"After several months of research, I knew I wanted the BPD/DS, and there were no surgeons in my area who offered it. So, I set about finding a surgeon who: 1) was experienced with the DS; 2) was skilled and comfortable with a lap approach; 3) had great surgical stats; 4) had an excellent reputation with patients and other doctors; and 5) offered a reasonably priced package for self-pay patients. With Dr. Elariny, I found all of that and more. I couldn't be happier with my choice.<br><br>rnDr. Elariny's patients have a great online support group (and in-person groups too). Anyone who is considering having WLS with him is encouraged to join, post, and ask questions: <a href=\"http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_Elariny/\">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_Elariny/</a> "
"I stayed at NVCH for 11 nights due to some post-op complications, and I was not at all impressed by the care I received there. While the hospital has its good points (it's much smaller and quieter than Fairfax, with a more personal feel), I felt that the standard of care was below par. The nursing staff was very inconsistent -- some nurses were excellent, but others had clear deficits in knowledge, skill, and judgment. Requests for PRN medications were often not filled for up to 2-3 hours, and almost no nursing care was available for two hours each morning and two hours each evening during "shift changes". Most seriously, a dangerous medication error was made by the hospital in my case (I was given the wrong blood thinner when I had an invasive procedure scheduled for the next morning). I did not feel safe at NVCH. I had a family member staying in my room 24/7 and it got to the point that she did not feel comfortable leaving me alone even for short periods of time. I should say that I seem to have had an especially bad experience at NVCH, and other patients I know have been very happy with the care they received there. Both my surgeon and the hospital staff were very concerned about the problems I went through and have been working to ensure that no future patient has a similar experience."
