now and dont push it unnecessarily. Remember you are in a honeymoon phase the first 9 months or so. Loose all you can now while ot is easiest.

I felt I was ready at 2 months. Surgeon gave the green light for everything at 3 months, but all surgeons are different. At 6 weeks or so your sutures are all healed and you cant really hurt anything. Biggest issue at that point is getting enough nutrition in to sustain the physical activity. Keep hydrated!

Normal and you will have many stalls along the way. Just stay on track and dont get complacent about the "rules" ypur surgeon has provided. Enjoy the first year, it becomes harder to lose as time goes on; your hunger will increase and you will be able to consume more food.

I am a master diver, and about 2 1/2 months post op. I would be comfortable diving now, and you will be 4 months post op when you go; shouldn't be a problem. Your hardest thing will be figuring out your new amount lead needed. Have fun, enjoy.

Congrats!

I am wondering about the tortilla chips too. To have some chips and salsa (just 1 or 2) would be worth killing for about now. OK truthfully, that list is very long...

Unless you are cash pay, the location is partly (if not totally) determined by your insurance. I was able to get some insurance assistance and that was the location that my insurance and Dr. Nicks office would participate with. I am sure it is much cheaper than some of the other locations... Don't get me wrong, I would have rather been at one of the other locations only because they appear to be much more spacious and comfortable for my better half. Of course I wasn't there long enough and the room comfort wasn't on my mind, really only the level of care should matter I assume. Yes, you will get a breakout of costs when you check in; total cost, after insurance cost, and upfront cost. In my opinion, if you can't pay the very small (relative to the other option) upfront cost, then you shouldn't have the procedure done until you save the money. It is that big of a difference! Once you get everything set you can call the hospital and get them to tell you the numbers about a week prior. Also, they called me a few days before and told me what to pay the day of. I believe most of the hospitals make you pay up front also, this place just gives you a cheaper option too. I assume it keeps their administrative costs lower by not fighting insurance companies as much. I really think the surgeon and staff are much more important than the actual hospital. Notice how many hospitals just Dr. Nick does surgery; I can name 5 off the top of my head. That being said; a competent hospital is a must, but beyond that its more a question of how much do you want to pay...

I am currently in Mississippi, but am from the Dallas area and have family there. I chose to have surgery in DFW because I believe that was my best option of surgeon. I put a lot of miles on I-20 these days; not related to WLS....

I had my EGD there (as I mentioned before), and then my sleeve surgery on February 4. The hospital staff was great and everything went perfectly. I have no complaints and would say you are in good hands! It is not a "fancy" VIP hospital (like Forest Park or Victory), but they get the job done. Overall it is small, but the nurse to patient ratio seemed good because of that. The rooms are small, but it is an outpatient facility so that makes sense. A couple of people stayed the night for whatever reason, but the vast majority went home same day as planned. Sandy is the NP that was in charge while I was there. She has 20 years of bariatric surgery experience and was great to have around. She even called me 2 days after surgery to check on me and see how I was doing, she also gives everyone her cell phone number to call for any reason once discharged. Keep in mind, not the surgeons office but a nurse at the hospital. Also, Jim (one of the RN's) was great, he spent the most time caring for me post op. I saw Dr. Nick for a split second before surgery and never saw him again. Not a problem for me, he obviously did a great job since I am feeling so good. I think that is fairly common with the big surgeons. I was an outpatient, leaving the same evening as my surgery. I had no pain and no complications. I was a little nauseated the first day post op, but no biggie. Drinking that same day wasn't fun, but I expected that. Also, I didn't have any pain meds, just didn't feel like I needed them. I was back at work in 6 days (desk job) with no issues. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions.

I had never heard of it either until recently. They also go by Northstar Healthcare Surgical. hey take up the top floor of a medical building in Dallas near Love field. I had my EGD scope done there last week. Everyone was nice, and it went well. It is an outpatient surgical center; so it doesn't have a "hospital" feel, more like a doctors office. I have my surgery there next week. Who is your surgeon? If you have any specific question don't hesitate to ask or PM me.

A tremendous thank you to everyone that contributed your opinions, and experiences. I got a call yesterday confirming a date I wanted with the surgeon I wanted; game on. I decided on Dr. Nick Nicholson. Lots of great choices, but he was my decision. I go in for my EGD in a few days; January 21, and am scheduled for surgery February 4. Kinda cool that day is my birth date, so a re-birth on my birthday. At least I will never forget the date I got sleeved. One thing is that is bothering me is that he is doing my EGB and surgery at Microsurgery Institute of Dallas. I have never heard anything about that place. Anyone have any input? Looking it up online looks like it is also called Northstar, but the doctors office refers to it as Microsurgery Institute. I may start a new thread asking the same questions... Thanks again all, I am so ready to move to the next step in my journey.

I think Forrest Park is the other nice one I hear about... Don't hear much about Texas General

I was wondering the same thing. I have the "option" of Victory Medical or Texas General. I do not hear much talk about Texas General, but have heard Victory is really nice.

A little update. As a reminder; I am cash pay and out of state. I was able to meet with 3 of my top 4 surgeon choices two weeks ago. I was very MUCH relieved to talk with the surgeons as the “salespeople” answering the phone were not real helpful when I was asking anything but general questions. I met with Dr. Nick, Dr. Davidson, and Dr. Stowers. I was unable to meet Dr. Kim as he was completely booked out. I will say that I feel all 3 of the Dr.’s I was able to talk to answered all of my questions I was very impressed with each of them. Dr. Nick Nicholson – great guy, did not meet anyone in his office Dr. Davidson – great guy, talked at length with Sherry and he is wonderful Dr. Stowers – great guy, met with his entire team individually. Financial/insurance, dietician (NUT), physc, etc… I have made my decision out of this group (all are very capable and I would be happy with any of them), BUT I am still wanting to speak/speak with Dr. Kim because of some of the financial offers he has going. I plan on having the plan laid out and having surgery in the next 30 days or so. If anyone has any experience with Dr. David Kim and Dr. Nick Nicholson specifically I would like to hear it. Thanks for everyone’s input thus far. I look forward to the next update with my final selection and date!!!

Not sure what you decided, but I got the FitBit Force for Christmas and am enjoying it so far. I decided on the Flex because I liked the smaller size (less noticeable), BUT was given the Force and couldn't be happier.

I assume you have your reasons for not posting the Doctors name in this post, but if this is all factual (and I believe it is) then there is no legal reason not to name him. It wold be great for others on the site to use this information to help them choose their Dr. I did look at your profile and see it listed there, but in the post would help others. My 2 cents Good luck, I hope you are able to get past this quickly.

Great post, I am sure the OP got some good information out of it. I am glad to hear that Dr. Nick does discuss complications honestly. I was really disappointed and surprised in how the office handles the question. Like I mention, they seem to me more of sales pitch than helpful. They seemed to be trying to get you to do a consult mainly; being out of state, getting information to narrow down the choices is important. I have to mention again, this is not isolated to Dr. Nick, Dr. Kim's office was the same way.

Dr. Nicholson is $12,200. Or that's how much it was in March. newat52 is correct, that is still the going rate.

That makes a lot of sense. I believe that a surgeon who does lots of surgeries makes them proficient. But there needs to be a balance. And yes DFW has tons of surgeons and I believe some of the best are there. Makes for a tough decision with so many options.

That is what Dr. Nicks office staff said. I agree no one is prefect, but thats not what they think. In fact, Dr. David Kims office told me the same thing. No complications, and no need for complication based insurance because it doesnt happen. In fact Dr. Nicks office laughed and asked why I would go to a surgeon who offered Blis coverage since that must mean they have lots of issues. (I asked if they offered Blis). So frustrating finding the right surgeon! Like I said I think they are just more sales oriented than fact based when answering questions. I haven't talked to either surgeon, but that is what the office help said. The two I mention are the probably do the most in the DFW area like Laura mentioned.

I haven't had the procedure yet, but he is one of the ones I am looking at. I am self pay also. They sound like they really take care of their traveling patients and that everything is included in the cost, no surprises. He is a top rated Dr, and I am sure does a top notch job. However, I just got off the phone asking them some questions and the positive sale pitch and not really answering questions is getting annoying. One question was; does the surgeon cover complications from surgery? I was told they don't happen so no need to worry. I mention that they can happen, how will that be handled and was told the Dr would probably take care it but since it never happens she doesn't know. I end up in the ICU for a week who covers that bill, leaving a 6 figure invoice up in the air doesnt give me the warm and fuzzies??? Since a complication (for a self pay, whose insurance excludes WLS) could potentially bankrupt me, its important to know. A yes its covered providing this that, etc.......or a no sorry, would at least be an answer. He is not the only office to not really answer tough questions, just the most recent. Seems like when you call they are helpful and nice, but they are just salespeople (or at least act like it). I don't need that; I want to buy, I just want to know the details first. Ok, I am done venting. I will say that I never hear anything negative about Dr. Nick, that is reassuring. Good luck! Let us know how it turns out.

Jawbone, Polar, and Nike also make popular fitness tracker bands. I looked at them all, and decided on the FitBit as the best option for me. I also like that it measures sleep movement... I have not purchased it yet, but I think that is your best choice.

I agree, still hope to find more solid information but it seems to be mostly gut feelings. Money isn't a factor for my decision, or at least I am trying to not make it one. Not that I have it to burn, but I want to pick the best person for the job and saving $2,000 isn't worth a complication. Thanks for your comments.