"I was referred to Dr. Reavis by a team of specialists who were trying to help me with my severe GERD and ultimately came to the conclusion that I needed surgery to stop it. When I consulted with Dr. Reavis, he and his fellow spnt nearly 2 hours with me discussing all the options. I never felt rushed or like he didn't have time to deal with me and all my questions. One option for me was something called a fundoplication, but because I was also obese he recommended a revision from my lap band (which had stopped working over a year ago) to gastric bypass. I went to another surgeon for a 2nd opinion but ultimately went with Dr. Reavis and cannot tell you how glad I was that I did. My gastric bypass surgery should have been about 3 hours but ended up being 6 1/2 hours due to what Dr. Reavis called "chisel work." He had to chisel apart my stomach, pancreas, and liver where it had eroded around my band. He also ended up having to cut out a part of my stomach due to the damage.
My recovery time was a little longer than other laproscopic surgeries I have had, but ultimately I am completely recovered and feeling GREAT! I was cured of my GERD the day of surgery. I stopped taking SEVEN different medications associated with the GERD that very day. I have not had an incident since, and I tell you, prior to surgery I had been waking up EVERY night for more than a year coughing and vomiting and getting less than an hour of sleep at a time. Acid was literally bubbling out of my nose at night while I tried to sleep. But after surgery? NONE of that. Now I am losing excess weight as an added benefit. He was wonderful to me. His staff have always been helpful and the clinic ensures after surgery support (I attend the twice monthly support groups held.) If you have a choice in your healthcare, choose a doctor with an excellent bedside manner plus excellent skills and an amazing staff. Why not have it all if you can get it all?"
