"!!!! DOES NOT DO LAP !!!!!!
Pre-surgery: My first impression was a pleasant but hurried man. I was disappointed that I didn't get all of my questions answered. I had an entire list(about 8 questions) and only got through less than half before he was out the door. I have seen many positive posts about this surgeon making him out to sound so wonderful. This and the fact that he advertised Laparoscopic WLS is why I chose him! I was hoping to meet THAT wonderful man, but have not yet.
He advertises on Obesityhelp.com as doing Laparoscopic gastric bypass, however he DOES NOT DO LAP! I went through most of my pre-testing for him, then at one of his meetings found out that he does not do lap. By then I felt it was too late to change surgeons and possibly have to go through the entire process of pre-testing again as my insurance was about to stop covering WLS in January (three months later),even though I really wanted LAP WLS.
Post Surgery: This doctor did not visit me in the hospital at all. Someone I had never met nor even knew existed peeked into my door in the hospital twice claiming to be there as a representative of Dr. Haicken. (I still don't know who he was) I had no warning that there would be a subsitute doctor in the hospital. I saw this surgeons nurse three times post surgery before I got to see the surgeon himself at 6 weeks post op. I walked into the office in a GREAT mood, I was so happy and proud of myself. I sang to the radio the entire way to the office, which is an hour and one half drive for me.
He berated me, told me that I was going to fail, not lose the weight and all my hair was going to fall out. I had JUST gotten over the flu when I finally got to see him and he judged my entire 6 weeks on just two meals that he didn't like that I had. When he first walked in, he noted the weight loss on my chart (-34 pounds)and said "Greeeeeat" then suddenly after he heard about my last two meals (oyster cracker in a.m. due to flu and veggie lasagna night before) suddenly my weight loss was no longer good enough. Because I am a "slow loser", he said that my weight loss is proof that I am not following HIS diet. He was totally wrong in his judgement of me and his treatment of me. I left the office crying, humiliated and my self esteem was crushed. I don't get upset easily. Bad Day for the doctor? Possibly, but still no excuse for such treatment.
I cannot in good conscience say nothing about my poor treatment from this surgeon. I hope no one else has to suffer the humiliation that I did. I plan to go back for my next visit in July at 7.5 months (6 month follow up), I don't have to see the doctor, only the nurse. I expect my treatment to be better. My husband said he will not allow me to go to that doctor again without his being present.
***6 month visit***
This appointment was scheduled at my 6 week appointment but my 6 month appointment was actually scheduled for 7 months post op. It was very rainy and I had to wade through calf deep water to get into the office! But was OK with that. I saw the nurse, Chris and she seemed thrilled with my weight loss. I had lost 100 pounds at that point and now (at 9 months P.O.) I have lost 117. I see the actual doctor at my next appointment at 12 months post op in December. We'll see if he is as thrilled with my weightloss. "
"Dr. Suarez has studied Gastric Bypass and is knowledgeable in this field. He is a kind, caring individual. Supportive of those having WLS. I highly recommend him. "
"Barbara Correll is absolutely TOPS in her field. She not only is a highly trained and skilled dietition but she also never recommends any products( vitamins protein, etc.) without researching them herself first! She has her own team of testers and a network of other researchers to help her find the BEST available products! Not only does she tell you the best products, but she also tells you WHAT makes them the best. I don't think that you can find anyone more skilled and "in the know" about obesity surgery related diet. "
