"Dr. Ihde is the man. He's very helpful, always talks on my level and draws pictures when necessary. I *love* that he wrote a book on this subject that he makes freely available to his patients and to other area doctors who are looking for information on bariatric surgery.rnrnDr. Ihde's staff (Stephanie - receptionist, Kim - Nurse) are the most wonderful people. There were weeks leading up to my surgery where I called them daily -- in fact sometimes several times a day. They helped me so much in figuring out how I was going to pay for my surgery. They helped me deal with my insurance company. They even yelled at them for me when Humana yanked the rug out from underneath me. rnrnYou see, at first Humana said they would pay 50% then three days before the original surgery date they went back on that saying that it was a mistake to have said they'd pay in the first place. Anyway, it's no matter, both Stephanie and Kim helped me figure out the financing -- which I finally secured through Capitol One. rnrnDr. Ihde also teams up with a psychologist, Merrill Littleberry LCSW,LCDC,CCM and a Nutrition Counselor, Lisa Badolato, RD, LD. Both of these wonderful women are very friendly and supportive, and they -- along with Dr. Ihde -- make themselves personally available to patients for questions and support. In fact, I called Dr. Ihde's personal number the night I came home from the hospital because I thought something was wrong, and I wanted to know if it was normal and what I should do. A very sleepy Dr. Ihde picked up the phone and answered my question. He also called me back the next day to see how things had gone.rnrnDr. Ihde is one of only six surgeons in the DFW area who perform RNY using a laparoscopic approach.rnrnDr. Ihde requires that all of his bariatric patients attend MIBU -- Minimally Invasive Bariatrics University -- a four hour session where you meet with Dr. Ihde for an hour, then with Merrill for an hour and then with Lisa for an hour and then again with Dr. Ihde for another hour. This marathon session is all about educating not only the patient but those whom the patient lives with -- since their lives will be affected by this surgery too. I brought both of my parents with me, and it was a great experience. The only thing I think I would like to have had at MIBU would perhaps been a chance to talk to a post-op patient. I guess I could have attended a support group in my pre-op state, but I didn't think of that.rnrnI think the best thing I like about Dr. Ihde is how personable he is and his bedside manner. It also, helps that he's performed over 600 of these procedures, and I had complete confidence in him. He is great. "
