Barry Haicken Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

I am a debate coach so I researched the surgeons in my area pretty thoroughly. The one name of a superior bariatric surgeon that kept coming up was Barry Haicken. So I decided that he would be my surgeon (that and the fact that he went to medical school where my father did!). I've never been unhappy with my choice. Although Dr. Haicken has retired since my surgery, I'm happy with the docs who bought his practice. My questions are answered and my fears allayed when I call. I am following my STRICT aftercare program carefully and I feel good. My only negative comment would be that I didn't get to see Dr. Haicken as much as I would have liked. The surgeon taking over his practice visited me twice in the hospital, but Dr. Haicken didn't. He did call, though. The only appointments I actually had with Dr. Haicken were my last pre-op appointment and my 6 week post-op. But he did my surgery and he did it beautifully and that's what really counts to me.

I had my first appointment on 8/15/03. I met with his nurse. I watched a video then talked with her. She went over my health history. She was nice. I had to sign an agreement stating that if I called their office I would have to pay a 10.00 fee . They feel that there are enough support out there that you can get answers from place's like Obesityhelp.com.
She had given me script's for the testing. They do not want info until you have All of the results. Then you can mail them or hand carry them.
You must follow their rules or else.
I was a little disappointed that I did not get to meet the doctor.
They are very business like and you are to do as they say........No Bones about it.
Please note this is my own personal impression & feelings.
Jan 15, 04
I met Dr. Haicken and he seems to be a highly knowledgeable doctor. I was approved by him for the surgery. So that means that my health is good.
April 09,04
SH-h-h-h-h-h my date is a secret.When I got to the hosp to get my filter in. They had requested a surgery date. I told them I had none.
They asked for me to call Dr, Haicken's office and get a date. The girl that answered the phone was rude. She told me that when I get my filter in they will give me a date. I tried to explain that I am at the Hosp., waiting to go in but they said they need a date.
She went on about the importance of the filter. Well DUHHHHHHHHHHHH. then she took my name and number and told me somebody will call me. I hoped I didn't get charged $10.00 to get chewed out.....lol.
Now here I am in recovery. the doctor came by to check on me and asked me if I had a date for them yet. I told them it had to be top secret. He then told his nurse to have me call before I leave. Oh NO NOT THIS AGAIN.
Well I called and again. Got the same treatment. I tried to explained that the doctor (that put the filter in) wanted a date before I left today and it was not me.
The nurse standing there was so shocked to hear what was said.
I don't understand why they have to be so rude. If it wasn't for the Obese these little office girls would not have a job.
MAY 10,2004
Well now since I have had the surgery. The office staff is nicer. I don't know maybe they had an off day.
Words can't express the feeling that I feel for Dr. Haicken. He is giving me back my life. Oh! I even have a pretty incission. If there is a such. LOL..... It isn't too bad at all. At this point I even had little pain. So far all is well. DR.HAICKEN I LOVE YOU..... THANK YOU.
May 24, 2004
Had staples removed & even the bar that Dr. Haicken puts in. All is well and yes I have found a new freedom. "No More Staples".
Oh I feel so much better.

I was very pleased by Dr Haicken's knowledge and ability to explain in layman's terms. During my pre-op period he was very helpful. His thoroughness in pre-op tests gave me the utmost confidence in his being sure that "all bases were covered" and no underlying difficulties would arrise. As a matter of fact, it was through his testing that I discovered I had Sleep Apnea, Acid Reflux and Diabetes (blood sugar 325). I was able to get the medical attention I needed prior to surgery.

During the surgical proceedure, he found that my stomach would not accept staples, so he hand stitched my stomach. And when I had a low grade fever during the first few days, came in on his weekend off to open me back up to find the problem was a couple spots of staff infection.

His care, concern and professionalism has made me highly recommend him to other persons I know that are considering surgery.

I did not have anything negative to say about Dr Haicken, but I must say my stay at Morton Plant Hospital was pretty awful, especially during the evening hours. If it weren't for my daughter being my advocate when I couldnt speak for myself, I don't know what would have happened. Besides the Staff infection, I also developed fluid in my right lung. I had 6oo cc removed the first time and 1,000 cc the second time. I had to be discharged to a Rehab center for two weeks, then sent home on oxygen.

My first impression of Dr. Haicken was that he knew what he was doing and loves helping us to loss weight. This Dr. is so very busy, but finds time to visit our support group for a hour monthly. He also beings guest speakers of interest to all.
I can't think of anything that I dislike about this wonderful Dr.
Things to know, have your s**t together. Like I said he's a very busy man. If you don't care for him he has two other Dr.s that work with him with as much or more experience.
He's the KING of aftercare, that was one of the reasons I went to him. He's aftercare is very structured, he even has a little test after you watch his video tape. All the risks are in the tape. He repeats them many times, you will know them inside and out.
I would rate him the best in this business. He is great in both surgical competence and bedside manner. He is a caring and concerned Dr. about our recovery and weight loss.

Dr. Haicken is a very kind and compassionate man and a very skilled surgeon. His office staff have always been wonderful to me. He's extra cautious on what he requires in the way of preop testing. This is a good thing. On patients that have a BMI over 50 he requires an IVC filter put in at least 3 weeks before the surgery. He has separate support group meetings for his RNY and DS patients because their needs are different from each other. On your first visit to his office you meet with his Nurse Practioner Chris who is also wonderful. You watch a video tape describing both surgical procedures, RNY and DS and the risks associated with the procedure and possible complications after surgery. He orders home health care for you upon discharge from the hospital. On a scale of 1-10 he is definitely a 10. As far as surgical competence and bedside manner, he has both. I can't say enough wonderful things about him. Thank you Dr. Haicken for your wonderful skill and putting me back on the road to getting my life back.

!!!! DOES NOT DO LAP !!!!!!
Pre-surgery: My first impression was a pleasant but hurried man. I was disappointed that I didn't get all of my questions answered. I had an entire list(about 8 questions) and only got through less than half before he was out the door. I have seen many positive posts about this surgeon making him out to sound so wonderful. This and the fact that he advertised Laparoscopic WLS is why I chose him! I was hoping to meet THAT wonderful man, but have not yet.
He advertises on Obesityhelp.com as doing Laparoscopic gastric bypass, however he DOES NOT DO LAP! I went through most of my pre-testing for him, then at one of his meetings found out that he does not do lap. By then I felt it was too late to change surgeons and possibly have to go through the entire process of pre-testing again as my insurance was about to stop covering WLS in January (three months later),even though I really wanted LAP WLS.
Post Surgery: This doctor did not visit me in the hospital at all. Someone I had never met nor even knew existed peeked into my door in the hospital twice claiming to be there as a representative of Dr. Haicken. (I still don't know who he was) I had no warning that there would be a subsitute doctor in the hospital. I saw this surgeons nurse three times post surgery before I got to see the surgeon himself at 6 weeks post op. I walked into the office in a GREAT mood, I was so happy and proud of myself. I sang to the radio the entire way to the office, which is an hour and one half drive for me.
He berated me, told me that I was going to fail, not lose the weight and all my hair was going to fall out. I had JUST gotten over the flu when I finally got to see him and he judged my entire 6 weeks on just two meals that he didn't like that I had. When he first walked in, he noted the weight loss on my chart (-34 pounds)and said "Greeeeeat" then suddenly after he heard about my last two meals (oyster cracker in a.m. due to flu and veggie lasagna night before) suddenly my weight loss was no longer good enough. Because I am a "slow loser", he said that my weight loss is proof that I am not following HIS diet. He was totally wrong in his judgement of me and his treatment of me. I left the office crying, humiliated and my self esteem was crushed. I don't get upset easily. Bad Day for the doctor? Possibly, but still no excuse for such treatment.
I cannot in good conscience say nothing about my poor treatment from this surgeon. I hope no one else has to suffer the humiliation that I did. I plan to go back for my next visit in July at 7.5 months (6 month follow up), I don't have to see the doctor, only the nurse. I expect my treatment to be better. My husband said he will not allow me to go to that doctor again without his being present.
***6 month visit***
This appointment was scheduled at my 6 week appointment but my 6 month appointment was actually scheduled for 7 months post op. It was very rainy and I had to wade through calf deep water to get into the office! But was OK with that. I saw the nurse, Chris and she seemed thrilled with my weight loss. I had lost 100 pounds at that point and now (at 9 months P.O.) I have lost 117. I see the actual doctor at my next appointment at 12 months post op in December. We'll see if he is as thrilled with my weightloss.

I liked him right away



Very professional





Very, very, firm about taking appropriate care of yourself

Yes, an extensive program for us to follow

They scared the hell out of me

Excellent

both

I have my consult on Thursday May 12th, 2005...I went to the Bypass Buddies support group ran by Dr Haicken's patients on May 14th...Dr Haicken was there and answered questions. I truly liked his personality and he answered all questions very well so that they could be understood not in Dr terms...lol..can't wait to have my consult with him to actually speak to him one on one...

I was impress with Dr. Haicken's knowledge and his heart for his patients. His office staff is very nice.They are very cool about answering your questions. I really love the fact that Dr. Haicken has his own web site and he constantly checks and replies to posts.I am praying for insurance approval so He can do my surgery.

Had my first visit in his office on 10-11-04 went threw Introduction and Overview. with Christine Craig.ARNP. I found the staff to be very nice. I have not met Dr Haicken yet but hope to meet him soon.