"Dr. Paul Carter was recommended by people I knew in my town. First I spoke with a hairdresser who had done an extensive search on physicians who performed gastric bypass laproscopically. She then gave me numbers of several others who went to see Dr. Carter after she spoke with them. His office is 140 miles from where I live, but after I went to the first meeting to find out more about this type of surgery, I felt very comfortable. Dr. Carter is extremely friendly and straightforward. He's also super busy and it's normal to have to wait a bit to get into a appointment. He starts his office appointments after 3pm and I've always seen him in his scrubs, so I'm sure he comes directly from the hospital. He's very patient and answers all questions, no matter how much detail you need. I was impressed with his experience and his enthusiasm. His office staff isn't the best, sorry to say. Sheila, I think the office manager is the nicest and doesn't mind you calling asking all sorts of questions. I learned quickly to ask for her directly and if she's not in the office, you may need to call back because she didn't always seem to get her messages. Dr. Carter has a support group that meets monthly, you can attend if you are considering surgery or go there for support during all aspects, pre or post op. He went through the entire surgical process step by step, I had the Roux-en surgery. Sheila provided me with very details instrucgions on what I needed to do before my surgery date, i.e., having only protein shakes for two weeks prior to the surgery, to shrink the liver and make the surgery a little easier. He made no small talk that I HAD to quit smoking or else I should expect problems post op and relayed a story about a patient who refused to quit and he had to reverse her bypass. I think Dr. Carter was a great choice and I've been happy with my surgical results. I had no pain post op and this was the first surgery I've ever had. I was up and walking around several hours after surgery. I felt sore around the areas where the tools were inserted, but was really surprised that there was no pain. I was more uncomfortable post op because of the JP Drain, catheter, IV, etc. I was ready to go home the next day, but had to do the \"leak test\", drinking a thick liquid to check for leakage, which I passed with flying colors. I'd rate him on the highest scale for surgical competence and bedside manner. Oh, his wife is in his office quite often and is so very helpful and friendly also."
