Hey everyone. I'm going to write about my experience with Dr. McCloskey since the only thread written was by me 4 months ago! I finally have a surgery date, which is Friday! Dec 17th. And I'm really REALLY nervous. My experience so far with Magee hospital has really been great. The staff is very nice and comforting. I had to complete a 6 month supervised diet, and to be honest I didn't lose any weight. I actually gained, and I was really embarrassed, but the staff never mentioned my weight gain. I had my initial visit with McCloskey about 1 month into my diet, and she is an extremely nice, intelligent woman. I get ridiculously nervous at any appointment, and I think she really zoned in on that and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible. About 4 months in they set up a visit with the Nutritionist and a Psyc eval which took place one appointment after the other at Magee. About 30 minutes each. About 5 months into my diet they set up the upper GI and chest x-ray which also took place same appointment and at Magee. The upper GI was definitely not fun, but for some people it's not a big deal, so it's just going to depend on the person. I have a bad gag reflex and swallowing the barium was really hard. Most people have to chug it, but I really only got a few small sips down and they said they got a good enough picture. Because most of my testing was done at Magee I didn't have to worry about faxing much paperwork. Most of my doctors are part of UPMC, so Magee was able to pull the results of my diet, EKG, pap and stress test (which most people don't have to get, my EKG was abnormal, but ok) right from the computer system. I had my Pre-op visit and informational class 2 weeks before surgery. It takes about 2 hours. I met with Dr. McCloskey and she took time to answer any questions that I had, was not rushed at all. And although she probably hears the same questions everyday, she really took the time and explained everything in depth. She does not require a 2 week pre-op diet unless your BMI is above 60. Just Clear liquids the day before surgery. It is 1-2 nights in the hospital, (mostly 1) and everyone has a private room, so one person is allowed to spend the night with you. They do put a cath in during surgery because they want to monitor liquids going in and out. It will be taken out when your IV comes out. (Which I'm nervous about, but told you really can't feel a thing). She said surgery takes about 45 min-1 hour. She is now doing either one cut through your belly button, or the typical 5 small incisions, which I'm pretty sure depends on the person as well.

Sorry if this was long, but hope it helps all you pre-op people considering Dr. McCloskey!

I'll definitely have more information after Friday. Wish me luck!

Hi,

I can see from your signature that you have had success so far!! I am also going to Magee with Dr. McCloskey. I am just starting out. I went to my first meeting for the lifesyle supervised diet about 2 weeks ago and met with Dr. McCloskey today. I thought she was very nice. I have some questions so I hope that you see this. I will ask them after you respond. Where do you live?

Randi

Hi! I will be banded by Dr. McCloskey, May 2nd. Just got the phone call Thursday. Very excited to start this new journey. It's hard to believe it's only 10 days away.

Hi Randi,

Sorry, I haven't been on here forever! Hope you got some answers to your questions? If not, message me!

I live in the south hills.

I love Dr. Mccloskey. Weight loss has been kind of slow for me, but I'm still very happy!