Met w/Dr. Bonnani

Toya C

Active Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2016
Messages
35
Location
Maryland
Completed appt w/ Bonnani last week. Had no clue what to expect but I was pleased with the interactions. I appreciate that he immediately started with an overview of revision options, highlighting pros and cons. During the overview I was a bit worried that he would try to sell another option but he landed on the DS as best option (though, I am sure he was aware of my expressed interest in this option).

Surprising to me he completes most revisions laparoscopically and does open only if he must. I assumed open was the only option.

He recommended a 6month waiting period and engaging with bariatric program to increase insurance approval. The waiting period actually works perfectly with my leave accrual, considering I won't have the amount of sick/vacation leave necessary until late december.

The appointment did not feel rushed, Dr. Bonnani was engaging ( comical), easy going, informative and open. He laid out risks of DS, as well as reasons he may not be able to complete DS on me pending test results.

He reviewed my RNY op report with me and had a serious question about my common channel length (at least I think it was the CC). Convinced there had to be a typo he immediately attempted to reach out to surgeon. I definitely liked the "handle it now" approach. It was comforting to know he only schedules 1 surgery (revision) for the day, so no rushing required.

I guess this is the beginning of my journey, which can end abruptly based on tests, procedures or imaging. Many of my questions were answered during the overview. I still have questions but I will get those answered over time. I f/u with Bonnani for a Endoscopy in July.

Overall thumbs up for session 1. I won't jump to any absolute conclusions, like he is the greatest or the worst until there is more interactions/information/trends to go by. I leave room for healthy level of skepticism, which is my generally approach to life.

I still welcome any feedback on Dr. Bonnani....so far I haven't found any bad information him. If there are any recommendations on sites to search let me know.

To be continued....
 
@Toya C it sounds like a very positive experience overall. Let us know how things progress, and if we can add Dr. B to the very short list of RNY to DS revision surgeons, so much the better.
 
Yea sounds like it went well. I have heard his name in this form before but can't remember what was said.
 
@southernlady @Larra I will get information to pass onto the group. Somehow that question got lost in information overload.

I have been thinking more and more about losing too much weight recently. With the RNY I dropped to 147 and it scared me! My build was not designed for such numbers, despite what the national ht/wt averages. I know I won't lose at the same rate as a virgin DS but...
 
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Dr. Bonnani's partner Dr. G did my DS. I've heard absolutely nothing but positives for Dr. Bonnani! Most of the staff gets 2 thumbs up from me as well....I say "most" because I struck out with both NUTs on their team. No big. I just don't see them anymore.
 
Dr. Bonnani's partner Dr. G did my DS. I've heard absolutely nothing but positives for Dr. Bonnani! Most of the staff gets 2 thumbs up from me as well....I say "most" because I struck out with both NUTs on their team. No big. I just don't see them anymore.

Thank you @Millie. I am happy to hear you had a good experience. I need plenty reassurance travel back & forth from Maryland.
 
Completed appt w/ Bonnani last week. Had no clue what to expect but I was pleased with the interactions. I appreciate that he immediately started with an overview of revision options, highlighting pros and cons. During the overview I was a bit worried that he would try to sell another option but he landed on the DS as best option (though, I am sure he was aware of my expressed interest in this option).

Surprising to me he completes most revisions laparoscopically and does open only if he must. I assumed open was the only option.

He recommended a 6month waiting period and engaging with bariatric program to increase insurance approval. The waiting period actually works perfectly with my leave accrual, considering I won't have the amount of sick/vacation leave necessary until late december.

The appointment did not feel rushed, Dr. Bonnani was engaging ( comical), easy going, informative and open. He laid out risks of DS, as well as reasons he may not be able to complete DS on me pending test results.

He reviewed my RNY op report with me and had a serious question about my common channel length (at least I think it was the CC). Convinced there had to be a typo he immediately attempted to reach out to surgeon. I definitely liked the "handle it now" approach. It was comforting to know he only schedules 1 surgery (revision) for the day, so no rushing required.

I guess this is the beginning of my journey, which can end abruptly based on tests, procedures or imaging. Many of my questions were answered during the overview. I still have questions but I will get those answered over time. I f/u with Bonnani for a Endoscopy in July.

Overall thumbs up for session 1. I won't jump to any absolute conclusions, like he is the greatest or the worst until there is more interactions/information/trends to go by. I leave room for healthy level of skepticism, which is my generally approach to life.

I still welcome any feedback on Dr. Bonnani....so far I haven't found any bad information him. If there are any recommendations on sites to search let me know.

To be continued....
Dr Bonnani did my (virgin) DS 19 months ago and I can't say enough good things about him. One of the things I appreciate most is that he welcomes informed and well researched questions and debate. He doesn't have that 'I'm the doctor and your not' mentality at all. He takes as much time as you need. He's quite pragmatic, maybe even a bit risk averse (which from my perspective is a positive quality in someone who is about to rearrange your digestive system). I was 360 (BMI of 56) and age 54 with a number of prior open and lap (non-WLS) abdominal surgeries so he performed every possible test (he does endoscopy and colonoscopy himself) and sent me to every specialist for pre-op clearance. He also warned me, even on surgery day, that he may not be able to complete the DS due to all the scar tissue. He managed to do it - took nearly 5 hours! - all lap and all good so far. He was also wonderful with my family on surgery day - spent a lot of time with them before and after answering their questions and letting them know what to expect. The practice is supportive - all of the PA's and nurses are competent and caring. The NUT is a NUT, no worse than others in recommending low fat everything, but get your nutritional info here. They are very good with insurance and got everything covered for me under Aetna HMO. Good luck with your journey.
 

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