Looking to replace Barba...

Can anyone provide me some information on Dr. Bell and Dr. Valin? I spoke to the office of Dr. Barba today and was told don't call us, we'll call you to make the appointment to meet the surgeon. And that the first appointment with the surgeon wouldn't be any earlier than November. My last consult was a month ago, and am just frustrated as I am unsure if my insurance will pay for me to go through all those consults again for a new surgeon, but if this is the way his office operates, do I want to hang in there just to get Dr. Barba? Am aggravated and just looking for some guidance. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Well I can tell you Dr.Bell is wonderful. There is a wait though. I had my file complete in in Dr.Bell's office in mid January. I just had my surgery on 7/26. I did not mind the wait because I had/have total faith in Dr.Bell's skills and his bedside manner. I did call his office a few times to inquire as to when I would be hearing from them to set up an appt. I was told my file was on the nurses desk and I would get a call. I think this is common practice. I would not rush into changing Dr.s unless you are really unhappy or not confident in his skills. I know this is a trying time and the wait is killer. Sleep on it tonight and think it through over the next few days. Chryssie

Hey there: Depending on how far you want to travel, you may want to consider Dr's. Niel and Craig Floch and Dr. Tim Ehrlich at Fairfield County Bariatrics. These doctors operate at Norwalk Hospital and at St. Vincents in Bridgeport. The surgeons are FANTASTIC, the office staff top-notch and the after care program is great! I am very happy with them, I'm sure that they'd be a welcome change too based on the treatment that you've gotten so far from your doctor. Give them a call. Good Luck, Bob almost 1 year post op, -130lbs

Dr. Bell is fabulous! You certainly would not be disappointed with him or his staff. He is a very talented laproscopic surgeon, and I can't say enough wonderful things about him. With my PCP's input, we decided that Yale and Dr. Bell were the best choice for me - even though I live in East Windsor, and St. Francis is much closer. I really don't mind the drive, and Dr. Bell is very worth it! As Chryssie mentioned, there will be a wait, but if you've completed any of your pre-op visits, psych, etc., I'm sure they will accept them so you can move along. Best wishes to you as you make your decision. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau Lap RNY 12/3/03 -98 lbs.

I had the same experience with Dr. Barba's group, which is why I went to Dr. Aranow in Middlesex. I'm so glad I made the change.

I am a patient of Dr Barba and he is certainly worth the wait. It sounds like every doctor has been swamped with new patients. If you like him then patience will pay off. If your looking for an easy out then change but I can't say enough about him.

Hi NA, it's frustrating when your dealing with not only the emotional issues of the process, but also dealing with others behavior and their "dont call us" attitude. In whomever you chose to be your surgeon you need to feel 100% confidant in their entire program, staff, after care, etc. If your not happy with Dr Barba, switch, even if it means waiting a little bit longer. I had Dr Aranow and I love him, his program, the whole enchilada (had Mexican for lunch) and would recommend him to anyone. But thats how you should feel about your surgeon! Best of luck to you, in a small state like CT we're lucky to have some great doctors to chose from! -Deb

I HAVE DR VALIN AND I SATRTED THE PROCESS IN JUNE 04 THE BEGINNING. ALTHOUGH I HAVEN'T MET HIM YET I AM SATISFIED WITH HIS OFFICE AND HIS WIFE DEBBIE WHO IS AWESOME. I GOT A CALL TODAY ASKING ME WHEN I WAS LOOKING TO HAVE THE SURGERY AND I TOLD THEM OCTOBER THEY TOLD ME I COULD HAVE GONE AS EARLY AS THE END OF THIS MONTH (AUGUST). DR V'S OFFICE MOVES STEADILY AND FROM EVERYONE THAT I TALKED TO THEY ALLSAID THAT HIS AFTER CARE IS JUST AS WONDERFUL. GL . I HOPE IT ALL GOES WELL FOR YOU

Thanks to all of you for your comments and comforting words. I would like to state for the record, I am not trying to take the easy way out. But having my only impressions of the doctor come from his office staff, it is a bit disturbing. I will continue on my quest to see what transpires, whether that is staying with Dr. Barba or another surgeon. Thanks again for you comments and as always your understanding. NA