My surgeon...

I'm scared.  So many people chose Dr. Nazari as their surgeon.  I really did not surgeon shop.  I just sort of happened upon Dr. Pender.  I liked him from the start and I am confortable with him.  I have no complaints.  But, I just don't see as many people that have him as their surgeon.  Now I am second guessing myself.  Is this all part of the pre-surgery jitters.  I am having RNY on 4/2.  I really don't want to change surgeons.  I guess I just need some validation.  Anyone else have these issues? 

I didn't shop really. I was given a recommendation, and then many people told me how much they thought of my surgeon and that was that. If you are comfortable and your gut tells you he/she is the person for the job, I wouldn't worry about it. 

Good luck!
Kala

My DH had Dr. Pender for his lap band and gall bladder surgery.

We didn't 'shop'. Had to find a doc close to us who would do the band on someone over 65.  Medicare requires a COE.  Our PCP recommended Dr. Chapman, who was not available last Feb, so we went with the other doc in his practice.

I have to admit, at first his bedside manner was VERY off-putting.  But my DH was happy with him, so I had nothing to say.

BUT, after two surgeries (first the gall bladder, then the band), my opinion has changed.  He is a sweetheart.  He was very caring when he spoke with me after each surgery.  He was very nice during visits to my DH in the hospital.

We still haven't been for my DH's 2 week post-op, so we shall see how he feels about my DH's loss etc.

Perhaps Dr. Pender was have a PMS moment during our first visit.  But so far, we are both very happy with him.

I had him :) and I turned out A-ok!!!!  I host a monthly meetup in Havelock and almost the entire group, 7or 8  gals all had Dr. Pender too!!!! He is a toughy in the begining, he really wants you to know how serious this procedure is, but once you follow the rules and he sees your success, he is absolutely AMAZING and  a different person!!! Laughing and joking!!! Surprised the heck outta me...LOL I remember sitting in his exam room in tears a few times pre-op, thinking this man was mean, mean, mean....LOL!!!  He is NOT, he just wants you to succeed and follow rules!! You will be in good hands!! If you get a chance take a minute to look over my journey and pics and see how far I have come :) 

PS..I do not dump and have had NO surgery related complications and just hit my one year mark and am down 162lbs.

You will do just fine!!!

JAMI

Relax, you are just having pre surgery jitters.  I did the same thing.  Here was my logic that help to calm my second guessing. First, He works with Dr. Chapman at ECU where they refinced the procedure.  Second, I came out and asked what was his rate of complications, and he openly answered my questions and the success rate was phenominal.  I am a former Quality Manager so statistics was what I wanted to know.  Third, he's good enough to be teaching a fellow to perform the surgery. 

Consider all those things and Dr. Pender is a good Dr to have doing your surgery.  Don't get me wrong others are good as well.  But I'm partial due to the success I've had. 

Courtney

Don't second guess yourself.  Dr. Pender is excellent.  Pretty much all the WLS surgeons in Greenville were in the ECU practice until some went and opened their own practice (they make more $$ in private practice).  Drs. Pender and Chapman are excellent and don't have the pressure of maintaining a practice on them.  I had Chapman and have seen Pender  a couple times when Chapman was off.  He is really nice and I think you chose very well.  You'll be so happy you did this for yourself, you won't care who did it as long as you follow the plan you'll do great! 

Oh, and our support group meeting is Tuesday if you can come.... 

He was my surgeon Jan 21 of this year RNY. You will do just fine! He has good hands. Don't fret about it.

Thanks for the replies!  It helps so much!  I've come to terms with my choice and I'm ok with it.  Now what will I find to worry about!  : )  Thanks again OH family!  You guys are great!