"Update! 3/1/2001 I went to a Seminar at the Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center. Dr. Christopher Salvino was the physican giving the presentation. I felt much more comfortable with their approach to WLS when I left the seminar!!!! I had 10 questions before the seminar began. 6 were answered in the seminar. When Q & A time came, I asked the rest of my questions, not once did he seem impatient! He is a very knowledgeable physician. He explained everything very well. Their program is a more rounded program. After doing some research on WLS, I had decided to begin an exercise program and possibly return to Weight Watchers, just so I could get a head start on healthy eating. That was one of the first items they mentioned! They feel that if you begin an exercise and eating program you will do better after surgery! They are very concerned about me as an individual SUCCEEDING! I feel that this is where I want to have my surgery. The office staff that was a part of the seminar seemed very nice. I can't wait to call and schedule my consultation! We were told it will take 4-5 hours for the consultation alone! Not everyone who comes asking for the surgery will be accepted. You meet with a nutritionist, an exercise "coach" and the Dr. (Sorry I can't remember the other two).
You leave the consult with a set of goals you have to meet within a 1 month period I believe, if you do not meet the goals, you have to return when you have met them. I am just so excited about their program!!!! I hope my insurance comes through soon!
4/19/01 I called Dr. Salvino's office and I can't get in for a consult until 6/7/01, boo hoo! Meanwhile, I've been trying to start a walking program and eating "healthier."
6/9/01 I had my consultation on 6/7/01. Everyone in Dr. Rosen's office is wonderful! They are great! My surgery date is schedule for July 18th, Insurance approval pending! I am praying so hard they approve me. Dr. Rosen was very nice, and personable. I felt comfortable and relaxed with him and the rest of the staff. I arrived 40 minutes early because I didn't get into any bad traffic (I had a 3 hr drive) and after filling out the initial paperwork, I got right in. I was able to have my pre-screening labs and EKG done before I left the hospital and my heparin 'script is on file in the pharmacy!
7/8/01 It's been awhile! I went back for my pre-op work on July 5th!!! I am sooooo impressed with the "roundness" of this program! I feel I am ready for surgery because of all the hard work they have put into it. (Dr's office) I am eating healthy, 1100 Calories a day, and exercising daily. I am up to being able to walk for 30 minutes w/a target heart rate of 32 beats for 15 seconds!!!! That is a miracle!! I have been on anti-inflammatory meds for 4 years for my knees. By the Grace of God, I have not had any Voltaren since June 19th!!! I am already crushing meds so I will be used to that. The diet I am on is the diet I will be on after all my liquid, pureed and soft solids stages.
For those of you considering Dr's Rosen & Salvino-You will make a wonderful choice!!!! They care about you as a person. Not a number and not an insurance check!!
So long for now!!
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