"I ended up with multiple complications and have had several surgeries since my wls. Dr. K. has been very supportive throughout this lengthy ordeal. I feel I can discuss anything with him and he will listen to me."
"After being moved to ICU, I received excellent care. Prior to that the nurses were not paying attention to my worsening condition. They did not report my 28 lb. overnight weight gain. I coded before they did anything. When I was confused they came in and asked for phone # to contact and when all I could come up with was my best friend, they called her and ask her if I was mentally retarded. When she told them that I was an RN, then they started moving."
"3-19-02 First appointment set for 04-18-02. I can hardly wait. The office seems very good to work with.
I was thrilled to meet with Dr. Sifers. I am planning to use his services. However, he wants the entire fee up front,$4285.00, then he will bill insurance after the procedure and then he will give you back any amount that the insurance actually pays. I don't know how long it will take for me to come up with that kind of money.
1-11-03 I had a surgery date of 12-18-02 but Dr. didn't feel comfortable doing surgery and then leaving town for Christmas, so date was changed to 12-26-02. That was fine with me. But mother nature didn't cooperate and Dr. Sifers was snowed in in New York and unable to get back to Kansas City. The office was great in getting this rescheduled to 1-15-03. I have been very happy with this office so far. They remember who I am when I call or come in. That is important to me.
3-20-03 I just have been home for two days now. Surgery went well, however, I felt really bad afterwards. It kept getting worse, my family asked Dr. Sifers to do a dye test to check for leaks. It was six days post-op when he finally ordered one. By that time I was confused and very weak and unable to recall even my family members for emergency contact. When they took me to CT scan, I coded and ended up on a ventilator for 42 days. I had leaking staples in my bypass which led to massive internal infection. I am now home after 69 inpatient days, 49 of those in ICU. I realize that I have many comorbidities and that added to the complications of the surgery. I feel that any patient should make it very clear to their surgeon that they want a dye test 24 hours after surgery to make sure there are no leaks. Had this been done, I might not have ended up with so many complications and nine surgeries. I am not judging the competency of Dr. Sifers, I am only giving my experience. I know he has had many successful surgeries with no complications, even some friends of mine. However I believe that a dye test is a crucial follow up no matter how confident you may be in your surgeon. I am home now but far from healed, I still have a large open abdominal wound, and am very weak. I have to use a walker to get around. I have home health for nursing and therapies."
