Dr. Carlos Barba--Anyone with surgery/revision experience??

Hi,  I agree with Steve. I did alot of research before I picked my surgeon. For me, I checked their background and tried to talk to them personally. I contacted 6 doctors. The one I liked the most, wanted $4000 up front even though my insurance covered the surgery , before he would give me a consultation. The second one I liked, I sent an email to and he emailed me back personally and invited me to an information session, even though I wasn't registered. The third one I liked, said I was too old for the surgery. He didn't do surgery on anyone over 50, I was 55 at the time. One was booked up for 4 months for a consulation, and the other 2 never got back to me. Well I went to the information session from Doc # 2 and I was impressed with the information and explantion. He took the time to talk to me personally. So I went with this Doctor. I am very glad I did. He has been my knight in shinning armor. I did what he told me to do. I have had no real complications.I have had 2 strictures, but they are easily fixed. This has nothing to do with the doctors surgery.  Bad experiences are not always the doctors fault. There alot of factors. Some times someones body just rejects the invasion of surgery, or it may be a health issue, or just not following directions from the doctor which is very important. Do your research and your head and heart will steer you in the right direction. Thank you Dr. Barba for being my knight in shining armor!! Hugs, Sarah

Dr. Barba just performed lap band surgery in New Britain on me this Monday, the 5th. I am doing great! Throughout the pre-op period (and mine was longer because I had health issues that required more testing) I did just fine with his staff. Melissa, the NUT, is wonderful (2 pre-op visits with her & 3 post-op). I got so much information from her and the office to prepare me (including an interactive 30 minute session on the computer) that if there was anything I didn't know, it was my fault, not theirs. Jason, his PA, was excellent. Other than at the opening seminar, I did not see Dr. Barba until he did my endoscopy, but that was certainly expected. That's what his team is there for. I was impressed that he himself did the endoscopy because he wanted to see it rather than just review a report from another doctor. He was extremely thorough. The Hospital of Central Connecticut was also excellent. I had to attend a class there with my support person conducted by the program director ( again going over everything and giving more written information). Then another visit to New Britain for a meeting with one of the nursing staff to confirm information, start my chart, and do blood work & EKG. Dr. Barba spoke to me before surgery, just after surgery, and the next day. I received a call at home from the hospital program director. I have my first follow up with him next week. His practice is designated a "Center of Excellence" and that is not an easy designation to get. Only a few hospitals in CT are so certified. I have read some disparaging things on this forum and as Steve said very well, there are many reasons why someone may have problems/complications, not all of them attributable to the surgeon. But this is my personal experience and it's very positive.

Congrats on getting banded!!!!!!

Kathy welcome back.. how was your trip?

Too short as always. I never have enough time with my family. Other than that it was wonderful. I have pics that will be posted soon since I wasn't posting pics of me until after the family saw me.

Hello All, First off.. I want to apologize to anyone who currently has Dr. Barba or is choosing to have him as your WLS in the near future.  It is not my intention to offend anyone who has made the personal decision to have him or is currently happy with his services. I was/had been extremely pleased (overall) with his care & his staffing until recent events that took place.  I have been going through a literal "hell" since March between misdiagnosis at one hospital, blood loss/transfusions, recovery from a surgery Dr B did recently and another hospital stay from complications... crappy blood pressure & severe anemia that isn't recovered. So as you can all imagine I've lost patience with everything & where I stand currently.  There's an old saying "walk a mile in my shoes"  I am trying to keep perspective as each day does get better now that I am getting properly medical treatment & meds.  I personally do not have anything against Dr B as a person.  He is a gentleman and kind. I do agree with Steve.. & what he posted 110%... do the research.. check backgrounds etc... It's good to "shop" around for options & who will be a good fit for your personal needs with your WLS & follow-up care.   Things happen out of our control with our health... some of the things that happened or are currently happening to me are directly related to my WLS some are not & would have happened either way. Unfortunately everything took place at once. We educate ourselves to know the risks.. & the benefits of the WLS... I have no regrets. My postings are out of frustration.. not feeling well...& not getting clarity from who I needed most at the time I was going through the mill.... My Dr.   I am an emotional person & I'll be the first to say I'm flawed.  So with that said.. I'll keep my postings professional & I'll be sure to manage my emotions out of them as it's pretty obvious they are not uplifting.   I usually consider myself a pretty positive person even when the chips are down and do my best for those looking to have or gone through WLS to be a good mentor & support person when needed. Again, I apologize to those who have Dr. B as their choice for WLS.. however I can't apologize for  my perception (or the reality) of what I am currently going through and what has taken place recently while under his care and the staff. With Sincerity, Mickey          

Thank you, Mickey. I wish you the best and a speedy recovery.

I had laparascopic RNY on July 31-07.........I have no complaints whatsoever with Dr. Barba or anybody on his staff....My surgery was a complete success...I have gone from 277 to 153 and I owe my newfound energy and 'normal' weight to this doctor........I also agree with everything that Steve has to say....follow your head and your heart!!

I want to thank all of you who took the time to post.  I feel pretty confident in my decision.  I will be going to Tufts in Boston ans asking Dr. Shikora about a revision.  He is a Top Doc and I'm already hooked up with him since he did the stomaphyx on me.  I was thinking of having it done here at home instead of being in Boston, but my gut is telling me to stick with Boston and Dr. S.  Also part of the reason I was looking elsewhere is because I feel like a failure, having regained the 17 lbs I lost after the stomaphyx. I   was planning on never going back because I was ashamed of myself for yet another failure.  After talking with his staff I realized that he will help me figure it out, and that I will now talk with him about scheduling a revision.  I go up on 5/20 so wish me luck...I cannot wait to have my surgery now that I've made a decision!! Sue

Good luck Sue...I hope you find your answers!!