Dr. Champions aftercare?

I've heard from some patients that if they needed questions answered after surgery, or needed help that he wasn't very helpful. I hope this isnt correct because it worries me, although I'm not changing Dr. now with a date set. Thanks, Kay

I did not have any questions for Dr. Champion after my surgery but he was certainly available. He checked on me several times after my surgery(while in the hospital). When I had questions after the surgery, I was able to talk with the nurse right away or I left a message and was called back within an hour or so. I never called and asked to speak to Dr. Champion so I don't know what the policy is for that. I have only had good experiences with his office. When on his web site I have seen people post an e-mail message for him and he has responded. He's not real chatty but he does respond. He also has a monthly online chat for questions and answers. I don't know if there were other cir****tances, with the person who gave you the info. It is a surgery that one could call and ask a question everyday (most questions are answered in the after care booklet). If someone called everyday asking every little question, they may be put off just like any busy office would do. All my experiences have been friendly and fine. Hope this relieves some of your tension. You are probably just nervous and every little thing will get you wondering. You have made the right choice.

Hi Kay: I have always had excellent experiences with Dr. Champion & his office. I have been fortunate not to have to call a lot, but the times that I have called or emailed I have always gotten a quick & helpful response. Dr. Champion is very professional & I feel his aftercare program is wonderful especially when comparing it with some of the programs that I have heard about (from other members online). I am sure everyone's experience is different & there are bound to be exceptions in every case, but my personal experience has been great. Good luck & God bless Angel

My experience with Dr. Champion has been great, both before and after care. I found him to be very professional and caring. I felt like he had unlimited time to talk to me pre-op and answer my questions. He never made me feel like he was in a hurry or irritated with all the questions. He would not do all the support groups, exercise groups, clothing exchanges, etc if he didn't care about his patients. I don't think you can go wrong in choosing him for your surgeon. A lot of people in both the support groups I attend have used him and everybody seems to think he is the best. Emory-Dunwoody hospital has their own bariatric wing. It was obvious the nurses knew Dr. Champion would not accept less than 100% for his patients. One nurse told me if she didn't follow his orders she'd find herself without a job. She also said if she had a family member that needed the surgery she'd recommend Dr. Champion because he cared so much about is patients. I was given a cell phone # by Dr. Williams on the day I was discharged and told if I needed to talk to them after hours not to hesitate to call. He said either he or Dr. Champion would answer the phone. To be honest I haven't spoken to Dr. Champion since the day after surgery, but the type questions I wanted answers to were answered by his nurse or nutritionist. I have been fortunate to be complication free and the only time I'd call the doctor was if I thought I had a problem he needed to address. His staff is well trained and they can address most issues. If you have any specific question send me an e-mail and I'll be glad to answer them. I live 4 hours from Atlanta but we have a local Dr. Champion support group that has been very beneficial to me. I started attending support meetings before surgery and can't tell you how valuable I find them. Best of luck to you.

Kay, I had some issues with Dr C's aftercare person. Dr Champion, Dr Williams and the other office staff are great, I've never had a problem with them, even when I called at 1 year out with a problem about a bad allergic reaction. The party in question was not around at his office the last time I had an appointment there and I've heard she is no longer at the office. I cant really speak to his aftercare program because I opted to use other sources after problems with the way that nurse conducted herself at the aftercare meetings. She is no longer around, I've heard, so problem resolved! Good luck! Glad to hear you have a date! Jennifer