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Surgeon Testimonial

John Pilcher, MD.
Dr Pilcher comes highly recommended from many doctors here in San Antonio. From what I was told and later found out for myself after meeting with him, is that he is one of the best bariatric doctors in the country. He is very well mannered, well educated doctor that holds high standards for himself, his surgical team and his patients.

Though contact with him is somewhat limited throughout the 3 month weigh ins required by insurance, I did receive alot of information from him and his staff during this timeframe.

Dr Pilcher requires his patients to strictly adhere to and meet all criteria and goals he sets prior to surgery. He does this for the benefit of the patient. He has emphasized that meeting these goals will help me in my recovery process as well as with the actual surgery.

Now I have to say this about New Dimensions Weight Loss...The staff is extrremely freindly and outgoing, but unfortunatly I must admit, at least in my case, they were completely unorganized and out of sync with my entire process. There seemed to be a lack of competence and communication with my account.

In Feb 2008 I was told by a patient advocate that I was all done and we just needed to submit everything to insurance. Two days later, I' told I need another weigh in for March and be cleared by a phsychologist.

I was floored and very upset. Their in house mental health person gave me a thumbs up in Dec 2007, but she made one small note in my file that sent up a red flag. The problem was nobody told about this until March 2008. I fought them hard on this and finally, their new shrink agreed to meet me on the spot and gave me the all clear.

All told, they put just about every roadblock that the insurance hadn't already done. I was suprised that a doctor with this standing hand this kind of staff supporting his patients. Great people, just not great at what they were doing.

But on the other hand, when I brought an issue they overlooked they did a pretty good job and trying to fix it. It just happened too often.

At our final pre op meeting April 10, 2008 Dr Pilcher directed me to his top office person and she was extremely apologetic and understanding of my frustration level. We talked in a very calm, personal tone meant to give me a forum to vent my disatisfaction with the whole process and for her to gather information she could use to better train the entire staff on providing a more acceptable patient experience.

Overall, I'd give the staff a generous C-. As for the Dr Pilcher, well, if I post here post op he gets an A+, if you never hear from me again, I gotta go with a D-, with a heavy grading curve.

I'd rather have a top notch doctor while I'm on the table, than the best receptionist in town.

And as advised, these are just my personal impressions based on my personal experience and in no advising anyone to seek out this center or doctor nor am I advising anyone to avoid this center or doctor.
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Mark V's Blog
markv00's Blog


Today's My Consultation
on November 28, 2007 3:09 am
I've been up since 4am central after going to bed about 2am.  I'm not sure if it's just one of those nights I can't sleep or I'm just bursting at the seams about todays appointment.

Either way I am very sleepy and tired (remember I don't work, I'm seeking disability).  So I know todays going to be bad in terms of staying awake more than usual.

I think I'll pop a Provigil soon and then another later so I can fake it through the day.

I'm not nervous about the consultation because we already have all the insurance stuff worked out...100% coverage for any surgery they perform at New Dimensions WLS, even post op stuff.

I guess I just hope for a quick surgery date so I can get on with a new chapter of my life ASAP.  I've read all the things that should happen pre op, and believe me I've done them all, right down to chest xrays, 3D heart exams, psychologist evals, weight programs, thyroid tests and even started working with a personal trainer to get me ready for my post op routine.

So I just want to get it done.  Now which one, Gastric Bypass or the Sleeve, I'm not sure...Big Difference, but since the insurance is leaving it up to me and the Dr., now a decision has to be made.

That's all for now...Gotta go read up on the Sleeve procedure before I go later.

Thanks
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Thanksgiving Day 2007
on November 22, 2007 10:10 pm
I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas.  My pre surgery consultation is this Wed Nov 28, 2007.  I meet with a psychologist, dietician, personal trainer, the bariatric surgeon and have several tests done all in one day to certify me fit for the surgery.

I'm not to worried about it, I've seen all these kind of doctors before so I know where I stand. i had a full cardiac work up 3 months ago and all was perfect.

So I think I just enjoyed my last real thanksgiving meal, because this time next year, I'll be the new and improved Mark.
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