"I have been attending Dr. Champion's monthly support group since I applied for the program. My first impression - a straight shooter. Also, a personality. I grew up around medicine and have a medical family so I have always considered surgeons to be the driest and least warm and fuzzy of physicians. Imagine my surprise to find that he actually smiles, laughs and *gasp* has a rather dry sense of humor. He is strict and it seems no amount of hand-wringing will sway him on his rules. At the end of the day, I want a highly competent surgeon who can appreciate the human impact of this surgery on his patients. I think I have it: He has performed over 1300 bariatric surgeries in his career and still attends his patient groups every month. His office staff is very very busy and I have admittedly been frustrated at the tortise like pace this process has seemed to take. However, there is a reason for the methodical pace. This office has a set criteria that has worked for those 1300+ patients and they just dont deviate. Overall, so far as a pre-op I am pleased. ***Post-op addendum: While I am still pleased with Dr. Champion's technical expertise and his excellent reputation, I am sorely disappointed with the state of his aftercare program (a misnomer if ever there was one as it is virtually non-existent). Luckily, I now have alternatives in my post-op care but find it very troublesome that I have to go beyond Dr.Champion's office to find decency, support, real information and positive presence from people who have 'been there'. As another of this surgeon's patients shared with me recently, if Drs Champion and Williams knew the state of their aftercare program they would (or should) be horrified. Great surgeons, lousy office support. Of course, this is my personal opinion based on my observations and experience and am still quite happy with my interaction with these surgeons personally. "
