Miami

Have you tried Dr. Juan Carlos Verdeja, 7800 SW 87th Ave., B-210, Miami, (305)630-9599.  He does bariatric surgery at South Miami which is affiliated with the Baptist Health System.    Baptist Hospital no longer does bariatric surgery.   There is also a good  b ariatric center at Mercy Hospital in Miami. Dr. Verdeja was recommended by my Bariatric surgeon in Fort Lauderdale.  My insurance would not cover my Gall bladder removal by my surgeon in Fort Lauderdale (U.S. Bariatrics) and I wanted a surgeon who was familiar with bariatric surgery.  I really like Dr. Verdeja. Best of luck, luvitsunnyv

Thank you luvitsunny, I called the Center of H.O.P.E. asking about another of their bariatric surgeons. They take Medicaid but not for bariatric surgery. I can only go to a certified Center of Excellence. Margie

I thought South Miami Hospital was a certifieded Bariatric program.  South Miami Hospital is where Dr. Vereja removed my gall bladder.  I can't say too much positive about the nurses, but the doctor was great.

I checked and I am wrong, it is. I will call there tomorrow. I***** I had surgery on my cervicle spine at South Miami Hospital. I was impressed that they gave me a shot of lydocaine before they put the IV in....I am terrified of IVs, lol. I was not impressed with the nursing care. That evening I needed to go to the bathroom and I rang the buzzer. Someone came on the intercom and said "yes, how can I help you?" I squeaked. "I have to go to the bathroom." The voice said, "so go." So, not knowing any better, I got out of bed and went to the bathroom. Well, I thought, if it is ok for me to get up, it must be okay for me to go out to the smoking area. It was the middle of the night and no one was out there. So I sat and had a cigg. When I tried to get up afterwards, everything was spinning. I also thought it was noisy with visitors bringing all the kids and letting them run up and down the hall. Has that changed any? Margie

When I had my GB out they also gave me lydocaine before inserting the IV and it blew out my vein.....it was far more painful than the IV insertion.  They didn't even ask.  I was there 24 hrs for my gall bladder surgery and I never saw a nurse in my room....always the nursing assistant.  I am a nurse and I know there is a hospital staff shortage but "attitude" can go a long way to either make an experience a positive one or a negative one.  Either way....you always remember the experience.

Hi, I know that the lydocaine hurts also but I have some kind of psychological thing with IV's. If they tell me they don't use lydocaine or anything, I start to hyperventilate and break out in welts!! Yet, I have MS and a spinal tap doesn't bother me at all. I have no problem having lab work either. If I had to choose my favorite hospital for in patient, it would be Cleveland Clinic in Weston where I was admitted for solumedrol treatment. Nursing was good except for one that just got on my nerves...but all had good attitudes. All the rooms are huge private ones. I was served food like fresh salmon, fresh steamed veggies. I am now waffling whether to go with UM or go up to the Cleveland Clinic. I have to think about this. Margie

Margie, I saw Dr. R at Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion, he was great and so were his staff. Since I don't know much about the new Dr. at UM...may I suggest you have a consult at both and see which you feel most comfortable with. I know it will be an extra travel..or maybe you get both appt on same day...hint get Dr. R first they have less wait in my experience. Sarah