"<B>I met Dr English at my pre op physical on Jan. 30, 2003. My consultation was with Dr Carrasquilla. Dr English was very kind, and quite firm about the fact that this is a very serious surgery. Even though he had been delayed in surgery and was running about an hour and a half behind, he never made me feel rushed. He was gentle during the physical and allowed my mother to sit in and ask questions. He was adamant that I call the office if I have ANY questions.<P>
I had my consultation with Dr Carrasquilla,Jan 3, 2003. There were 4 of us interested in surgery at the consult. I took my mom and friend with me. I was told both could come back but if there wasn't room my friend would have to wait in the waiting room for us. Luckly there was room. We were each weighed, blood pressure taken ( privately) then our pictures taken individually. We then viewed a film made by Dr Carrasquilla. He was the first Dr to preform LAP RNY in Florida and has trained other Docotors all over the states. Then Dr Carrasquilla came in, recapped and expanded some on the film and asked if we had questions. He answered all the questions and encouraged us to think of more ( ok, so I'm a dork and I had a LIST of questions typed up.. lol... he didn't mind at all ). I was very well prepared and knew most of the issues already from all the reading I have done on this site. He told us if we had any other questions at all to please call and ask them. You get a private consultation once you are approved for surgery. Or if you wish you can schedule a private consultation. Dr C was very upfront about everything, covered all the areas of concern. He seemed to be very genuinely caring about his patients and was very proud of the success pictures and how happy the people in them were.He was pleased and happy for THEM and you could see it in his eyes. His office does now require anyone having this surgery to have a psychological consult. They suggest a local group that are trained in the bariatric field. I don't mind this at all, due to the fact that I have talked to some people and read info from some people that I think were in no mental state to have the surgery. One example being a girl that proudly told my friend that she just ate till she threw up and ate some more. Anyway, they don't feel I should have problems being approved by my insurance, it could take up to 4 weeks, then I make all my preop appointments and get a date. I was very comfortable throughout the entire experience. Becky who corrdinates the consultation appointments and handles the insurance was very friendly and informative. I really didn't have any extended contact with anyone in the office that day.<P>
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