Pre-op Seminar @ Good Sam, Not So Good

It seems reasonable to expect a wls seminar to provide as much information as possible to help people make an informed decision.  It is also an opportunity to see the surgeon in another arena.  Not all are public speakers, but that being said, it would seem a bit unprofessional for a surgeon to present while his daughter was sitting and waiting for him in the same room.  Let's not see this forum become a place we are not free to be honest about our experiences without being ridiculed.  Each of us probably feel we had the best surgeon.  In fact, I do hope that is the case.

I did my seminar at Good Sam. Dr Fang was the presenter. While he speaks very quietly, he was great at addressing any questions or concerns. I left feeling very comfortable with him and knew from there he was my guy. I've now been to two post op classes at Good Sam and the ladies there do a great job answering everyone's questions.  I do agree with everyone else as far as we all feel strongly about our surgeons. After all we each trusted them with our lives.   :-) If you do attend one seminar and leave not feeling satisfied, definately look at other places. This is a huge decision and you want to feel confident in the doctor and your program.  Good luck to any new-bes    :o)

You totally rock!  I LOVE your postive post!  ......I"ve been staying out of this thread cuz I have some definite opinions on who I think does great  WLS, who has amazing programs and who presents both of those pieces well.....and, Dr. Villares isn't at the top of the list BUT.....that being said, I can't think of a more "human" reason in the world to be distracted and perhaps "short" than to have one's small precious daughter sitting in the back of the room waiting!  ......  Holy Cow!  Maybe he had a family emergency? 

Hi Joyce, Im glad you posted! I was wondering what your thoughts on this issue was. Thanks for informing us!

Yeah, I have no idea why his daughter was there. I hope there was no emergency involved!

"If you do attend one seminar and leave not feeling satisfied, definately look at other places. This is a huge decision and you want to feel confident in the doctor and your program." Very well said!  

One of my favorite times was watching you bounce all over the valley visiting every doctor to find the one that put you at ease and made you feel confident. I think everyone learned from your journey back then.  

Ohhhh How do I remember those days! Seems like such a long time ago!. I put sooo many miles on my van it wasnt even funny! Goodness the time I had involved in my bouncing around! But u know something? Im glad I did it. I went and eye to eye one on one spoke to every Dr. I felt could be a possible WLS for me. Im blessed to have made the choice I had.... Dr. J  Hate the area of the hospital Ill give u that. But the RN's seemed good and I really had no issues other then some gas. I spent 3 days in a private room and I really had to use my voice ONCE with the RN's before they knew they better stay on top of me. lol I had Dr. J on the 5th fl durning the day. The hospital is old. But the people running it and working inside seem to care. Most of them that is. Dr. J has been a dream. I couldnt ask for a better doctor. ONE THAT I CAN TALK WITH WHO CALLS BACK AND ONE I CAN SEE WITH MY OWN EYES WHEN I GO FOR MY APPT'S. He has been great!

I didn't know Dr. Fang also operated out of Good Sam - that's great to know! I guess they all sorta trade off with the pre-op seminars, eh? Anyhow, I wholeheartedly agree with you!

At the WLS seminar I attended for Dr. Villares I didn't have the same impression. Perhaps you got him on an off day and I got him on a good day.