Nervous about Dr. Barba as my Surgeon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hmmmm. I just checked on a surgeon i know has pending suits and just recently got his privileges reinstated (they were revoked for being a butcher) and his record show clean on the site, so i would have very little faith in it. So like it says on that site you still need to be careful when choosing a surgeon. I will ask mine straight up with a witness. Hopefully he tells the truth.

I also know of a pediatric surgeon that had some offense against him and he made a deal with the state of CT not to renew his license in CT and he wouldn't have marks against his record. So, these lists aren't always truthful, but misleading as well. Ask the doctor outright. At Dr Aranow's seminar,someone came right out and asked, how many deaths have you had due to WLS and how many complications? He had no problem answering them. Paula

You have to be comfortable with your surgeon - that is very important. I felt very confident in Dr. Barba's abilities. I can't say that I appreciated going through the process with his office because when I was in the process for my surgery they were going through a move of the office and then they completely got a new staff - both of these issues were difficult times. I was upset when I first found out that Honor would be doing all my follow up visits for my fills because she didn't have the experience that Dr. Barba had, but now I am okay with the set-up, Honor knows what she's doing as far as giving me my fills (or unfills). I have not had any complications (thankfully) so I have never had to go through what Bree and April did recently with getting someone to respond to them (no excuses - it is not right to treat people that way). As a surgeon I believe Dr. Barba knows what he is doing. You have very valid reason to question what you've read and I think directly talking to Dr. Barba and other Dr.'s would help you feel at ease with your decision. It is very important for you to begin your journey with as much confidence as possible. You are wise to address your concerns head on. I would also talk to the office manager of Dr. Barba's practice and tell her what you've read here on this site and see what she has to say. If they don't have the time to give you before the surgery to help you gain confidence, in my opinion, it will speak volumes. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide. Tammy

Thank you everyone *****sponded to my posting. It has given me several ideas in how to handle my fear. I will try to speak with Dr. Barba and see what he has to say. I think when a patient calls with a concern someone should get them help as soon as possible. Again thank you all God Bless you. Kathi

I can't say that I agree with the statment that you 'tend to hear the negative and not the positive' which someone else stated... If that's so- then why not just choose someone that you don't hear negative about? Look- the bottom line is this- if you're feeling nervous and you HAVEN'T researched other surgeons (which in my opinion you should have before you decided on a surgeon) then you need to put the breaks on and start the process to get in on some info sessions for other doctors. You've got to trust your gut and do your research. Most importantly, you have to trust your surgeon with YOUR LIFE. Because, that's what you're doing- you're literally handing them your life. NEVER NEVER NEVER settle for a surgeon just because you've already gone through the process or they're convenient, or you were referred to them by your PCP...etc. It could wind up being a mistake that costs you your life, or the quality of your life. This is the ONE big medical decision that you need to make for YOURSELF. So, you have to advocate for your own best interests. No one else will. Get out there and do your research.

I can't say that I agree with the statement that you 'tend to hear the negative and not the positive' which someone else stated... I agree 100 percent, There are hundreds if not thousands of people on this site alone and many have had many positive things to say about their Doc's, more positive than negative news. So i would tend to worry about one i hear numerous negatives about.

My PCP refered me to Dr. Barba, I researched and felt, for myself, I was more comfortable in Dr. Aranow's Hnads. You have to find the Dr. that is right for you. And totally don't settle. If your uneasy... find out why. Hugs, Chrissy

Thank you for your help. I am now looking into another surgeon Dr. Tishler. I won't make any decisions until I am very satisfied with the doctor I choose. Kathi

Looks like you are being very sensible. Getting info on other Doctors and their practices is a good thing. You should feel confident in whomever you chose as your doctor. Having major surgery is a serious matter. Good luck Sher

Kathi, I totally 2nd what Tammy said. I never doubted his abilities as a surgeon or I wouldnt have let him operate on me. However, if I knew then what I know now, I would have gone with a different office. Its very frusterating when you cant get a response, and you dont have good communication with the office. With that being said, I have had no "complications" medically, and so I guess you can still say that I have all the confidence in him as a surgeon. Feel free to send me a personal msg and we can chat. I'm in Enfield too. Bree