Institute for Laparoscopic Surgery Bariatric Center

My doctor is Dr. Lauter. I had my surgery August 2, 2006... just about two months ago now. He only performs the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and normally does it (even on my huge tummy) Laparoscopicly. He did an excellent job with me. I was impressed with him. I read alot about him before I had my surgery and found some most impressive information about his surguries - not just wls. I also attend a support group in Marysville that had two of it's members who highly recomended him. Dr. Lauter was very upfront on the risks and realistic on the outcomes. His pre-surgery requirements left me feeling very prepared for the operation. I had a complication and he was sooooooooo wonderful and caring. My family also found him wonderful to get information and he kept them informed and up-to-date on my condition. So.... since you asked..... here is my opinion, he is a wonderful, talented doctor and I am lucky enough to call him... my doctor.

When I first met Dr Lauter he had a ponytail (that I had read about from this site). He was very easygoing and very honest in the consultation. I felt immediately comfortable with him. I know he has since lopped off the ponytail (darn!) but he is just as great as ever. I have been dealing with Berlin in his office. She is always cheerful and friendly when you talk to her. She is really swamped (probably with all the appeals hoops she has to jump through for the insurance companies) so it can be hard to get her on the phone so you just have to be persistent. DON'T just leave a messsage and wait for her to call back. After you leave a message, you really need to follow up. Just keep in mind that all the work the office is doing on your behalf they are also doing for probably a dozen (at least) other patients.rn I was fortunate enough to witness his care and attention before / during / and immediately after surgery because a friend of mine had him as her surgeon. I was visiting her post op at the hospital when Dr Lauter came to visit her. He is caring and made sure she was comfortable. I am absolutely comfortable with him performing my surgery.rnrnrnrnrnrnrn<param name=\"AllowScriptAccess\" value=\"never\" /><PARAM NAME=movie VALUE=\"http://www.blingyblob.com/countUP/CountUP1.swf?year_in=2006&month_in=8&date_in=18&event=I BECAME A LOOOOOSER!\"> <PARAM NAME=loop VALUE=false> <PARAM NAME=menu VALUE=false> <PARAM NAME=quality VALUE=high> <PARAM NAME=bgcolor VALUE=FF3399> <EMBED src=\"http://www.blingyblob.com/countUP/CountUP1.swf?year_in=2006&month_in=8&date_in=18&event=I BECAME A LOOOOOSER!\" loop=false menu=false quality=high bgcolor=FF3399 WIDTH=\"250\" HEIGHT=\"190\" NAME=\"a\" ALIGN=\"\" TYPE=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" PLUGINSPAGE=\"http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer\"></EMBED><br><a href=\"http://www.blingyblob.com/countUP/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Get your own countUP at BlingyBlob.com</a>rnrnrnrn

Dr Lauter was kind, and accepting of my decision, but he was hesitant at first, which leads me to believe that he will not always conduct this surgery. He was very open about the risks, as well as the obvious benefits. He met with me and asked me a bunch of questions based on the packet his office had sent me, and my medical files that he requires before the appointment. Once those questions were answered, he went over a booklet he gives to all his patients, outlying the pre-op, hospital experience, and post-op. After that, he answered my list of 15 extensive questions, with real answers. He requires a psychological exam and a meeting with a nutritionist, both of whom are supposed to be experienced in bariatric surgery. In addition, because I have a thyroid disease, he requires an endocrinologist appointment. I felt well taken care of in this initial consult. The office staff was pleasant and willing to work with me to get all my paperwork in. Be prepared for this meeting- research is vital- I had researched for a month at least, and I still learned things. He only does the rouex-n-y surgery- he says its the safest and the most common. He told me how important aftercare was, and has an extensive program, of every three months for about 2 years. He was very informative, and I feel much safer about my surgery decision.

Someone on the local Washington forums mention Dr. Lauter and that they liked him.
I looked him up and didn’t find anything negative. So before I even knew if my insurance would cover the surgery I made an appointment and went to see Dr. Lauter.

I first met Dr. Lauter when I was trying to find out from a medical professional if I was even eligible for this surgery. I had done my research and I was pretty sure someone with a BMI of 66 was probably a candidate.

Dr. Lauter is a quiet and reserved but very open and friendly. My biggest complaint with most of the medical staff I come in contact with is that they are always rushing through things. I felt Dr. Lauter took his time with me, listened to my questions and concerns and then gave me a through description of the procedure he would recommend for me, the Roux-en-y gastric bypass.

He does require a consult with a psychologist and a nutritionist prior to surgery. There is also a list of medical tests which need to be done within 1 month of surgery. He does not have any pre-surgical weight loss requirements. He does give out a patient information manual which is divided into sections about the surgical procedure, what to do before surgery, what to expect in the hospital, and what to expect after surgery.

The aftercare is extensive, there are frequent follow-ups the first month after surgery, and there is a schedule for visits at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months after surgery. You are considered to be a patient for life.

I trust him completely and I would recommend him highly to anyone considering doing this.

My first impression of Dr. Lauter was of a very well educated Physician, that impression changed in that I found out in this website that he had more indepth education than I originaly thought. The staff in his office is attentive, caring and they went out of their way to accomidate my individual needs as a patient. There really isn't anything that I don't like about Dr. Lauter, although he encourages aftercare with a nutritionalist as well as some counseling ... I didn't see that as a priority for me. I am able to see him as often as I need to and if I have any questions, I call and within minutes am connected directly to him. He informed me of all risks as well as possible benefits of the different surgeries that he preforms, so that I could make an educated decision as to the surgery I chose to have. Overall I would rate him very high, infact I refered a friend to him who had her surgery a few weeks after mine. Not only is his competence impressive, his compassion was warm and comfy.

When I first met Dr. Lauter I thought he seemed very nice. He doesn't look anything like his picture. Has a ponytail now and looks more relaxed I think. Altho I am a child of the 60's and love the longer hair look. I have only seen him the one time. I have my pre op appt on Dec 1st and that will be my second time. Surgery scheduled for the 14th of Dec. That is the appointment I really want to ask him questions. I didn't have many the first time.
Both May and Berlin are great in the office and are very helpful when I call.

I decided on Dr. Lauter because he has the most experience with Laproscopic RNY's and that is what I want to do.

I'll let you all know how the pre-op goes.

UPDATE:
Definately 10 out of 10. His staff worked with me for 7 months to get all of the needed information and they were great about my calling 1-2 times a week to see if they had received the info. No pre-op diet/weightloss needed and also no restrictions after surgery. Pain was almost non-exhistant. I still have 3/4 a bottle of the liquid oxy. He also let me get my teeth filled the Mon after surgery. Dr. was great, answered all my questions. Highly recommended and I'll definately be sending him some business. In fact I've asked for some of his business cards to hand out to people. I've already given his # out to several people and to the Native Clinic where my PCP is. He has contacted both my PCP and my nutritionist to let them know how things went and for aftercare information.

1st POST:
He did everything any other WLS doctor would do I guess. He explained the surgery, along with the risks. He does Laprascopic RNY with a 100 cm bypass. He actually has a small book that his practice has written up for all the information you would need plus more. I also took in a question list of about 25 questions and he answered every one without any problems. He was nice and easy to feel comfortable with. His staff was great also and were able to contact my PCP office on the spot to get some of my medical records faxed up. His aftercare program requires a visit at 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. Since I live so far away he said that if I needed to see my PCP for any surgery related medical help he would just give him his personal number, and if anything went wrong after I had returned home to just have the ER/Dr./Clinic call him for help. To me that is a huge plus because my PCP doesn't have much experience with WLS.

Dr Lauter is great. Very personable, very interested in helping, and laid back. His office staff is very helpful as well. He seems to be just setting up his own practice, though he worked with a big office for a long time.

Dr Lauter was quite and knowlegable, he presented the facts with no frills and outlined the steps needed to get a surgery date. He seems to care greatly about his patients and is responsive if you call to ask a question. He encourages you to see a dietitian after surgery and you have regular office visits to check your progress. He also requires lab work on a regular basis.

He was very honest about the risks during and after surgery and didn't suagr coat any information. I would recommend him to anyone.

My first impression of Dr. Lauter was very positive. He is friendly, professional and was very open to answering my questions. I immediately felt comfortable in his presence. His office staff, Berlin and May are WONDERFUL, and so very patient. Dr. Lauter addressed the risks of surgery immediately and I really apprciate that.