Celebration vs. Flagler

Hi all,

I just moved here from out of state and looking for a surgeon to do my follow-up.  I am 4 months out and had a Lap RNY at a Center of Excellence.

From what I am finding, Florida Hospital and US Bariatric are the only two Centers of Excellence in Central Florida.  Dr. Marema at US Bariatric seems to have more experience than Dr. Kim at Florida Hospital, but if I need to be admited, I would have to go to Flagler.  

Also, from what I can both programs are limited in their follow-up.  It is basically one support group a month and access to a dietician.  

Are my perceptions correct?

Are there other pros/cons to the two that I am missing?

Thanks,

halfgitana 

 Tampa General and Palms of Pasadena (Tampa also) are both COEs, do those count as central? 

Anna

Hi, I have been here in Florida for 3 years, and have been looking for a good doctor also. I chose Dr. Marema, and I am very happy with he, and staff so far.
  It is true that he offers only one support group, but I did find a site that has helped me a lot, it is www. thinnertimes, it has just about everything you could ask for. check it out, Welcome to Florida!

 Celebration has 2 to 5 support group meetings per month (Except this Sept while the Dr. is away). They also have specialized meetings like live cooking, trips to the local whole foods for tips on alternative meal planning, etc. Their staff includes a pych doctor and she also lectures some of the support group meetings. The calendar is here:
http://www.floridabariatric.com/calendar 

For many years, Celebration claimed to be the only Center of Excellence in Central Florida, and they also claim to be the only one to earn the Gold Seal of Approval. 

Good luck in your choice.

 Also you can inquire about Orlando Regional Medical Center. They have a list of support classes listed at the bottom of this page.

http://www.orlandohealth.com/orlandoregionalmedicalcenter/Ou rMedicalSpecialties/WeightLossBariatricMetabolicSurgery.aspx ?pid=6145 

I started my journey there, but changed to Celebration. I have also heard good things about flaggler as well.

Munroe Regional Medical Center is also a Center of Excellence. I just had my RNY done there on Aug 29. They have been great.
There is 1 monthly support meeting but you can call the dieticians or Dr. Hoddinott's office anytime there is concern and get guidance. (They actually remember your name & case w/o you having to repeat your life story each time you talk/see them.)