"I was glad that I only had to stay 3 days and 2 nights in the hospital. It was adequate, but not near as comfortable as Presbyterian Hospital in Plano. The nursing staff were friendly however."
"Why I chose Dr. Davidson: I stumbled upon the new program at Presby Dallas, but now I consider it an answer to my prayers.
First Impression of Staff: I was pleasantly surprised at the quick turn around from the time I called to the date of the seminar/ consultation I was given. Chris, the program director, with Dr. Davidson, has put together a great program. They are focusing on individualized care of each patient and did not give me the assembly line feeling that I had after attending the seminar at Baylor. They also combine the consultation with the doctor and the seminar into one visit and give you a surgery date at that time. (which is basically just not done at other offices - I attended the Baylor seminar prior to seeing Dr. Davidson and attended a consult with Dr. Cribbins after seeing Dr. Davidson and have just reinforced my choice to use Dr. Davidson). At my seminar, on 5/22, there were only 4 prospective patients, and a spouse. 5 people! I was shocked! However, the small group was great and I felt very comfortable asking questions. Chris, the program director, gave the seminar/slide presentation. He was friendly and informal, but very knowledgable and informative. He answered all questions and encouraged us to interupt during the seminar should we have a question. He went over national statistics and risks of the RNY surgery, as well as individualized stats for Dr. Davidson and BSC. He also went over the financial details as well. After the seminar, we went to the office for individual consultations with Dr. Davidson. The office staff was super friendly. My weight and height were taken, as well as my picture. I then had my blood pressure taken and met with the medical assistant Diana for any last minute questions. I then went in to see Dr. Davidson. I can't say enough about how well you are treated when you go in for your seminar/consultation. Chris and the rest of the staff are to be commended on coming up with such a innovative WLS program that really focuses on individualized care, while trying to provide services to a large number of people. (Also, after the consult with Dr. Davidson is done, you go into the front office and are given a surgery date, which, of course, is dependent on insurance approval. But wow! A surgery date at your seminar/consult!!!)
First Impression of Dr. Davison: I had told Diana, the medical assistant, that all of my doctors are very laid back, sweet and have a great bedside manner. I told her I need the "hand holding" type of doctor or I am not happy. Although she said Dr. Davidson was not really like that, she said that the "hand holding" is where the staff comes in. So, with that in mind, I went in to see Dr. Davidson. I liked him very much. He answered all my questions and then some. He talked to me about me and my surgery ... not just about surgery in general. He discussed my weight, my BMI, showed me the equipment used to do laproscopic surgery and looked at and felt my stomach to determine if Lap was possible on someone my size. (which it is! yahoo!) He was so nice and I didn't even mind when he told me I had to lose weight before the surgery! : ) He even talked to me about plastic/reconstructive surgery in 18 months due to my large panni and said that it was something for me to think about. (Already talking about aftercare!) I really like him a lot and, like I said above, I usually only like a "hand-holding" type of doctor.
Aftercare: Aftercare is the name of the game with Dr. Davidson and his team at the Bariatric Surgery Center of Dallas. They have a 3 year structured program, which includes numerous follow-up office visits, meetings with a nutritionist, exercise classes, a live monthly support group, an online support group on Yahoo, and a new website with a confidential patient section they are in the process of creating. I am so excited that I am going to be able to be a part of this program. After attending several of the WLS seminars and meeting with other doctors, I feel that this program is going to be the best.
Future Patients: Be prepared to spend 4 to 5 hours for the seminar/consultation. The focus is on individualized attention with each and every patient. They want all questions asked and answered and, although they are very upfront and serious about the risks, they want you to feel good about your choice to have WLS.
This is a new program and, at the time of my consultation/seminar - 5/22/03, Dr. Davidson had performed only a limited number of gastric bypass surgeries for weight loss. However, after asking questions, I was pleased to find out specifics about his experience and I am confidant in his surgical skills and am not discouraged by his relativly new focus on gastric bypass surgery.
You should know that there is a $1500.00 fee for the 3 year program of aftercare (which includes the exercise classes, nutritionist visits, office visits, etc.) that you will be responsible for, in addition to your individual insurance co-pays and deductibles that you have to pay for upfront before you can have surgery. But, it does not mean you can't file with your own insurance, which may cover all or part or none due to the fee including follow-up office visits, visits with a nutritionist, etc. Also, they have financing options available too. I would not let this deter me from going to Dr. Davidson and the Bariatric Surgery Center of Dallas.
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