John Wright, Jr. Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.


I've been trying to get an appointment with Dr. Wright since last October, 2000. My insurance has now even approved the surgery.
June 26, 2001--Last Friday, I got my surgery approved by my insurance company and called the office, but no one would even talk to me because they were having a party to welcome a new doctor. I was told to try to call again yesterday--June 25. Yesterday, I was told to fax a copy of the insurance approval to the office when I get it--THEN they'll give me a call--whenever, but there are 12-14 patients ahead of me (to be called, I guess). Basically--don't call us, we'll call you . . . . right now, my feelings are pretty hurt and I can't remember ever being so discouraged . . . . I thought getting approval from the insurance company would be the HARD part!
July 17, 2001
Been on vacation--still no word about a surgery date. I called Lisa again, and she says it's normal to have to wait over a year to get a surgery date. Still--I wish I could get some GENERAL IDEA. Just a possible MONTH date! Another doctor--Dr. O.K. Chung--says that Dr. Wright is a terrific doctor and human being. I have a lot of faith in Dr. Chung, and if she says he's a good person and doctor, I completely believe her! Just wish I could MEET him!
August 2, 2001
I've heard that WLS is becomming so popular that it takes forever to get an appointment for surgery. The GOOD thing about the waiting, is that you get plenty of time to REALLY THINK about what you are planning to do. Been thinking for almost a year now, and I'm still determined . . . . the chat room has helped a LOT, as well as looking at the before and after pics of people who have already gone through the surgery. I have high hopes for this surgery. I just wish I had a date to look forward to . . . .
November 21, 2001
My surgery was cancelled with about 10 hours to go. Dr. Wright had to do an emergency liver transplant, which is completely understandable. I pray that the transplant patient is doing well and will regain their health completely.
My problem is that I was told in such a cold, impersonal manner without any consideration for my feelings. Yes, I do understand about the liver transplant--absolutely. but haveing a surgery you've been waiting for for over a year cancelled is emotionally upsetting, no matter what the cause is. I was told coldly (after I managed to CONTACT them! They'd left a message with my daughter--and she didn't understand what they meant!) my surgery was canceled due to an emergency. That was it. Your surgery is cancelled due to an emergency. Nothing to soften the blow. Furthermore, I'm back at the back of the list waiting for a date to come open again. I tried to explain to Lisa how hard it was for me to make arrangements to be off--because I'm a teacher--I had to make 3 weeks of plans to keep 111 kids (jr. high!)
busy and LEARNING English while I'm out. She responded, "So does everybody else."
It does seem to me than after having waited a year for this surgery, then it being cancelled due to no fault of my own, that I could be placed in the next operation slot. Having to essentially "go to the back of the line" is killing me. It just doesn't "feel" fair. In short, I understand the cancellation, what I don't understand is the complete lack of consideration for my feelings in this matter--that basically, I get told--"Your surgery is cancelled, you're going to go to the back of the line and wait for another opening--get over it." That hurts, and it's hurting really bad.

I haven't met Dr. Wright. I won't meet him until Oct.24,2001. I phoned Lisa in his office. She was very helpful. She took my information over the phone. She called back to tell me that Dr. Wright would accept me as a patient. She sent me a package of information. I filled them out and sent them back. Lisa called back with a consultation date, a pre-op date, and a surgery date. I look forward to meeting with Dr. Wright. They do have a support group that meets on Fridays at the hospital. I have read about their aftercare program. It seems very important that you follow it. I have researched Dr. Wright's credentials. They appear to be great!
Met Dr. Wright today. He answered all my questions. I feel very good about my decision to use him. He seems very concerned about taking every step to assure his patients are well taken care of. He won't take any risks where his patients are concerned!!

My first impression was that he knew his stuff and I felt I could trust him. On my second visit, he reiterated that this surgery had risk and wasn't fool proof. Without my hard work to go with a successful surgery, it would not work as well.
Dr. Wright is a very good surgeon evidently. I'm still here and have been doing well for 9 days post-op. But honestly I only saw him once in the hospital and that wasn't for long, the day after the surgery. But his associates came by every day to check on me. This was fine with me, I guess they were his eyes and ears.

When I first met Dr. Wright I thought he was a bit hasty. When I then went back I realized this is just his way. He will take time with you and answer all questions that you may have. Just be prepared to wait he is in such demand for this it can take 5-6 months for a surgery date. He dosent sugar coat he tells it the way it is and if he thinks he or you will do any good with this surgery.

I CALLED LISA AND GAVE HER ALL THE INFO. MY WEIGHT, B.M.I. AGE, AND MY HEALTH PROBLEMS. IF DR.WRIGHT EXCEPTS ME SHE WILL CALL ME BACK FOR MORE INFO.
SEPTEMBER 5,2001 5:45
2 WEEKS AFTER I CALLED.
I WAS CLEANING OUT MY GARDEN POND(I HAD'NT DONE THIS ALL SUMMER)AND LISA CALLS! DR.WRIGHT HAS ACCEPTED ME AS A PATIENT :). I RAN IN THE HOUSE AND GAVE LISA MORE INFO AND SHE GAVE ME A DATE TO MEET DR.WRIGHT APRIL,5,2002 MAYBE SOONER IF I GET MY PAPERWORK IN.....LISE WAS REALLY NICE ON THE PHONE, SHE LAUGHED WHEN I TOLD HER I WAS OUTSIDE AND WOULD HAVE TO RUN INSIDE TO GET MY INFO:)

I had my surgery on 8/29/01 under a surgical team through VA hospital which is connected to the Vanderbilt University Hospital. I meet several team doctors and felt comfortable with all of them. Because I am a veteran I didn't have to go through the insurance game. Thank goodness. Once I was approved as a good canidate everything else fell into place. On my last consult the risks were covered very thourally and it was stressed that this was not a cure all. That I would have to be willing to make changes in eating habits and food preperation. The most important change needs to be deep with in me.