Ernest Rehnke Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Dr. Rehnke may not specialize in bariatric procedures BUT he is a terrific surgeon. He did a marvelous job on both my sister and me. He didn't have a structured support group when I first had the surgery, BUT HAS ONE NOW! I was very happy with his answers to my questions pre-op. I really feel that he cares about his patients.
I would recommend that you follow up with your own personal physician on a regular basis to check your blood chemistry etc.

UPDATE: Dr. Rehnke now has a support group that meets once a month. Call his office for details (727-345-2929)! I highly recommend attending an in-person support group pre-op as well as post-op...there's nothing like accountability to keep you on track, and helping others on their journey is a great feeling too!

I have my first consultation with Dr Rehnke tomorrow August 31, I will update then.
*Sept 2, 2000* I saw Dr Rehnke on Thursday the 31. I was impressed with his office and his staff. The office was nicely decorated and very clean; something that matters to me! and his staff was wonderful. Dr. Rehnke came in and sat down with me and talked at length about the risks as well as the benefits of the surgery. I appreciated the fact that he talked to me, not at me. He asked if I had questions and when I pulled my huge list out, he smiled and answered every single question. His staff is great! I explained that we would be moving from florida soon and the surgery co-ordinator assured me that she would do everything possible to rush the process along. His office had already called me the very next day but we were on our way back to Key West (a 7 hr drive). So I will have to wait until tuesday to find out the good news! I am very pleased with all of them! *Sept 5*I got my good news, I was re-approved in 1 day. The day after my consult, Patty called Tricare and was given my approval over the phone. These guys are the best. She didn't have to go to that trouble for me, she could have just sent my forms in and made me wait the 4-5 weeks it normally takes. I am just beside myself with happiness. Nov 8 Dr. Rehnke has support meetings but I now live in Virgina so that is out. I am still very happy with Dr. R. I think that he did a wonderful job and his bedside manner was terrific!

My initial meeting went very well. I'm not used to seeing doctors so as usual I was very nervous.My sister was able to go with me so that helped alleviate some of my nervousness. Once I met him though I was immediately put as ease. He came across as very competent, gentle and a genuinly caring man. Everyone in his office was just as nice. Several times I've called to check on things and when Patty was not in, she must of been paged from the office because she always called me back--possible from home. Now,I found that to be top-of-the-line service. I am very please that I chose this surgeon and that he has a very competant staff working for him and his patients.I attended his October(2000)meeting that is conducted monthly, it was very informative and I enjoyed hearing from others that are at all different stages:pre-ops,post-ops and ones like me, awaiting surgery.

NOTE: Dr. REHNKE"S NEW NUMBER 727-344-0640


10/04/99 I have my first appointment with Dr. Rehnke on October 25, 1999.

10/25/99 Well I meet with Dr. Rehnke and all went well. He is a very nice person and the office staff was wonderful. When I got to the office I had to fill out paper work. I then went back and spoke for about 20 minutes with one of the assistants. After about a 5 minute wait Dr. Rehnke came in and spoke to me about the surgery and answered all of the questions I had. Dr. Rehnke will ask that you see a psychologist. They recomended Dr. Lindsey who is in the same building as Dr. Rehnke. He was also very nice and I enjoyed my visit with him as well.

First impression was great.
Office staff was great.
Nothing not to, like very honest.

12/31/99

I had my surgery with DR. Rehnke on 12/10/99. He did a wonderful job. Dr. Rehnke or his nurse Julie stop by to see me everyday and made sure I had all of the comforts of home. It even looks as if my scars is going to heal up nicely. If you live in the area and are looking for someone to perform your surgery I recommed Dr. Rehnke and his office. They are GREAT! These are my opinions and yours may differ from mine.

I am now 2 months out and have lost 65 pounds.

10 Months post and have lost 197 pounds I still love Dr. R.....

-Will be meeting with him on October 28th.

-Met with Dr Rehnke... was very comfortable with him. Now I am in the process of collecting all the information that is needed so they can send paperwork to insurance.

-Have been dealing with insurance. What a wait game. I have realized that I have absolutely no patience. I was scheduled for Jan 25th but have had to postpone it because the insurance has not approved it yet. So my new TENTATIVE surgery date is March 7th. I CAN'T WAIT. The surgeons office has been wonderful. Patty has helped me sooooo much.

-Finally I have been approved. My official surgery date is MARCH 7th.

-Met with the surgeon one last time before surgery. My mom went with me. She was very impressed with Dr Rehnke. So now on to pre-op testings.... so many of them.

-OK, I am done with testings.... I am just waiting for the date to arrive. YEAH!!!

-Well it has been a little over 6 months. Life has changed dramatically. Not only have I lost 151 pounds. But I needed to have a full hysterectomy (due to cancer in the uterus). So I opted to have Dr Rehnke operate. I think that he is the best surgeon ever.... and I thank God everyday that he put Dr Rehnke in my life. I am home now recuperating from the hysterectomy surgery. Oh, Dr Rehnke went ahead and did a panni at the same time.

I have found Dr Rehnke to be patient, understanding and gentle. He answers all questions and doesn't get annoyed or impatient. I first met my surgeon 12/99 and 3/00. The pre op visit (4/00)and surgury date of 5/01/00 are not expected to be any different because he is a great guy. Surrounding a good surgeon has to be a support team and Dr Rhenke has chosen a caring and knowledgeable registered nurse,insurance clerk,receptionist,psychologist and nutritionist. All team members are of high caliber. Just initiated is a Surgery Support Group which will have their 2nd meeting 4/29/00 at 1pm in the professional bldg 1609 Pasadena Ave St Petersburg, Fl. This first monthly gastric support meeting consisted of over an hour of questions/answer discussion with the surgeon, discussion of behavior changes as related to food from the psychologist and a talk from the nutritionist about dietary foods related to gastric surgery. I feel grateful to this website with patient comments in directing me to the office of Dr. Rehnke. This is my personal experience and hopefully continue throughout my surgery and aftercare.

I first met Dr.Rehnke in October 1999,at my initial consultation. He is a wonderful man & I am glad that he is going to be my surgeon. His entire staff is great--especially Patti. She really went out of her way for me when I had problems with my insurance company & even called me when she wasn't in the office. I feel confident having Dr.Rehnke preform my surgery. He was highly recommended to be bt many people & I have heard so many good things about him. ...only 10 more days of waiting to go.

I met with Dr. Rehnke a couple weeks ago. He seemed very nice and patient. He went through everything with me and referred for a psych eval. I'm really very happy with him so far. Patty (asst.) is great too.

i have decided to go with dr rehnke. have heard alot of good things about him. will call to tomorrow to setup an appointment.8/8/00

I felt very comfortable with Dr. Rehnke and his staff. He had a good sense of humor and came very highly recommended by another well respected surgeon. He took the time to answer all my questions. He didn't visit often in the hospital. He and his office are in the process of creating a better after care program. I would highly recommend Dr. Rehnke.