Hello everyone.....this is my first post. I am a 57 year old female and am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Weiner in Frankfurt, Germany. I have talked to Dr. Weiner on the phone and from what I can tell from the hospital, it seems they are very good. However, I'm concerned with the lack of pre-information they have (not) provided me with. Has anyone had an experience with this doctor or this hospital?

I'm very excited after reading everyone's journeys and hope to be joining you all soon!

Zoe

Hi Zoe -- I just saw your other post that said you were getting operated in Germany, so I thought I'd weigh in on this one. I didn't have surgery in Germany, but in Switzerland. My experience (and there are other Americans in Germanic countries round here too, though they don't post all that much) is that they don't provide a TON of info up front, though they do do all the testing that is required -- eg, chest x-ray, endoscopy, etc. Have they mentioned when you will do this testing? Looks like you will have surgery in Frankfurt, but you live in Amsterdam? Are you doing self-pay? What kind of pre- and post-care can you get in your home location? The things I would be coordinating with the surgeon/clinic in Germany would be that sort of thing.

Just as context, I didn't have any pre-op diet, they're not really used here. The Austrians also didn't have one -- though someone in Denmark did. The eating guidelines are usually much different to the American ones as well, so you will hear a lot of different advice than what you get from your own Nutritionist or clinic.

What kind of information are you still lacking? Maybe we can help a bit?

Welcome and good luck!

As I mentioned on your other post, Dr Weiner is a very experienced bariatric surgeon. I have a lot of confidence in him and that hospital. I personally feel that while I received excellent medical follow up after my gastric band, i don't think I really had the opportunity for other follow up and support. That was pretty typical of lapband follow up 10 years ago everywhere i think, but i sought out a surgeon for sleeving who really emphasizes a 2 year follow up. i think I need it.

If I were in your situation I would not hesitate to use Dr Weiner as a surgeon but I would ask very detailed questions about his sleeve patients (he keeps follow up info on his patients and can provide stats). I would also look for your own education/support closer to home. That might be a nutritionalist or support group or counselor, I am not sure which as i think I need all of the above.

Hi,

I just read your post and am wondering how you're doing. I need to find a gastric sleeve surgeon here in Germany (I'm an American living in Hannover). I hope all went well for you! If you have time, it would be nice to hear how your surgery went. I could use Dr. Weiner, if I'm not able to find a surgeon near Hannover.