Question:
Willing to share your thoughts on what was GREAT about your surgeon and his team?
Hi there. I'm doins some informal 'research' for myself about what makes a great program for WLS. I'm specifically interested in hearing of anything in particular that your surgeon or his practice offers that made a big difference to you. I'm looking for things that would be considered 'out of the norm' or value added services. You know, things like highly structured support groups, exercise programs, supplement support, newsletters etc. So, what do yu think? Is there something that your Doc does that makes him/his practice GREAT? Thanks for your input. (In case you're wondering- I do not work for a doctor, I want to suggest some improvments to mine and am looking for outside opinions) — LMCLILLY (posted on October 15, 2003)
October 15, 2003
I would like to proudly say I'm a patient of Dr. Michael Rothwell in Macon
Georgia. At the surgical weight loss center, they were great in getting me
approved for surgery, making sure I had all my clearance appointments
without a lot of headache and were very supportive through the process.
Dr. Rothwell recently hosted a chat here on obesity help.com. I think his
program is top notch, and I do know his staff is very concerned with
aftercare and support. I'm 5 months out and down 97 lbs and feel as if
I've been given a new lease on life.
— Happy I.
October 15, 2003
My surgeon, Dr Julie Leverton has so many skills and practices that made
for a great experience when I went to Bariatric Treatment Center in Wylie,
Texas. I especially appreciated the attention to detail when answering all
my questions especially at my consultation. She used a white board to draw
diagrams that gave me visuals and really helped me to clearly understand
the process. Dr Leverton pays attention to every single detail. She also
does more than just operate on her patients. She cares about our total
health including emotions. I could not have asked for better care. The
support binder with information on meals, protein, exercise, nutrition,
emotional issues, etc that I was given was very useful. If your doctor is
willing, including dry erase white boards in the consult rooms as well as
giving patients a resource binder after surgery will certainly improved
his/her program. I hope this helps some.
Ann
— Ann B.
October 15, 2003
My Dr. was Dr. Boe at the Bariatric Treatment Center in Belvidere, Il.
What made Dr. Boe and his team so great was all the individual attention I
received. Instead of being given a canned speech and after care program,
they dealt with me as an individual. I have access to a Nutrionist who can
answer my questions at any time. Even though I live 3 hours away from my
Dr. there is a formal support group in my city. A support group with more
than 20 plus members. The last thing I can tell you is that around my 6
week mark I had severe stomach pain for 2 days. Upon calling my Dr's
office I received a return call within 10 minutes. When I saw the Dr. a
few days later for a routine check up he made me promise to call him
anytime I had problem regardless of how small I think it is. That really
showed me how much he cares about his patients.
— jmusser
October 15, 2003
Original poster here- thanks for your answers so far! I love the binder
idea and the white board. Come on guys- what else is STAND OUT about your
surgeon's program? OR Perhaps you can think of something that was missing
that would have mede it better! Thanks again- keep those answers coming!
— LMCLILLY
October 15, 2003
My surgeon's were Dr. G. Derek Weiss and Dr. John Oldham of Georgetown, KY.
The first thing that made the surgery wonderful is that I had TWO. Both are
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons, but Dr. Weiss has been practicing bariatric
surgery for a few years. Dr. Oldham is learning the bariatric procedures,
but he's done other minimally invasive procdures for years. An example of
how great the doctors are is my second surgery. Almost two weeks after the
wls I got a bowel obstruction. Though it was taken care of for a bit with
medication, a week later it happened again and I had ot go in for surgery.
This time they took out my gallbladder since it was diseased anyway. I feel
as if the good doctors took care of the problem aggressively and
efficiently.
Second, both doctors are hot. (OK, that's just a bonus).
Third, the program that the hospital has set up for bariatrics is amazing.
It has been all of the support group meetings, the online support group,
the counseling, the aftercare, the care in the hospital is nothing short of
fantastic. Though the hospital is not just for bariatrics, you feel as if
everything done there is for bariatric patients. They have been doing
bariatrics long enough to have excellent communication and an exact process
that is adhered to stringently. Their insurance coordinators are great at
customer service. They have a tough job with lots of impatient people and
the ones at Georgetown handle it with flair. Catherine was very patient
with me when I called asking about things and is quick with responses.
Next, the fact that many of the staff at the hospital and more importantly
in the bariatric program have had the surgery is a huge help. Two
especially, Jo and Cathi, have made a whole notebook based on their
knowledge AND their experience which is priceless. I don't feel like I'm
just being told the textbook stuff from someone who has never experienced
the things I will.
Finally (at least all I'll put down today), the doctors and staff are
awesome in both skill and attitude. I couldn't ask for a more knowledgeable
and caring bunch of people.
If there was anything to suggest in the area of improvements it would be to
— Steph Elaine
October 15, 2003
Actually, I would have no improvements to the program. I don't know how it
could get better.
— Steph Elaine
October 15, 2003
The greatest thing about my surgeon's program is his very personal
involvement. He cares so deeply about his bariatric patients and it shows
in every thing he does. I am almost two years post-op and every time I see
him, I get a big hug. His after care program is wonderful too - monthly
support group meetings that he always attends (unless there's an emergency
at the hospital); great guidelines for eating; and he's always available to
his patients (we all have his home phone number). I have had some health
issues (not related to the WLS) and he has been so helpful with them also -
treating me when I didn't have success with other doctors. On a more
personal note, when I was recently robbed while I was in the hospital
having a total knee replacement, my surgeon and his staff sent me a lovely
card with a quite large monetary gift to help replace some of the items we
lost. Now, that is a doctor who really CARES. And on top of all that, his
mortality rate is less than 1 in a 1000. Can you tell that I think he's
wonderful?
— Patty_Butler
October 15, 2003
my surgeon, who is part of rocky mountain associated physicians in salt
lake city, has a couple of advantages over others i have heard about. they
are very attentive to the needs of out of state patients. they handled
everything over the phone without extra trips very efficiently. they only
do wls in this group of three surgeons and have been doing so for many many
years. they know the insurance process well. they even have oversized
chairs in a lovely waiting room in their office. they use one floor at st
marks hospital that has a staff that is very well trained in the care of
the post op. this was really a plus, being a nurse myself, i was very
pleased with the care. another thing they do, is have a yearly
conference/reunion/party/eduacational meeting for all their patients. the
cost is very reasonable and it was fun and i learned alot. their
educational component until recently was handled by bariatric services
international who holds support group training seminars as well as provide
education and support for any practice around the country. i recommend you
contact them for pointers as well. they are the gold standard. i understand
colleen cook their founder is in wls lifestyles mag this month.
also attending the asbs convention will give you more info. they have
speakers and classes that address these very issues.
email me privately if you want to know more.
patsy in las vegas
— PATSY N.
October 15, 2003
Try to remember the worst thing about being overweight. It was not that you
could not buy clothing or felt "fat.". You were an outcast..
people looked at you and you were "wrong" before you started..
Fat people are that way. My surgeon, Dr. Hans Schmidt in Hackensack, New
Jersey treated me with total respect and dignity from the second I met him.
His bedside manner began in his office. He made me feel that this would be
totally successful. As he said to me when I told him he was my
hero..."hey - we do it the right way." No truer words could have
summarized it. LAP/RNY 10/8/02. Down 130. Who can ask for more. I am
debating whether to try for 5 more lbs or stay where I am. Best decision I
EVER made in my life.
— Steve B.
October 15, 2003
My surgeon, Dr Ikramuddin, has a support group meeting run my his nurse
practitioner first friday of every month. It is nice since it is run by the
nurse and some of the time Dr I will come to along with the dietitian. The
hospital I was at also said if you have any questions to give them a call
at the ward number, which I have done a couple times, even when you are
three months out. I think it is great to have these outlets to get
information.6/27/03 292/218/???
— horserider0146
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