Dr. Kevin Hoddinott???

Hi again, I'm back with the news that I have found a surgeon, Dr. Kevin Hoddinott in Bethlehem, PA, that does the DS and also accepts my insurance (Gateway). I'm thrilled!!! I have another appt. set up with my PCP on the 13th and hopefully will get "things" underway. I see that Dr. Hoddinott is registered with duodenalswitch.com and I feel as though this is good. My main concern right now, is that I was browsing through some of his patients and I came across Shelley Vogel, who passed away shortly after her surgery. Do any of you know what happened? I know there are no guarentees - but I'm just trying to be as thorough as I can be. thanks guys! Amy

Hi Amy, There are people on this board who know a great deal about nearly every DS doc in the country, so I'll defer to their knowledge, but one of the things I like about my surgeon is that he publishes the number of complications he has had and why they occured, including the one death he experienced. I think it's reasonable to ask your surgeon to explain his complication rate, how many patients he has lost, and why. g

Hi Amy. the most important thing is to ask your surgeon about those he has lost. Honesty about this would be the big thing for me - I always know when someone is hedging. I've seen his name a bit, don't have any first hand knowledge though. Lots of luck. Sharon

I was very impressed with my surgeon's honesty regarding his only 2 deaths after surgery. After discussing this with him, I felt very confident that I was in good hands and I understood my responsibility to do everything that I could to put the odds in my favor. Ask him what happened to Shelly.

he did surgery on my coworker, no complaints, 2yr post opt, not apparent trouble and a perfect work attendance. he is super private about it, i,m one of 3 in 40 that know about it and thats only because it was obvious to me, and we dont talk about it, he is doing very well. rny

Thank you all for your responses - I've listened to you all. I do plan on asking the Dr. about her, but just wondered if anyone had known what happened. This is a great place to feel welcomed..... thanks!! Amy

Hi Amy, I am not sure exactly what everyone is talking about. I guess maybe he had a patient die. I think Dr. Hoddinott is the only other surgeon in PA besides Dr. Peters doing the DS. I, however, do not have any specific information on him. Just do your research and interview him as well when you see him. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Good luck on your journey. Kelly