Surgeon Recommendation: Dr. Raftopoulos at St. Francis in Hartford, CT

I just thought I'd drop this on the CT Board for anyone out there looking for a good surgeon for WLS.  I know when I started this process, I had no idea where to begin and who to start looking at for a surgeon.  Luckily, one day I ran across a post about a new Medical Director for the Bariatric Center at St. Francis - his name is Dr. Raftopoulos.  For anyone out there who is looking to begin this process, I highly recommend that you go to one of his seminars or schedule an appt to meet him.  He is fantastic.  I have never met a dr more patient focused and kind hearted.   I had lap. RNY on the 17th and while I was in the hospital, he poppped into my room a few times a day, and since I have come home, he calls me around 4 times a day to check on me.  He gives you his direct pager number in case you need to contact him (what other dr does that?) and I can't tell you how many times he has reiterated that I should page him if there are any questions or concerns, that I am not bothering him...he wants to be "in the know".   I have had a lot of pain after surgery (I am a tough cookie and I NEVER expected to hurt so bad)...I've complained like such a baby to him this week and not once did he make me feel like I was being a baby or that he was annoyed with me.  He's gone above and beyond what I would have expected and I felt like he was sincerely concerned about making me comfortable over the holiday weekend (gave me a different pain med that is making a world of difference).   My husband has commented so many times that Dr. Raftopoulos is such a nice guy.  I had to laugh in the hospital bc all of the nurses were saying the same thing...they aren used to such attentiveness from a surgeon.  I am very happy that I chose him as my surgeon.  If anyone ever has any questions about him, please feel free to contact me.

WOW - what an incredible testimonial!! I'm so glad you have had such an awesome experience - that is just wonderful - congratulations!!!

I'm glad to see that you had such a wonderful experience with him.  However, I would warn people who are interested in lap band surgery, that he is very anti-lap band and not the surgeon to see if you are interested in that procedure.  If you are interested in lap band procedure, see Dr. Darren Tishler at Hartford Hospital.  His practice which two years ago was almost entirely RNY is now about 85% band and 15% RNY.  He's adorable, a sweetheart, very concerned and supportive and has been named as one of the top doctors in Hartford county.

  I totally agree.  I know this is an old post but when I saw it I was compelled to reply.  My daughter went to Dr. Raftopoulos planning for a lap band but fortunately decided that there more pros for RNY. I challenged this when she came home but after she conveyed all she had learned her decision made sense.  If you knew my daughter you would know as I do that no one can manipulate her in any way.   Today my beautiful daughter has lost all of her excess  weight, has a normal BMI, is very happy even playing sports again.  Most of us wanting a weight loss procedure, whatever that may be, will get one shot only.  We can all lose weight but keeping it off is the problem. 
   I was with my daughter during her entire time at the hospital and she lived with me then.  I was so impressed with his care of my daughter in and out of the hospital. He called her every day and his patients have his number to call if they need him.  He truly cares and wants to help all of his patients besides being an incredible surgeon. 
    No secrets in his practice.  His outcomes are posted in his waiting room.  I have never seen this  in 38 years of being a RN.  A physician who wants to really help, is an excellent surgeon and is not afraid to put his record out there.  When looking for any surgeon I bet you won't see their record out in plain view.
   Well, when I saw how well my daughter fared with her surgery and follow up care I decided to end my weight struggle.  There was no question who would be my surgeon.  He cared for me as well as my daughter so he is consistent  and even though busy will be in his office to see you even at six pm if you need help.
   So whether you need your gall bladder removed or you want a lap band etc you could not be in better hands.  We all have free will so if its a lap band you want then you'll get that. If you decide to do RNY then that is your choice not his.

Yes, I definitely agree that he is anti lap band - I first went in thinking that's what I wanted since it was less invasive).  I would encourage people who are considering lap band to see Dr. Raft anyway - he has some good information regarding the pros and cons - info that I never heard from anyone else....it will help you make an educated decision on what procedure is best for you.