SC Obesity Surgery Center Bariatric Center

When I first considered this surgery, I was very skeptical. I went in and talked with Glen Strickland, MD about this surgery and found it to be something that really interested me. I like how he found me to be an individual and not just another patient. The staff at his office were equally helpful and professional. They were also willing to help with anything possible. Once I had the surgery and was in the hospital, it was sort of hard to find Dr. Strickland when I needed him because he is such a busy doctor. This would be the only downfall to my surgery because at first it's really hard to accept the changes that you are going through from this surgery. However, his office staff make themselves available for you to call in with any questions that you may have. Riverside Surgical, Dr. Strickland's office, has established a great program, as well as evaluations that will help you move through the changes that you will experience following this surgery. This program and the assetts therein have been really helpful in my success following my surgery. I would say that the program of the SC Obesity Surgery Center (Riverside Surgical) is a great program and is managed in a well and professional manner. Not only does this program follow strict rigor within itself but it is also endorsed by the ABS (American Bariatric Society). This program is really safe but as with any surgery, there are risks that one must be made aware of. This program addresses those issues and is effective with making sure there is comprehension with those risks. All manners of this program are great and I would recommend it to anyone.

At my first meeting, I felt he was a good and competent surgeon. After surgery with follow up visits, he did not fully answer my questions , or would tell me that the problems should subside. When I would call the office, I would sometimes wait a day or two for callbacks. I came in April of 2004 for pictures to be taken for the skin removal, and no letter was sent to the insurance company to have this submitted. The office person handling claims stated that this had been done, however I found out in June this had never been submitted at all. I tried to discuss this with her, and she became very hostile and hung up on me. When I finally spoke with Dr. Strickland himself, I was paying Cobra premiums which approved my first surgery, and he advised me to drop this insurance since I already had BCBS, and just allow the BCBS to take over, and let it get approval through them. Within 2 weeks, I was notified that the claim was denied as an exclusion to my policy. After that incident, when I would call, the office staff was very short with me, or no one from the office would return my calls, and I am now under the care of my family physician and a gastroenterologist for underlying problems from the surgery. This is my own personal experience, as I cannot speak for the experience others have had with Riverside Surgical Group or Dr. Strickland and his staff.

Well, I was first introduced to Dr.Givens at the semeinar. I was so impressed and comfortable with his presentation that I decided to schedule my 1st visit with Dr. Strickland. If my feelings were equally impressive with Dr. Strickland as they were with Dr. Givens, then I knew that I wanted to have my surgery @ Lexinton Memorial. When Dr. Strickland entered the room, he greeted my mom and me with a handshake and left nothing to our imagination about the good and the bad about WLS. He gave us an oppurtunity to ask ?'s..I felt so comfortable and I still feel comfortable and confident that I have made the right decision. The staff has been great also. They have followed through with all of my test and paperwork. I have not really had to do anything much in getting approved with Companion. They have definately been a Godsent to me. Dr. Strickland has mentioned some aftercare but the majority of it should be explained when I go for my pre-op/assessement in September. I really believe that surgical competence and bedside manner are a big issue when it comes to any kind of surgery or for whatever reasons you are placed in a hospital. Responding with empathy really means a lot.

I think Dr. Strickland is an excellent surgeon and his staff is always very helpful and knowledgeable. If they don't know the answer to a question, they find out and call me back.





I would have to say, though, that Dr. Strickland and Dr. Given don't get very high marks for their "bedside manner". The three days I was in the hospital, I probably only saw them a total of 4 minutes!
Neither of them even looked at my drainage.
Dr. Givens was the one who was on duty when I was released. He literally was backing out of the room when I was trying to ask questions. I know this is "old hand" to them - but this was scary and new for me!! For all the money they will be getting for this, I think they could afford to be a little more caring.

Having said that, though, I would highly recommend them to someone else. I had virtually no pain and everything, so far, has gone very smoothly (knock on wood!!).

First impression of Dr. Strickland was good. He seemed well informed and compassionate. He stressed the imporance of after care and having preliminary tests to insure that I am a candidate for surgery. The office staff was friendly and willing to help. His nurse Amanda is very helpful also.
Update: I have been busy trying to get approved with my insurance company for SEVERAL months.. and I have not heard from the doctors office. I did think I would get a call just to touch base with me to see how things are going.. but I have not. All that asside I am convienced that Dr. Strickland is a great surgeon.

2 years later..... I now am ready to try again for my approval, and have been in touch with Dr. Strickland's office. They seem as compitent and friendly as I remember!!
POST OP- after my surgical experience I can honestly say I could not wish for a more competent or compassionate surgeon.
Gall bladder removal 1 year post op. After meeting with Dr Strickland to ahve my gall bladder removed he told me his schedule was too full, and to pick one of his partners to do the surgery, and so I did. The day before the removal surgery, Dr Strickalnd's office calls and tells me he would be doing the surgery, and changed my date. My impression of Dr. Stricklanmd after this was somewhat altered, and decided to follow up from my gall bladder surgery with another surgeon.
I have developed a large hernia, and my insion from gall bladder surgery took 5 months to heal. When I had to go see Dr Strickland about my hernia repair he told me he couldn't fix it. This was the first indication that he wasn't willing to fix me. From the first indication of my hernia he told me he would fix it when he did my tummy tuck. He had no idea of who could help me with my hernia, and had no surgeon referal for me to follow up with. I felt as though I was "left out in the cold" so to speak.
I Truly belieeve that Dr Strickland is a good WL surgeon, but some how feel I fell between the craks. Most of his patients that have met Love him, and have no complaints with him whatsover.

Dr. Givens came across as very open in regards to what they did, what patients they had lost and what they had changed to try to assure they didn't lose any more for the same reasons. His entire staff has been very helpful and straight forward, which I prefer in a professional. Aftercare seemed to be very important to him as well as having an informed patient. He answered any questions I asked immediately and didn't beat around the bush. He openly discussed the risks of the surgery. His frankness may not be appreciated by others, but that was important to me. As I have only been for my consultation, I reserve the right to add any further comments, both positive and negative.
Update - still very happy with my choice. His entire office staff has been very professional and helpful throughout this entire process so far. Good with call backs and relaying information. Grade them an A+ so far.

Dr Givens was absolutley awesome. (more to come)

All I can say is he is an excellent doctor in my oppion. I am very pleased with Dr. Givens!!
He is awesome before and after.From 1 to 10 I would have to say he exceeds a 10!!

My 1st impression of Dr. Strickland was that he was very capable, straight forward, did not candy coat anything he gave you all the facts.
My impression of him has not changed overtime.
Office staff is very friendly and helpful.
There was not anything that I did not like about him.
Future patients should know they are in good hands.
The office has a very structured after care program including support group, check ups and have been there to answer any questions.
Dr. Strickland was very straight forward about the risks of surgery and he certainly did not pull any punches.
On a scale of 1-10 I would give Dr. Strickland and 11.
I think both are great but would certainly prefer compentence.

My first impression of Dr.Givens was that he was very patient and kind. He took the time to listen and to talk to me. He also drew a diagram of what would happen to the stomach during surgery on my paper as he explained the surgery. I thought he was very positive and very professional. I can tell his bed side manners are going to be great. his nurse and office staff was great. Everyone was very kind. He did go over the risks of surgery. I am very happy that I chose him for my Dr. I believe it will be worth my 2 hr. drive from home to have him do my surgery.