Any information appreciated

Hi All I am a post-op living in Connecticut....my mother (who is in her 60s) now lives in Florida and is considering WLS, but doesn't know where to begin. I am not sure how to advise her....she is in the Tampa area and her primary MD is not really in favor of WLS. Any information on a good bariatric program in that area is much appreciated. Thanks in advance! C

Hi ~ I live in the Tampa Bay area, and "interviewed" three different surgeons before deciding on Dr. Richard Gordon to do my surgery. I will not mention any other names, but suffice it to say that one of the three I considered is quite "popular" in this area, for what reason, I do not know! The staff there was horrendously rude, unprofessional, and insensitive to the needs of WLS patients, and I was not overly impressed with him personally. He was okay - just nothing "spectacular"...I didn't get the safe and secure feeling I got with Dr. Gordon and his staff. In contrast, Dr. Gordon and his entire staff are absolutely leaps and bounds above any of the others I experienced. They are friendly, caring and most of all very knowledgable and compassionate regarding WLS and patients. In fact they accomplished in less than a full business day what the other surgeon's office could not manage to accomplish in six...yes, I said SIX MONTHS! They work out of Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, and their team includes a STELLAR Bariatric Coordinator who is also a very successful WLS patient, and in fact she leads many of the patient support groups in the area. Dr. Gonzalvo works with Dr. Gordon, and is equally qualified. Both surgeons did fellowships in bariatric surgery at Cleveland Clinic, and I would strongly, highly recommend either one of these fine doctors and their staff for your mom. They are truly, the best of the best. Please feel free to PM me or email me [email protected] if you have any questions! Good luck in your search, and to your mom! ~ Terri

Hi Cristina, I would highly recommend Dr. Murr and Dr. Gallagher at Tampa General Hospital. They Have informational seminars as a patient of theirs you must attend one seminar and at least one support group. They do both lap band and rouen-y gastric bypass. It is a multidisciplinary approach. They have a whole bariatric team including nutritionists, doctors and psychologists. I would start with one of the informational seminars and also have her change pcp to one that is wls friendly. TGH is also a bariatric center of excellence (which if she is on medicare is a requirement). I hope this helps some. Good Luck. Patty

Thank-you both for the info...I am forwarding everything to my mom...it helps to hear about good experiences. C

i would also HIGHLY recommend dr.murr/dr.gallagher, dr.gallagher did my bypass last april, and i am thrilled with everything that they have done to help me out in the process. the whole team from receptionist to surgeon is WONDERFUL!! if you or your mom have any questions please feel free to email me anytime. i also go to the support group meeting that is held once a month, she should definitly attend one! they are very informitive, lots of us are there to talk and answer questions!! take care~ jen

I also recommend Dr Murr and his staff. I am well past 60 and had my WLS over 2 1/2 years ago. At the time I was not on Medicare. My insurance was BC/BS and they covered every thing! The PCP Dr Murr works with is great. You can have your mom call his office for her name and phone number. I also would recommend she attend his pre-op meeting, lots of 411. Tell her to email me if she has any [email protected] Marla

Marla Thanks for the info....some MDs have really discouraged my mom because of her age (she'll be 64 in June), so good to hear you've had success...I will forward info to her..Thanks again! C

Cristina, there is also Dr.Rehnke in Pasadena(Saint Petersburg) who does Surgeries at Saint Anthony's, Saint Petersburg General and the Palms of Pasadena. Dr.Rehnke as well as Dr.Murr are the only Surgeon's within the Tampa Bay area which hold the "Centers of Excellence" Awards. I'd suggest looking art each Surgeon list on OH for Patient Reviews before choosing.As well as the Hospitals and Primary Doctors. As there are still other Surgeons who have not been suggested yet either. Mike an OH Support Leader in Clearwater