Midwest Bariatrics Center Neenah

I am planning on having surgery done there in 2011. I am looking for some feedback from those that have had there surgery done through MBS. Good and bad.  There is very few posts from recent on this center and their surgeons.  Just want to make sure I am making the right choice and not the one because it is the closest.

Thanks!

Regrettably, I think you are making your decision based on the fact that it is the closest clinic to you.  That's human nature - it's the easiest, it's the closest, how can I get from point A to point B in the most efficient manner.  I was you about 5 1/2 years ago, so I know exactly what you're going through. But if I could turn back time let me tell you that I would do it all differently.  I began my "trip from hell" with Kevin Wasco of Midwest Bariatric Solutions in 2004 and although I have  been under his care since 2007 my nightmare has not yet ended.  After he failed at my initial surgery, and that finally came to light in 2006 he continued to deny, deflect questions from both me and my husband; he failed to diagnose, treat and intervene surgically in an area of medicine he claims he is a "specialist".  Self-proclaimed or not, the man is clearly the most incompetent physician I have ever come in contact with (and believe me, as a result of Kevin Wasco, I have had to be in contact with many physicians).  There are physicians that read my office notes from him and literally just laugh at how ignorant he is and how he has no qualms whatsoever about writing his ignorant remarks in a patients permanent record.  If you think Theda Clark or his partner, Raymond Georgen, are going to come to your rescue, think again!  Raymond Georgen was made aware of this entire situation an more than one occasion and he has yet to even acknowledge our frustration with his practice.  We have gone to Quality Management at Theda Clark, VP of Medical Affairs, and yes, even the CEO, Dean Gruner, who have all made a choice to turn their heads the other way while Kevin Wasco continues to masquerade around that hospital as a surgeon.  Unfortunate, yes.  SHAMEFUL, ABSOLUTELY!  We have never asked for monetary compensation.  We have asked only for the opportunity to sit across the table from Kevin Wasco and let him know of the devastation he has caused not only an individual, but an entire family.  In an e-mail to my husband from Dr Robin Wilson, VP of Medical Affairs at ThedaCare in February of 2009 he acknowledges our request as very reasonable under the cir****tances and goes on to state that he has spoken with Kevin Wasco and "he (Kevin Wasco) feels he has devoted enough time to this patient".  Dr Wilson goes on to state "I was hoping that intelligence would prevail - it has not".  As of today's date I am still suffering the damage(s) caused by Kevin Wasco.  Ironically, Kevin Wasco and I will share something in common for the rest of our lives - it is called damage control.  From a physical perspective I will practice damage control for the remainder of my life.  However, for the remainder of my life I will do everything in my power to make sure that Kevin Wasco never causes the same devastation that he has caused for me and my family.  Think long and hard about your decision.  Easy is always not the best way.  You live within miles of where I live - is Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee really that much further when you're talking about your life?  Why would you settle for anything less than the best just because it's the "closest'?  I did and I will live to regret it everyday.  I regret it everytime I throw up after eating a small meal which is about 7-10 times per week.  I regret it every time I have a pancreatic attack which is several times a month and about one of the most painful attacks one will ever experience.  I regret it every time I have to sit in outpatient or a hospital ER because I unknowingly became dehydrated or became too low on potassium.  The list goes on and on and it always will.  Contact me in private and I will arrange a time for us to meet and you can read my records.  Read what other physicians have openly written about this physician.  If the records I have in my possession don't change your mind, nothing will.  Whatever choice you make, best of luck to you.  Do not be turned off by bariatric surgery because of this, just make educated choices.  I guarantee you that for every Kevin Wasco, who evidently became a physician for any reason OTHER than to help others, there are thousands who became physicians because they do care and they do want to help others.  The Kevin Wasco's, thankfully, are few and far between in the medical industry.    

Hi JWJ! I too am considering Bariatric Surgery via MBS and have started working with Elaine regarding the pre-approval process with my INS company.  My primary physician speaks very highly of MBS.  After reading your story....yikes, I don't know what to think.  What a horrible experience you had. But, I cant help but wonder if every hospital would have similar stories from patients.  My wife had a screwed up surgery at UW Hospital a few years back....had to beg another surgeon to fix the mistake made and even then, the 2nd surgeon was hesitant since it would cause bad feelings with his colleague. Can you give me any advice on what questions I should be asking?? I am concerned that should I have any problems or complications....in an emergency situation will anyone know how to help me....my wife had her gallbladder removed this summer.....3 days later terrible pain, the ER told her she had alot of gas and needed to let out a big "fart'....well it turned out that she was leaking bile into her abdomen and it was potentially life threatening.  I think....I have complications....what on earth will they diagnose me with.  I'm still in the beginning phases....have lots of questions....and want to make sure I am asking the right questions! So any advice would be appreciated! 

I believe the past is the best indicator of the future.  People do not change.  I'm sure problems occur daily in hospitals all across the country, but I guess it's in how they are handled should be your indicator as to whether or not you want to continue patronizing a certain health care institution.  I, also, thought that physicians were "a good old boys group" and that they were all going to "stick together" when it came to Kevin Wasco.  I couldn't have been more wrong!  With the exception of one physician I have seen since the Kevin Wasco massacre, I can assure you that his colleagues have abandoned his "sinking ship" each and every time I bring up his name or this situation. You already know what can go wrong after a surgery, so ask any and all questions that are bothering you.  But ask questions!  If you don't get answers, or uncomfortable with your answers, move on.  In retrospect, there were many red flags before my surgery.  I had never had surgery prior to my surgery in 2004, so I guess I didn't know just how uncomfortable I should have been.  Also, other patients opinions of a surgeon (or any professional you are contemplating for hire) speak louder than anything else.  Listen to what others have to say.  Not only to what I have to say, but ask many other opinions.  From that you should be able to get a good feel for what you are dealing with.  Best of luck to you.  

I had gastric bypass surgery 9 years ago, this was the biggest decision that I would ever make in my life.  You want to make sure you ask all questions and hear the good with the bad.  I can tell you I have experienced both.  I had my original surgery out of state, this was a decision I made because Midwest Bariatric Solutions was just starting their program and receiving their equipment when I was approved by insurance.  When I returned to WI 18 days later I ended up at Theda Clark hospital under the care of Dr Georgen, Dr Wasco and Dr Burkett due to complications from a MRSA Staph infection.  Midwest Bariatric Solutions/Surgical Associates saved my life.  I cannot say enough about them or thank them for being so open and honest with not only myself but my family.  I was not even their patient for my original surgery and they did not blink an eye regarding my care.  If it were not for these doctors I may not be here today.   I have been with their program now for 9 years and I can honestly say I have done a lot of research on other programs, talked to a lot of individuals and I have found no other program to be as complete as they are.  I was under their care and when they could not find the answers for the complications I had, they referred me to UW Madison.  We worked hand in hand with each other to find the resolutions.  There was not a day that went by that Dr Georgen/Dr Wasco didn’t check up on my progress and for 9 years they have made sure that my blood levels, weight levels and my health are where they need to be. Over the past nine years I have had the experience to see MWBS become a Centers of Excellence facility, this does not happen overnight.  They have followed all the guidelines set up to become a bariatric surgery facility.  Not only do they do the surgery but they have provided me as a patient with nutritional guidance, a personal trainer for an exercise program, support group guidance and now they have partnered and offered bariatric cooking classes.  I have had NUMEROUS additional surgeries due to the MRSA complications and I would do it all over again.  With the guidance I have received from Dr Georgen and Dr Wasco I have been successful.  I lost 200# and have maintained that weight loss and have overcome the complications that I endured because they were so willing to speak to me openly and honestly.  When you are contemplating having this life changing surgery you need to make sure you are comfortable with the people that will guide you thru the process.  Ask the questions and make sure you get the answers.  This is not a surgery you will have and just walk away from, this will be with you the rest of your life.  I would not change anything, I was given 3-5 years to live its already been 9!

 

I had RNY Gastric bypass four years ago this week. My surgeon was Dr. Georgen.

Let me say first, no establishment is perfect; BUT there are some better than others. Lori P's and my experiences prove it.

My experience with Midwest Bariatrics, from day one been nothing but professional and helpful to say the least. My primary Dr. referenced me to them, and I did my homework on other sites. I decided to go to Theda for many factors, much of which are listed above, and have played a key roll in my success in my POST BARIATRIC lifestyle.

My surgery went flawless, though difficult as I was a very high risk candidate. This is where the skill of Dr. Georgen and support team made all the difference. About a year ago, I had my Gallbladder removed. Not uncommon for bariatric patients. Dr. Georgen nor Theda Clark did not partake in this. Another hospital, another Dr. did.

Well, the procedure was botched, the GB was torn, and all contents were sent into oblivion..inside me. This hospital was up in arms what to do with me.  FFD a month later, where a now seriously sick  RNY patient found himself back in the care of Dr. Georgen and his staff.

Dr. Georgen heads the trauma care aspect at Theda Clark. He sat down with me on a number of occasions, pre and post operatives and laid out all the options and where we were in this matter. It was not a easy situation, specialists were brought in from Madison, who just about threw in the towel on me because of the complexity. I had tubes inside of me for over a month, hand picking the rubbish out as it settled.

I could of been shipped to Madison or Milwaukee for this. BUT my Health, care, comfort were foremost in the Dr.'s mind. He saved my life on the original RNY gastric bypass, he did it again, wth a specialist, on the 22 times they had to renter my ab to radiate or hand pluck out, stones, asteroids, and other foreign material floating around.

Had any of this got into my bloodstream, it would NOT of been fun. Cardiac complications a reality.. this is where his skill came in...but I digress.

Back to some notes that Lori placed, that are important. Do your homework, shop around. But I, and a heck of a lot of other bariatric Pt's will swear on a stack of bibles that a center of excellence is the way to go. The support functions after the surgery are worth their weight in gold in the success circle. Any failure in my bariatric journey has solely been my own; has to do with being a human and the follies of following a good bariatric path.

I would not hesitate in recommending Midwest Bariatrics or their staff now, or ever.

With the exception of the GB glitch, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Thank you all for your patience in this lament. Holler with questions as well.

RJS

I had RNY at ThedaClark on December 28, 2006.  Dr. Raymond Georgen was my surgeon.  I too did a lot of research before deciding to go with MBS, as it is a life long and life changing surgery.  I can honestly say that Dr. Georgen saved my life.  I have lost over 200 pounds and most of that was during the first year post op.  I can not say enough about the compassion of the doctors and staff at MBS.  I trusted them with blind faith prior to surgery, but now that I am four years post op I can say that they have earned my trust.  They are wonderful surgeons. 

One of the keys to success is the groups that meet many times monthly.  When I was about 3 weeks out I was basically harassed into going to group.  I can say that I am thankful everyday for going to that first group.  The support at group is amazing, as a "newbie" I was inspired by the people at group that were further out than I was.  I now go to group to both share my triumps and to get support for my struggles.  I look forward to listening, sharing and learning more about myself each month at group.

Having RNY is a life altering decision, I can honestly tell you that when you are willing to put in the work to succeed you will.  You will because they team at MBS is there as your back-up. 

Hi...I had RYN surgery May 6 2008. I have lost 90+ pounds and most of that in my first 9 months of weight loss surgery. I had NO COMPLICATIONS!!!!!  I have maintained that for almost 3yrs now. Yes,I am a light weight which means I didn't have over 100#'s to lose. I had many health issues that needed to get resolved and having the weightloss surgery was my only option! :) Doctor Georgean at Midwest Bariatrics did my surgery. I can't say enough for the doctors and staff there. I would do it all over again if I had too and I would recommend MWB to anyone and everyone I know. Please feel free to message me with any questions or concerns. :)

Thank you everyone for your honest replies!  I am moving forward with MBS. I am working with Lori and Elaine currently. Wednesday is the last day for my 2 week post op diet that my insurance company requires. Down 22#.  I am really hoping for Dr. Georgen to perform the surgery. I have not heard anything negative about him but have about Dr. Wasco.

I am hoping for surgery end of March timeframe. I am very excited about this! I also am glad for all that MBS does offer.  I took a 6 week Life Skills group, am going to start the support groups this week, and am thankful for the personal trainer and the cooking classes.  The fact that they even have a clothing exchange is just awesome!

I have a good feel about this. I am trusting in my higher power and believe MBS is the right decision for me.

Another question: why do you think that MBS and the Dr's don't register on this site?  I wish they would update their website as well.  Just my thoughts though. :)