"Initial approval by Tricare for 1 appointment - I hope to be seen soon. I will post more after I meet him :)
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I met Dr. Appel last friday for surgical consult. I really like this doctor! I can see how some see him as gruff or standoffish, but I feel an empathy; a good connection. This only confirms my choice. I will post after my surgery on Feb 7, 2005.
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I LOVE this guy! I can see why some think he is a bit stand-off-ish or 'crusty' so to speak but I just clicked with him the moment I met him. If I had any reservations at all about him doing my surgery before, they are GONE now ! Of course, my surgery is 6 days away, but from where I stand now, I highly recommend him to ANYONE needing this!
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Post op my opinion stands. Skilled surgeon and dry humor - you have to go digging for that to come out :) I think it was partially his and his partners skill that saved my RNY lap from becomming an open (still took them 5 hours to complete it lap!) Kudos to the docs!
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NOTE!
As of October 2005, Dr. Appel is no longer practicing, and he has since retired. Those of you who got the chance to meet him and have him perform this life saving surgery are blessed, as am I. He will be missed. BUT - His associate Dr. Steinberg is still doing the RNY :) (infact he specializes in the laproscopic version of RNY and is VERY GOOD)
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