which is better and how do decide???????? NEED INFO!!

OK I thought I was well on my way to getting answers....but the more research I do the more Q's I have!!! Heres the big one......DO you go with someone who has done more surgeries-with NONE having to be open and pay way more (only 1 death that I know about) or go with someone who has done alot of surgeries, been in the biz awhile but at this Center has had a couple of deaths (4 i think & not sure why havent been there to ask, but will on Mon.) and an occasional OPEN procedure?????? (Georgetown vs. St. Joesephs East) Both WLC seem to have very good surgens that do 95% to 100% bariatrics, so what do you? How to decide???? Can someone filll me in on some of their experiences??? PLEASE?!?!?!

go where your heart tells you to go to ,here where I had surgery I had a new dr that did only 3 before me that was scarey but I knew that is where God put me & I felt safe just pray about it you will know what is right for you & good luck

I decided to go with St Joe East, Dr. Steiner, just because he had done the surgeries of a few people I know. I was able to see how he had done with them and the care they had received before and after surgeries, and I was impressed with him very much. I think it would be difficult to say "This dr. had 4 deaths" vs "This Dr that has had 1" especially not knowing the patients history etc and what health problems the patient may have had. I DO understand your point though. It can make for a difficult decision. I would say research research research. Have a great day!

I dont really know how many of who's patients died I just know that Georgetown has had 1 known death and St. Joe's East has had about 4 or something.....I dont know anyone who has had there surgery there personally....but I have heard good reviews at this center...and I only know 1 person who has had the WLS at Georgetown and she speaks very highly........I feel like the bigger Hospital SJ would be a plus just in case anything else happened...but I dont know....I dont know what happened, or the medical problems of the patients that died, I dont know ages or conditions or anything I just know that I am very confused and now not sure where to turn....thanks for you reply.......Thanks to everyone who gives an input because it really helps to have others' opinion.........THANKS AGAIN

I agree you have to go where your heart leads you...Have checked into both places as far as attending seminars, etc? I have met the docs at St. Joe and they seemed very caring, I also know they have a good program. I spent a lot of time with Dr's Weiss and Oldham, getting to know them pretty well..I was privileged enough to attend surgery with them. They have awesome skills and good bedside manner and personalities to match..(ain't bad to look at either)..the program there is pretty awesome with tons of support. you need to meet them all if you are confused...feel comfortable with your decision and don't rush into anything..this is alife changing, life altering decision that should be thought through. good luck! Brenda

Well I am supposed to attend a seminar at St. Joes MOn. (tomorrow evening) and then Maybe at Georgetown soon...I know they have a seminar on Fri. Feb.2 so I am going to try becasue I want this to be right.....I just hope I dont leave the seminars with less understanding than when I came into this search for answers....I really appreciate the insite.....Do you have any idea of the survival rate at St.Joes and what the conditions were of those who died? I would appreciate the info....THANKS

I have only heard of to dying at St.Joe.......but that was due to a bad heart and one in a car accident, but let me say ASK THEN ANYTHING, they will answer you truthfully. Plus i no what you are going through i researched so much,but let me say that no matter how much i researched that i still am learning something at almost a yr and1/2 out. But just attend and you will no where you are in good hands at ok...................good luck!!!! Vickie

I know you are looking for answers, but anything coming from someone besides the center, hospital or professionals in that program would be "hearsay"..I would ask specific questions at the seminars, do not be shy asking..they owe it to you...if you walk out of the seminar with less knowledge than when you walked in, I would certainly suggest you check elsewhere...that should never happen and probably will not. good luck

The 1 death in Georgetown was due to a blood clot & that could happen to anyone, any where. I chose Georgetown because both doctors go in with you & there are no student doctors asisting. The staff is highly qualified & the center has received many awards. The after care is great also. They support you in every way. It was the best decision I made & I don't regret it.

Attend both seminars. I am partial to St. Joe east because those are my doctors. i don't think the four deaths thing is true but I know there have been a couple. I also know the georgetown group has had a deatyh or two. I have a friend at church that had surgery there over two years ago and has been in the hospital more than she has been home with an extrememly poor quality of life. I also know why but I would open myself up to a lawsuit if i were to post it. things happen in any practice and naturally the more surgeries that are done, the more deaths and complications happen. Also, wanted to tell you that contrary to what keeps coming up here NO STUDENTS ASSIST AT St. Joe. I don't know why this keeps being implied but I would like for someone to offer proof that that happens there. Now, you might have students at UK, I had surgery there once several years ago and had students in surgery.