Stanley Deturis Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Dr. DeTurris is very conservative with respect to having the surgery. I went to the initial visit accompanied by my father who is an internal medicine physician, just so my dad could ask all the questions that I might not think about. Dr. DeTurris warned us that there are complications that can occur and what those problems could be, and that I could expect to lose only about 100 lbs, even though I was over 160 lbs over my "old" stable weight. If I wasn't already fairly convinced that I wanted the surgery, then he may have scared me off. I appreciated the fact that he was not glossing over the risks with this major surgery, and esp. appreciated that he took the time to answer questions without making us feel rushed.
I would recommend Dr. DeTurris without reservation to anyone interested in this surgery. He is not greedy and has turned down patients who are not mature enough for the surgery. He did an excellent job with the surgery, and took the time to answer questions pre and post-op, as did his office staff.

1/21/03 I found a surgeon in St Petersburg that excepts Medicaid, and I'm waiting for approval from Vocational Rehab to see Dr. Deturis, I rather see him, he's only an hour away.
7/29/02 Sorry Guys but he wasn't just having a bad day, I received a call today from Dr. Overcash's office that they will no longer be excepting Medicaid because it's just to hard for them to get approved. I asked them if they even cared about how badly I and others needed the surgery and if they would even try, Patrice said no that it was to risky for them to try. What's to risky? there time been wasted? So, I'm out of a doctor again. PLEASE HELP!!!
6/20/02 I met with Dr. Oversash today, have to say I wasn't impressed, maybe it's because I have Medicaid and he doesn't feel I'll get approved, but he was very rude to me. First I waited one hour to see him, then he acted though I'm taking up to much of his time. He didn't read my records, or my letter from my doctor. He just started by explaining that if Medicaid gave him a hard time or didn't approve it on the first try that he would not do the surgery and that they'll no longer except any new Medicaid patitents because they only pay 1/3 of what regular insurance companys pay. He only ask me 4 questions, I was in there 5 minutes then he was showing me the door. After travling two hours and spending the night there, I felt as though I had wasted my time. So everyone please keep me in your prayers that I be approved easily. I was also told that I have to have a pshcylogical evoluation send in the results and wait. I would like to add that most of his staff is wonderful, nice and very pleasant to talk to. After looking back on the experience maybe he was just having a bad day, because it was pack full of people.
5/28/02 I finaly found a surgeon that still accepts Medicaid. I've made an appointment with his office and also had an referral sent there. Just by my first intial phone conversation I found his staff to be very pleasant and helpful, there was an older woman that didn't know very much and put me on hold forever, but I called back an I got someone else that stayied on the phone with me for 30 minutes answering all my questions. The thing to know is as of 5/13/02 I believe his office is the only the that takes out of county Medicaid. There are a couple in Gainesville that still accept it, but you have to live in their county and their not taking any new patents.

I was supposed to see Dr, Thoburn, but chose to see Dr. Deturris since he had earlier appointments available. He is the newest surgeon in this group. I was very impressed! Since I knew a lot about the surgery already, he cut right to the chase. He explained the different surgeries they perform and the benefits and risks of each of them. He discussed in great detail the various risks associated with WLS and made sure I had a clear understanding of what I was commiting to. He encouraged me to ask questions and stressed the importance of having open communication with him both before and after surgery. What I really like about this office is that you do not just have the surgery and then are on your own. It is required that you see a dietician at each visit and receive nutritional counseling for a total of 18 months. I feel more comfortable having guidance as to what I can/cannot eat or should/should not eat after surgery instead of going into it with blinders on. The office staff was wonderful! They are very easy to talk to and treat you like a person and not an OBESE person!

My post-op opinion of Dr. Deturris is 100+ better than my pre-op. He is such a compassionate and caring surgeon and I do not think I could have made it through all of my complications without him. He was there every step of the way and did not leave me in the hands of anyone else. He is such a true blessing! :)

My first impression of him, was very serious but knowledgeable, thorough and straight to the point. He explained everything in great detail, we spent at least 30 minutes together during my initial consult and when he was done he asked if I had any questions and answered all of them. Dr. Deturis did an excellent job on my surgery and was there to check on me every day at the hospital, sometimes twice daily. God bless him. The staff was very patient and friendly. They strongly emphasize aftercare and carefully following instructions after surgery. The staff is very helpful. For the first 2 weeks LuAnne would call daily to check on my progress(liquid intake, temperature, pain, anything unusual, etc.) and would give very detailed instructions on what to do. This is hands down the best obesity surgery group in North Florida!

I met with Dr. Deturris and his staff on May 24, 2002. I found him to be a very professional man. He answered all of my questions and took the time to go over everything with me. While he is not the most experienced surgeon in the practice, it is their policy that there is two surgeons involved in every bypass surgery.I also met with the dietician and they emphasized the importance of following the doctors orders. They try to tailor an aftercare program for each individual.

Dr DeTurris is the newest member of the Surgery Center for Obesity Surgery in Gainesville. My first impression was that he was a little stiff but he warmed up with a little prodding. I have a tendency to make little jokes when I'm nervous. During my first visit, he was very straight forward and pretty much all business. He thoroughly explained the procedure including pros and cons. In fact, he said he felt his job was to try and talk me out of the procedure. This was to make sure he fully informed me of all potential risks and the commitment I was making in the long run. His office staff was very helpful and courteous. They work very well as a team. A staff nurse does preliminary weighing and measuring, etc. You then meet with the dietician. He seems very knowledgeable and committed to your health and well being, and sticks with you before and after surgery. Luann goes over all the procedural details about insurance and pre-op testing and answers any questions. Shirley is the person who coordinates filing the insurance paperwork and she was great! There is a very structured aftercare program designed to follow you for 18 months. Very professional!
I feel very confident in Dr. DeTurris' hands. He indicated that there are always two surgeons in the operating room during your procedure. My surgery is scheduled in two days. I'll have to let everyone know after surgery about my surgical and recovery experiences.

Dr. Deturis is very nice and straight forward. I appreciated his thoroughness and no nonsense approach when discussing the benefits and risks. He has a very good reputation and is very concerned for his patients with every aspect, both mental and physical, of the surgery. His staff is fabulous--I cannot say enough about them. They handled everything quickly and efficiently. I did not have to hound them or stay on them. Dr. Deturis' is very serious about our aftercare. If we are not willing to follow the program of care then he does not feel we are ready for the surgery. Overall I would give him and his staff a 9.