"I narrowed my list down to two doctors, Dr. William S. Peters in Peckville, PA and Dr. Hazem A. Elariny in Alexandria, VA. I had consults scheduled with both doctors. Each works very hard to make sure you understand all the procedures they do and asures that you understand the possible side-effects and potential complications.
I chose Dr. Elariny because he does the lap DS and I feel that that is a better surgery for me. I have a very bad back and have been totally sedentary for a long time. Recovery seems like it will be slightly easier with a lap surgery. Also, Alexandria is slightly closer to where I live now and I know the area because I used to live there.
His office staff has a reputation for being unorganized but, other than an appointment having to be rescheduled because of a conflict, I have no complaints. My insurance submittal must have been made the day after my consult because the approval letter is dated 4 business days later.
Future patients should be aware that frequently Dr. Elariny runs late for appointments. Be prepared to wait several hours. It isn't wasted time though because there is a whole waiting room full of people to talk to and all the post-ops I've met shared their experience of surgery and recovery willingly.
Dr. Elariny stresses the importance of aftercare and has a regular monthly support group and there are currently 3 private weekly support groups meeting in the area. I like it that he has a nutritionist on staff for pre and post surgery consults and problems.
Dr. Elariny's surgical competence is tops, over 300 surgeries with no deaths and he does everything lap. That is much more important to me that office organization. He really listened to my concerns about my back pain coupled with the pain from the surgery and is addressing the issue."
"Dr. Gualtieri has several years experience doing psych consults for WLS. Although not is main interest, he has great sympathy and understanding of the difficulties a MO person can have and wants to do all he can to help the individual. In my case he did not do any tests, we talked and as part of the general discussion he verified that I was capable of making a decision about surgery, had the necessary support system in place, and intended to do all the aftercare required for the DS procedure. Note: I had a previous therapy with him (completed several years ago), so I felt felt very comfortable with him and wanted someone who knew me very well to make sure I was mentally ready to handle the changes the DS will make in my life."
