I didn't see anything on the AZ med board web site regarding Dr. Simon.   But, that doesn't mean that something isn't going to be coming out about him.  The office has been saying for a while that he "isn't accepting any new patients at this time" (whatever that means).   Odd, because other doctors are hurting for patients due to the economy. 

Dr. Simon is still listed as a surgeon at the Tempe St. Luke's bariatric program.   If he's no longer there, his name and info should be taken down by them.   I wonder if it's being left up there in order to get patients to call their program with regard to laparoscopic surgery.   Simon was the surgeon who did the single incision lap band and the lap RNY surgeries which are offered on the program's website.  

The other doctor affiliated with the program only does the RNY open.  Prospective patients can call the office and  make an appointment with the bariatric program, thinking they're going to see Dr. Simon, but then get the other doctor at the actual appointment - which gives the other doctor the opportunity to try and talk the patient into an open surgery and thereby not lose the laparoscopic business to another bariatric program which does do the lap surgery.

Smart strategy.  Misleading, but SMART!!

Healthy is good!  Getting approval is even better!!!!  I hope all sails quickly and you have a date; ready to start the skinny countdown!!!  Woooo Hooooo!

Ok, so I was approved by Healthchoice to go see Dr Juarez.. he said I was a good candidate and the my patient advocate over at Bridges gave me a list of stuff I had to go though before final approval.. So far I had already done my pulmonary, I am doing my cardiac in the next week, I have my doctor working on getting my referral for the dietican/nutritionist, I am heading to Phoenix on the 19th for my Baratrics Basics class.. the only think I am having trouble with is getting Healthchoice to approve the Phyc Exam, My doctor and the Bridges Centre are both trying to get them to approve me to go to Desert Phycological, but Healthchoice is saying Desert Phyc isn't contracted though them. So my question is .... if you are on AHCCCS- Healthchoice and have had surgery or are in the process of getting approved and have had your Phyc Exam.... who did you see.. I would really like to get this all taken care of soon!

Thanks so much!

Stephanie

Hello All

Dr. Paul Rhee is a wonderful plastic surgeon who has done many post Bypass pts.

Karol

Pam, So sorry you had your band removed.   It looks like you worked very hard to get to goal.  I am sure you will maintain your goal.
I have several friends that had surgery with Dr Simon.  They are in dark about his sudden leave.  Dr Schlesinger is my surgeon and I was in 3 weeks ago I asked about it and was told he had taken a "personal" leave.  One patient waiting was upset and told us that  Dr Simon screwed her up and then left town.   She did not know why.  Her brother was going on and on about him.  It made us uncomfortable.  She said that Dr Schlesinger is taking care of her and she is better.   I got the feeling he is not coming back, could be he is relocating.   Some one posted that he had several lawsuits. 
Focus on staying healthy. I am sure Dr Simon will resurface soon.

Jill