"For my Lap Band surgery I chose Dr. John Groves in Albertville, Alabama. I was really impressed with him because he has had a Lap Band surgery himself. His partner, Dr. Britt, did his surgery. Dr. Groves is very kind and compationate towards his patients. His staff has been awesome whenever I have called or came in as well. On the bad side, Dr. Groves does not spend a lot of time with his patients. I'm sure that he has a large patient load, but I would be willing to wait a little longer in the lobby in order to get more time with my surgerion. The night in the hospital was miserable for me. I know that the gas build up from surgery and the wounds hurt, but I think pain management could use some help. I was allowed a shot of Demerol every 6 hours. This was IM which means my legs and arms are bruised up pretty good. I don't understand why a painpump or IV meds couldn't have been used. It is 3 days after surgery and I am feeling a little better every day, and although painful I look forward to the new life ahead. Overall, I still would rate Dr. Groves above others. I know that the pain control was a problem for me, but it means a lot to have a Dr. who has been thru the same thing as me. His partner, Dr. Britt, came by the hospital the next morning and did my release. Dr. Britt took more time with me than Dr. Groves had previously, and was very informative. Aftercare with either of the above doctors is a must. The Drs require you to attend a class that teaches you about how to eat after surgery and take care of yourself. In MY opinion I think Sugical Competence with Dr. Groves is at its best!! As far as the bedside manner, I can't say enough good things about this either. It meant the world to me that a surgeon took time to pray with me before we went to the operating room. I know that the hospital may not have called him about the pain meds or a pain pump. I know that I hurt, but I look forward to the new life ahead. To summerize it all, if I had the surgery again I would still use Dr. Groves."
