Looking for information about Dr. Tishler and Hartford Hospital

Is there anyone out there who's had WLS performed by Dr. Tishler? Can you give me some insight on him? Also, what was Hartford Hospital like? Did they treat you with care and courtesy and were they sensitive about being obese? I am trying to make a decision between Dr. Tishler and Dr. Barba and I need help. Thank You, Joe

Hi Joseph, Have you thought about Dr Aranow? He's awesome! And Middletown is no further from Bristol than Hartford is. Paula

Thanks Paula, I have thought about Dr. Aranow, as a matter of fact, a very close friend of mine had his surgery with him. One of the things, probably the main thing, is that I'm looking for a surgeon who does the laparoscopic bypass, which I was told that Dr. Aranow does not. I am truly concerned about the down time after surgery and how soon I can return to work. Thanks, Joe

Joe- I too was originally of the "I want this done laproscopically so I can bounce quicker" mindset. Then I heard Dr. Aranow's argument for his no laproscopic bypasses rule. 1) the risk of leaks (from staple lines in the stomach/pouch and bypass site internally) is roughly twice the open bypass method. 2) the initial pain is worse in an open bypass ( I can attest to that the post op pain sucked for the 1st 24 hours vs my gall bladder removal 4 years earlier done lap and it was a breeze) but post op recovery time overall is not greatly different. 3) the operation itself takes longer laproscopically than open- therefore you are at greater risk from being under generaly anethesia longer. I am a nurse with a very physical job, and I returned to work, no problem, full 12 hour shift both Saturday and Sunday-schlepping all over the place, up and down the stairs, on my knees, bending over, lifting etc., and I am fine. Desk job people are back to work even sooner. Just more to think about. Nothing agains Dr Tischler certainly- I think Ct Surgical Group is a good surgical group overall, I have had a few of Tischlers patients (not bypasses but other stuff he's done) and nobody had anything but good things to say. Guess Iam biased from having heard too many stories about certain hospitals from my patients, but then again most of them wouldn't require home care had their hospital stays been smooth. So it may be a case of a skewed sample on my part.

I second the motion for Dr Aranow- Middlesex Memorial Hospital has become accredidated with the ASBS (American Society for Bariatric surgery) as a hospital giving EXEMPLARY care to WLS patients. Dr Aranow is the best in the state. As a nurse, it is my opinion there isn't better care anywhere.

Dear Joe, I had surgery by Dr. Tishler. He is wonderful. I am almost 5 months out and have lost 76 pounds and 104 overall. The practice is wonderful and they have wonderful support groups. As you can tell I would highly recommend him without a doubt. I chose Dr. Tishler over Dr. B. I felt it was a more personable practice with fewer patients. If you have any questions I would be more than happy to talk to you. They do have a support group tonight at HH for Bariatric patients. Good Luck with your search for a doctor.... Lisa

Thanks for the reply Lisa. How was HH for your surgery? Were they compassionate? How were the pain meds? I can't make the support group tonight because I have tickets to the Uconn Women's basketball game; however, I would like to attend a support group session. When are they held? I have a group consulting appointment for Feb. 7 and a one on one session with Dr. Tishler on Feb. 9. How long did it take from the time you first went to Dr. Tishler until the day of your surgery? About how many patients has Dr. Tishler done WLS on, there is hardly any info on the obesity web site about him? I saw only four inputs about him on the bariatric hospital site. How long did it take before you were able to return to work after surgery? Thanks, Joe

Joe, I am 2 weeks post op after RNY by Dr. Tishler at HH. I cannot say enough about how wonderful and smoothly the whole process went. In the interest of full disclosure I must tell you that I also work at HH but that in many ways makes me more rather than less critical. I started the process last April, needed to do the 6 month routine for my insurer and was able to schedule surgery pretty much at my convenience once I was approved. Ended up staying in the hospital 2 extra days because of some bleeding. I had a PCA for pain control for first 24 hours then was switched to oral narcotics. Had no problem getting meds when needed but didn't need much after day one. My only complaint was the post-op diet from the hospital was pretty pathetic but fortunately i didn't feel much like eating. In terms of staff sensitivity I think it was pretty much there. I felt as though I was treated as any patient would have been and certainly did not notice any anti-obese bias. I'll be going to work next week - a total of 3 weeks out of work. probably could have pushed to be back at 2 weeks but still find that I tire very easily. All in all this was a very positive and uneventful surgery for me. I highly recommend the surgeon and the hospital. Unfortunately i will be moving out of state in a few weeks and follow up will be more difficult. I'll locate a local surgeon but fully intent to come back regularly for follow-up with Dr. Tishler. I think he's the greatest! I would be glad to answer any and all questions either on line or you can email me privately. Best of luck with your decision.

Thanks Ozzie's mom. You can go to my profile and e-mail me to exchange e-mail addresses. I really appreciate your input. Thanks, Joe

Though we all know I adore Dr. Aranow... I have met w/ Dr. Tischler. I was very, very impressed by him. I also believe he has an excellent comprehensive program in place. I don't have any hesitance in recommending him. Hartford Hospital, additionally, has always been where my family and I have sought care. Never ever had any issues with care received there (and believe me, I have more experience than one person my age needs) I also have a GREAT deal of respect for the surgical group he practices with, CT Surgical Group out of Hartford Hospital. They are TOP notch. And extremely well respected. An associate of his did my post op reconstructive. An associtae of his did Mr. father's kidney transplant... again- a HIGHLY respected, upstanding, comprehensive and skilled group of surgeons working there. Dr. Tischler is certinaly amongst good company. If you'd like to talk more about it, please feel free to email me privately. Good luck to you in your decision making. Best, lisa C