"What a difference with Dr. Herron than my 1st surgeon. Sat down, took the time to explain at great length what he does and why. Tried for early March but wants a full day as I'll be his only surgery on April 11th. Surgery should take about 6 hrs. as I actually have 3 procedures that day. Since I was the first appt. and done early they even called and scheduled my psych. and nutritist meeting. Luckily it could be done today and I didn't have to go back. The entire team works so well together and was great!!! I didn't experience any craziness with the paperwork or anything. I feel so comfortable with this decision and it feels wonderful. All my risks were explained in full.
3/14/01
I feel so blessed that Dr. Herron is my surgeon. He called tonight to discuss changing from RNY to BPD and why. Explained that I have greater risks for leaking/bleeding(which I knew)by undoing the surgery from Aug. He feels that if we do the BPD than I have less risks/complications. I will still lose weight and all. He answered my questions and referred me to lots of sites(not only theirs)to make an informed decision. Call in a few days to let him know so he can submit to insurance. Well, I read everything and I know tonight that this is okay. How can I argue with a Dr. who's trying to prevent less complications in the long run? So, I love the fact that HE called me personally and no pressure to decide. Gosh, I just can't believe how lucky I am to be with a program like this!
4/2/01
Dr. Herron is incredible!! He stayed in touch via e-mail(not always same day but it wasn't urgent)and kept reassuring me all was going to be alright. When my denial came he was "don't panic" and lets hold on. Daryl's working things out. He personally spoke with the Dr. at Aetna to fully explain why I can't have the RNY which is what they want to pay for. He explained fully my need for BPD/DS. I can't believe he got the approval. I am in awe to the extent of his involvment for me to have this surgery! I truly am at a quality program. When you have someone like this going to bat for you before surgery it makes you very comfortable during the procedure. I personally feel he runs a quality program. Daryl has been great. The day ins. requested a pre-determination Daryl got them one that day! He reassured me, called when necessary and kept me up to date during these last few crazy days! He even called with the good news. Daryl arranged for the Dr. at Aetna's schedule to work with Dr. Herrons so they could speak about what needed to be done. He did everything in his power for me to be approved. There were a few days when he didn't return the calls but he didn't know anything at that time.
4/19/01
There aren't enough words to describe my utmost confidence in Dr. Herron as my surgeon!!While outside of OR waiting he came and advised me of everything that would be happening and why. He felt we needed to change to an "open" BPD/Ds but that it would be only a small incision and the healing time very similar to LAP. Not a problem. Even before surgery we were laughing and all. He was right there when I woke up in recovery and I even cracked a joke. He reminded me about the next day and I said I remembered. His bedside manner is great. Made sure I knew who was covering for him for the weekend,what to expect and all. I would rate him on a scale of 1-10/well above a 10. He has been that great. He went to bat for me to have this surgery and he did great. He has a structured aftercare and I see him again on 5/3. I expect all will be fine. It almost seems to hard to be true to find a Dr. that is quality from my experiences from consult,surgery,follow-up but I have truly found one. I have nothing negative at this time. Not even the slightest complaint~ "
