Eric Thoburn Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I originally met with Dr Thoburn, but there was a problem with my insurance and his practice. So, now I have an appointment for August 20th with Dr Overcash. **UPDATE***LORDY,.. honestly, I dont know who my surgeon is gonna be.... Looks like my insurance will pay for Dr T afterall. I feel like I am on Mr Toads Wild Ride. Patrick in the office has assured me BCBS has agreed to pay them if I am approved. When I met with Dr T back in May he was great, he answered my questions and told me what procedure he does and gave me realistic goals. Now, I am basically just waiting for apporoval.

May 15/02 Dr. Thoburn was a very nice, to the point younger man. He didn't beat around the bush or candy coat anything. He told me like it is. I'm that kind of person also, so I appreciated that in him. He has very knowledgable, friendly office staff, but they move a bit slower than I would like. Just from my own personal research and speaking with patients in his office, I feel he is very competent and one of the best in the biz. The lady from my insurance medical review board said Thoburn is the best in Florida. I will update after my next pre-op visit. July 16/02 Had last pre-op appointment to go over test results. It's a go! The more I see of Dr. Thoburn, the more I like him. He did explain the surgery isn't a cure all, I have to do my part and there are risks with this surgery. But, I feel very confident being in his care. FYI - When I was at the hospital doing the pre-op tests, ALL the nurses ranted and raved over how great Dr. Thoburn is. That really made me feel good about being under his care. I also think his aftercare program is wonderful. I will be following up with them for 18 months.

My first impression of him was that he is very professional and upfront on the entire surgery and held nothing back.
His office staff was very helpful except for one problem but that was taken care of.
I just think that Dr. Thoburn is totally knowledgable about this surgery and goes into extreme detail in explaining the pros and cons to let you know what to expect.
In closing, He is my hero!!!!

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.

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.

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!!!!

My 1st meeting was with Dr. Groom who was going to be my surgeon ( I was very impressed with him) but I was later notified that Dr. Thoburn was taking over Dr. Groom's patients. I have not met him but plan to do so on my Aug 20th pre-op review. Dr. Groom had assured me that all the surgeons in this clinic were equally qualified and all follow the same procedure performing the surgery so they can work as a team for the best patient care available.
I met Dr. Thoburn on Aug.20th, I immediately liked him, he reviewed all my pre-op testing and answered my questions. I found him very easy to talk with.
My surgery was Aug.27th, I can't praise Dr. Thoburn and the staff of North FL Reg. enough, my care was professional and compassinate. I have my 1st post op visit next week...so far I am doing great!