Center for Obesity Surgery in Gainsville Bariatric Center

Dr Thoburn seems very competent and straight forward.. I had read some posting about his bedside manner.. and wasn't sure what to expect, but I liked him as soon as I met him. He pulls no punches, and sugar coats nothing, but that's the way I like it. Then I know just what to expect..

I met with Dr. Thoburn around February 25 of 2002. He looks real young, but came across as a very knowledgable surgeon. He was very supportive and made me feel confident that he would get the surgery approved.
His office staff was very nice. The treat you like an individual, instead of a number. Shirley Vaughn is the person who handles the insurance packet that is sent to the insurance company. She is very nice and came across like she keeps on top of things. She made contact with me several times to make sure that I had everything that was needed to be sent to BCBS. She stated that she has learned that if they get everything on the first time though, they are more willing to approve the request quickly.
Once I had everything, Shirley sent my packet in on Monday morning and received an approval the same day, which amazed me, as I just do meet the requirements for this surgery.
Dr. Thoburn is very serious about aftercare. He gives you a book made spacificly for his office and details everything. He also has a dietitian on staff which requires a $250.00 deposit when you confirm a surgery date. I guess he figures that if you have to put up $250.00 you are more to do your follow up like you are supposed to.
Dr. Thoburn did not hold back on discribing the risk of the surgery. He told you straight out what could go wrong, no suger coating. At this point, I haven't seen his actual surgical work, from first appearence and on how his staff was, I would rate him and his staff as a 10 on a 1 to 10 scale.

First Impression of office was wonderful. Jodie, the receptionist, did everything possible to get me a initial consult date as soon as possible and I got in in less than 3 weeks. First impression of Doctor, he is great. He has a great personality, made me feel at ease, his wife is the nurse and she is wonderful too. He explained everything in detail (good and bad) and told me it was up to me to make it work. Follow all the rules and it will be successful. Told me exercise is #1 importance after surgery - walk, walk, and walk; breathe, breathe, breathe, cough, cough, cough. Also, he has a great 18 month after care program (which I feel is extremely important). I will be having the open RNY and because I don't have any co-morbidities,

February 17, have a surgery date it is March 21, 2002. Go in for my pre-op tests on March 12 and see pulmonary doc on March 14.

March 12, had the pre-op tests today. 1) 3 vials blood drawn, no big deal. 2) Pulmonary tests for breathing, no problem. ABG's (Artery blood gas) drawn, did not hurt going in, hurt alittle when needle came out. Arm was sore for a couple hours. 3) Chest X-rays, no problem 4) Upper GI series, Well I can't say I would want to do this once a month. Barrium is unpleasant, however they make you drink it very fast while they are taking pictures so if you can stick with it for just a few minutes it is over. Just keep your mind on your goal.

I am getting very nervous about my upcoming surgery date. However, am trying to keep it in perspective. I have had surgery in the past and everything was fine. Am getting all my ducks in order and concentrating on my two little boys.

My first impression was, "gosh, he looks too young." I still have no idea how old he is, but I feel that he is one of the best. The follow-up that he requires is the biggest key to my success. I'm coming up on four years post-op and I know that if I have a problem or general question, I can still call them. I'm not completely keen on his current nutritionist--she knows what she's doing, I feel that it could be delivered better.

Dr. Brient was great. At the initail meeting he described the procedure. He asked me about my history with dieting. He even drew the surgery and told me where my incision would be. He also, explained the risk and benefits to me personally, as well as generally. He was very friendly and professional. As far as surgery is concerned, he talked to me right before they rolled me into the surgery room. He asked me if I was ready and put me at ease with his words. After surgery, he talked to my family and explained that everything went well. Further, during my hospital stay he was very encouraging. He was the person that found out I was not receiving my pain medication properly. He always smiled and told me what I needed to do (like walk). He even took out half my stapples before I left the hospital. At the week later appointment, he took out the rest of the stapples and talked to me about how I was feeling. He has a structured after care program that says what you are suppose to eat and do. I have heard nothing but good things about him. I would recommend him to anyone. The only negative thing that I would say is he visits you late in the evening in the hospital. But hey, I wasn't going anywhere. He is the best.

Despite several comments I have heard about his bedside manner, I thought he was very personable and easy to talk to. I was able to ask all of the questions that I had without feeling rushed and he answered without sugar coating anything! I respect that he treated me like a person and not just another surgery. Even though I did not get the news I wanted to hear, I think I made a good decision by choosing him.

I think (by reputation) that Dr. Thoburn is a topnotch surgeon for this surgery. However, I was very nervous, and getting this far as to speak to the doctor - I got scared again. Probably because my main physician does not care for the by-pass surgery; he is afraid of scar tissue which Dr. Thoburn did agree with also. But my regular doctor understands my problems with weight loss (he knows my brother too) and without any pressure, he did refer me to Dr. Thoburn for consultation.

I had to admire Dr. Thoburn's ethics because he is so thorough about a perspective patient. He takes the patient's total health into consideration. You are not a number - you are an individual.

He emphasized that it is so important that the patient do and follow all directions given by him and the nutritionist. And first off Dr. Thoburn did address the risks of this surgery.

I was disappointed that Dr. Thoburn was not more personable. But is that important when you know the doctor is so qualified? I am just a personable person myself so I guess I look for that in others, even professionals.
I definitely believe that surgical competence is most important; more warmth makes the possible patient to be more relaxed.

The Office Staff were both very competent and friendly. I got to see the Nutritionist and the Nurse. They made me feel very comfortable. Plus, the numbers of patients in his waiting room, pictures on the walls.
All very exciting and positive. And I was told by a friend that he has people practically banging on his door!

So, my only concern is scar tissue; and this is only because I have had major surgery before and I had a bowel blockage several months ago. Dr. Thoburn said he may have to pull my intestines up. More update to come.

He is a mild mannered Dr.; kind and thoughful but not a real talkative person!
He is knowledgeable and really seems to care about his patients.

The thing that struck me most about Dr. Thoburn are all of the nurses and technicians at N FL Regional Hospotal all thought very highly of him and Everyone told me I was in good hands. That is an endorsement if I have ever heard of one!

His aftercare program sesm to be a very thourough one - his dietician is very strict about letting the tummy heal by not allowing you to eat foods that will disturb it in any way.

He was terrific!!!!

I haven't meet with him yet the office can't get me in until august 28 but thats ok because im getting closer to having wls. I MET WITH DR.BRIENT AND I LOVE HIM. HE ANSWERED ALL MY QUESTIONS. HE IS A VERY CARING STRAIGHT FORWARD MAN. THE OFFICE STAFF IS VERY GOOD ALSO. THEY WERE VERY FAST ABOUT GETTING ALL MY PAPERS TO INSURANCE AND THAY ALSO GOT ME APPROVED NO PROBLEMS!

First impression, I was very impressed. He is very personable and seems genuinely interested in me as his patient. I really liked him. My sister went with me to the appointment and he didn't seem to mind at all. She liked him also. He also seemed to like the fact that I had obviously done a lot of homework about the procedure and was very comfortable with the procedure that he does. He does the open Roux en Y procedure. He also has been doing them for quite a while and has had a lot of success with this procedure.