Question:
Please give me any info on Pacific Bariatrics/ Dr. Tanaka in CA

I have tricare prime ins. in San Diego and was referred today to Pacific Bariatrics/ Dr. Tanaka for a consultation. My primary care doctor is fairly certain that i will be approved for surgery. My next step is attending the seminar that P.B. gives. I would like anyone who has had this surgery (open rny) here, either with Dr. Tanaka or one of the others, to tell me about your experience. Is this a good group. Is Dr. Tanaka a good dr. ? What is the procedure after the initial seminar? How long of a wait to get surgery scheduled? I am trying to get a better handle on the whole process and would love to hear from anyone who has something to share with me. Thanks so much. Niki Knapp    — Nicole K. (posted on August 17, 1999)

May 3, 2002
niki, i have researched pacific barictrics pretty thouroughly. i have attended all the seminars and consultations. the only thing i don't like is, they lead you to believe that you could be a candidate for the lap procedure, but won't make the fonal determination until you see the surgeon...which means you go through all the testing, psych eval, internist eval,,etc..etc..and about 2 months later,,you see the surgeon... and in realith,,they do no do 'lap'. they use all kinds of excuses as to why they can't do the 'lap procedure" on you..eg. you need your gallbladder removed, you've had a hysterectomy, your stomach is too big,..etc..etc. they have only done 120 laps since they have started their business. to me this isn't enough! i have posted a few times on this site and asked if anyone has had the lap procedure through pacific bariatrics and i haven't heard from one person that has. if you are considering this lap procedure, i would definately not waste my time with them and research another surgical group.. just something for you to think about. double d
   — double D.