Good Sam or St Luke's?! Please Advise

I am considering switching surgeons and the hospital where he operates is of a little concern for me. I have been in Good Sam before for 5 months and although it could use some improvements in some areas I would choose them again over St Lukes. Also Good Sam is a Center of Excellence and I am not really sure if St Luke's is or not. And I hate to say it.....the area where St Luke's is looks a bit shady . I hope no one takes offense to that. Just trying to be as honest as I can. My insurance covers both hospital so does that mean I can choose either one? Sorry it might help if I tell you the surgeon......it will be Dr Juarez or Dr Fang.....I have a consult with both and will be choosing from there. It's not just about the area but other factors like, Good Sam is closer to me, is the hospital itself and the staff EDUCATED,  PREPARED, SENSITIVE enough for their WLS patients etc....I am just trying to make sure I look at the entire picture you know? Any positive feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Bad area yes, good RN's and less money. I would go with St. Luke PLUS u have Dr. Right there on the 5th floor if u need him!

I have just been hearing some terrible things about St Luke's. It's nice to hear something positive about them. Thanks Shannon

I have to be honest and say I wasn't crazy about St.Lukes. However the staff  was educated, prepared, and sensitive but yes the area is not the best and the hospital could certainly use an update. I believe St.Lukes is a Center of Excellence but double check that. But you are only there for a very short time and the doctor is close. Most of my friends at work also went to St. Lukes and no one has had any problems with the hosptial However my best friend had her operation at Good Sam's and all went well. I wish you well on your journey.

I'm with you, Westvalley -- so get out from underneath that chair!  I don't think the area where St. Luke's is -- is all that great. . .and for me, there was no question -- GOOD SAM!  I have had things done there before, and they have been great.  My insurance covers either hospital as well, and for me, there was no choice!  I have heard great things about Good Sam., and lots of positives.  However, that's not to say St. Luke's is not equipped to handle the needs of the WLS patients.  I guess it comes down to personal preference. You know -- you can go visit them, and just check it out, look around and that might make you feel better about one or the other.  I think you would be fine with whichever one you choose. I am confident with my choice. . . GOOD LUCK

My insurance also did both hospitals. I went with Good Sam. I've had two surgeries there this past year and I have nothing but great things to say. The staff is wonderful, the nurses that took care of me were great. The equipment is state of the art and the place is very clean. As for St Lukes, it is a bit older and yes, the parking and neighborhood have something to be desired. But since I've never been anywhere but the Drs office, I have no information on condition of hospital or nurses.  Hope your consults go great.

Good Evening, Wanted to post before trying to get some sleep. Hate the area of the hospital Ill give u that. But the RN's seemed good and I really had no issues other then some gas. I spent 3 days in a private room and I really had to use my voice ONCE with the RN's before they knew they better stay on top of me. lol I had Dr. J on the 5th fl durning the day. The hospital is old. But the people running it and working inside seem to care. Most of them that is. I was a self pay. That was my main reason for going with Lukes with that being said I had Dr. J on the 5th floor at any given time durning the day. I asked for him he came up.  BUT>>>> If you can go to either VISIT BOTH hospitals! THIS IS A MUST!!!!!!! You'll have your answer then! ii I CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE YOU! Your date will be here in no time and You'll be starting a NEW WONDERFUL ~~~ HEALTHY WAY OF LIFE, ONE THAT HAS THE BONUS OF GETTING THIN! LOL Im sooooooooooooooooooo happy for u !

Thanks Shannon. You Rock!

U ROCK TOO! Also.... Look at both hospitals AFTERCARE for the long term! I LOVE my NUT. She always calls me back and the support group leader, Maxwell is very very cool. And they have great NUT classes the same day once a month! This is at St. Luke I have NO CLUE about Good same.

I would not reccomend St Lukes to anyone! I had a horrible experience. They are in the process of remodeling but that is only a small part of this. First I had a leak in the ceiling in the bathroom. Next two panels of the vertical blinds fell off. I never recieved any toiletries. I had to call a nurse at least 2 times before they came at a minimum of 1/2 hour, even to get unhooked to go to the bathroom. No one ever came in to check on me, I could have been dead for hours. They never changed my water or ice. The intercom is in the TV remote so everytime someone was paged it came through, even in the middle of the night and there was no way to turn it off. My leg massagers (for preventing clots) stopped working. The pulse OX, stopped working then the blood pressure cuff unravelled (?) flew off my arm and it stopped working. The only bright spot was one nurse, named Danielle. I would try Good Sam!