RE Dr Michel Gagner

Sorry you're offended---but people do talk about the bad things that happen. What goes around comes around.

I just had a VSG with Dr Gagner in Montreal on the 9th of October...and I really have no complaints at all so far. He answers emails instantaneously and so far I am having a very good recovery. I have been discussing with Dr Gagner planning this for a year and he has always been receptive to my questions and issues. His post op follow up is going to be done through my family doctor since I am not from Montreal and Dr Gagner will be in email contact with him as necessary. I got the vitamin and supplement plan, all my prescriptions for six months and the food progression plan. All my questions have always been answered and well...so far really I can't find flaw with his service. I chose him because of everything I read written by him and about him and after talking to him. This was my first ever surgery and I wanted an excellent surgeon. I was aware of various complaints about this or that but ultimately no one can deny that he is a very talented and capable surgeon. The rest...well...I don't know if its different for the VSG as opposed to the DS, but I think that what we all want is that the man holding the scalpel knows what he is doing. I certainly hope there won't be any nasty surprises in my future but I don't regret my choice right now.

I did have a list though if Gagner would not have worked out - Dr Roslin, Dr Greenbaum, Dr Rabkin, Dr Cirangle, Dr Keshishian, Dr Pomp, Dr Elairny, Dr Stewart and a few others. Gagner really struck a right cord with me with his attitude that first and foremost quality of life should be preserved and the do no harm rule...he also gave me his honest advice on VSG vs DS for my paricular needs and I dare say I think he was right. I would not have been able to manage a DS.

So to make a long story short, he does a good surgical job. He is talented. He is good. Talk to him and see if he is right for you. The email is [email protected] not the other way around. Good luck with your choice, surgery and beyond.

Thanks for the complete reply,  an I ask did you fly there from the USA?  What is the cost of his surgery for self pay?  Will he quote you a price in the E mails, for him, the hospital , and anesthsia services?  Why did he think your choice was better for VSG than the DS?  I had to have the VSG to start becuae of where I carried my weight, the belly and how sick I was.  I am a bit better still very round in the belly but medically far greater health than two years ago. I want the DS revision to complete my health journey.  If my questions are too invasive i apoligize.  Thanks, Maja .  

Hi Maja, no, not invasive at all. He will certainly quote you the price depending on your surgery. I have no idea what the price would be for what you need done but I am sure he will tell you in detailed breakdown once he knows your situation. I flew in from Europe but I am Canadian so that worked out well. He said that with the amount of weight I needed to lose (now somewhere in the neighborhood of 75-90 lbs) the DS would be too much for me in terms of the long term needs for supplements and vitamins and a very vigilant follow up. I work internationally so depending on where I am maybe there wouldn't be appropriate health care for the after DS life. So he didn't think it was right for me. I tend to agree. Hopefully I will be able to make the Sleeve work for me and that will be it! Good luck with yours!

I'm another person who had a great experience with Dr G.  Full DS in one shot  in June 2011, found him very pleasant.  The staff at the hospital talked about him as a genius.  I agree.  I have had virtually no problems with my surgery.  Matter of fact, because I was at Rockland medical, I was treated like a rock star.  I'd go back there in a heart beat and would have Dr G do ANY surgery on me.  :)

Frankly, one of the conversations I did have with him was about making sure that I had the DS in one shot.  NO exceptions.  Said I would rather have no surgery than to have it in 2 parts as I could not afford to pay for 2 surgeries.  (because I had read this 2 parter stuff here).

I do know that he was involved in establishing a clinic in the middle east, so if he's flying here and there, that would be one reason why he isn't in one spot only.  The other thing is that Canadian operating room availability or NON-availablity is something that some Americans may not understand.  We have problems with our health care system and OP room time is a premium that gets rationed no matter HOW talented of a doctor you are, or how many people are knocking down your door to be your patients.

I personally give Dr G top grade marks in all departments.  My advice, if you are worried about a 2 parter, make sure you make it understood that it NOT done it in two parts. 

My 2 cents plus tax.
A.

 Thanks for the reply, unfortunately I already had the VSG part of the DS so I  guess I would be a 2 parter or revision.  Where di you fly from, are you in Canada?  What was the self pay for the DS from Dr G?  was it all inclusive.  Thanks. Great luch with everything adn I do think Potato chips should be a food group!!