Hubert Spears, M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center

Dr. Spears is a very nice and pleasent person. I was suprised that he wanted this experience to be a pleasent one. I was impressed with the way that he and staff treated me. They explained every thing to me and even made some good suggestions. I will have my surgery Febuary 14, 2003 and I will post an update.

First impression was that Dr. Spears is a quiet, competent and mild man. He was willing to answer all my questions but did not volunteer a lot. I did feel confident when he said he believed I was a good candidate for lap bypass.
On the day of my sugery I noticed they had the word"open" on my orders. I panicked...open bypass was not the option I chose!!I had already gone to pre-op before the nurse came back from checking and said, "no, these orders are right, he plans to do an open." I told her that was never discussed and that I would just go home. As I was getting my clothes on to go home (BALLING, of course!)the nurse made a second call to Dr. Spears to see if he would please come up and talk to me. (Shame she had to beg him!)When he arrived he said " Oh, I didn't know it was you...you see, I have never done a lap bypass without assistance..I was thinking I had a month or two to get a visiting fellow skilled in lap bypass to assist me. I have done many open procedures, but laps always with assistance." WHAT!!!! I just saw him 9 days ago and TOLD him I was being scheduled for the next Friday because of an insurance change!!I had worked too hard and come too far (not just physically all though it WAS a three hour trip) so when he said he would try to do the lap alone, I figured the chance was worth it. So he was "successful" I guess.
While in the hospital( day after surgery) I began vomiting old blood. Apparently the NG tube was pulled out in surgery for my comfort and that may have been a tad too soon. He came to see me two and three times a day until the vomiting was resolved. He was very concerned while in the hospital. I really liked the level of concern he demonstrated during this time.
If using this doctor, DO YOUR RESEARCH first so you are prepared to ask him questions!! He does not use a dietician. At least he did not with me. All I know is I am on clear liquids until I see him again, about 2 weeks post op. Guess I will find out more then. Maybe he has an office dietician that will speak to me then.

As far as aftercare, I went home with a Jackson Pratt drain system. I had problems with it that I basically had to figure out on my own. My husband is a Paramedic so he really helped with that. It had become plugged off and was not draining. I felt like the office staff could have given me a little more help over the phone with that. But they did say if the pain got worse to call him any time. I feel as though I could have.

As far as how would I rate his surgical competence...well I was his first unassisted lap bypass and he was unprepared for that so I think he did a great job!!!Bedside manner...again, he his unassuming, you really have to ask him questions but he is concerned and kind. I would recommend this doctor.

i thought dr.spears was very attentive.he answered all my questions and made me feel very confortable.he also put my husbands mind at ease and answered all of his questions.