Dr. Titas Duncan ??

Hi. I am considering having surgery and I have not decided on which doctor to consult with. I was considering Dr. Duncan until a friend mentioned to me that she read about a couple of people who had problems with Dr. Duncan. I don't know anyone who has gone to him, but he is on my insurance plan. Does anyone know about these problems that other patients have had and whether or not they were due to doctor error or patient non-compliance? I saw him on television and he seemed like a good doctor.

I used Dr Duncan and have been very pleased. His office is busy and you might not see him very often but I felt that the people he has around him are well trained and I was at peace with the decision I made and who to use. They have monthly seminars in which he does talk to anyone considering WLS and provides a lot of useful information. It is a required attendance to get the orginal paperwork to use him. You may want to call the office and find out when is the next one. I also recommend going to other Doctor's seminar's before you make your final decision, I felt it was very important to be comfortable whose hands you are putting your life in. Wishing you all the best on your journey...Hugs and prayers, Theresa

Thank you Theresa. I am still hesitant to go forward with him. I have heard he is skilled as a surgeon, but I am worried about his follow-up care and what would happen if there were any complications.

Hi Keisha. I am one of Duncan's patients who had horrible complications. My complications started with a leak. My leak was found the day after my lap-rny, during the leak test. The leak was discovered early afternoon, and at 7:30 that night I was taken back to surgery for leak repair. I am not a medical person, nor do I pretend to be one, but I have been told by another bariatric surgeon that leaks are technical errors on the part of the surgical staff. So as far as non-compliance on my part, no, that was not the case. The leak was just the beginning of my problems. I will not go into full detail here, but will sum it up in my signature. I have personally spoken with three other leak survivors; all three had their surgery after mine. I have heard that smokers, and those who take steroids are at a higher risk to have a leak. I was not, and am not, a smoker, nor did I take steroids. I was not happy with the way my complications were handled, but I do believe that by sharing my story, those who have followed me, have had the opportunity to hold Duncan, and other bariatric surgeons in the area's, feet to the fire, and get the best possible care. Which is the right of every patient. Your choice of a surgeon is probably the most important choice you make in this process. Ask the tough questions, and don't settle for anything but a straight answer. Good Luck to you Debbie J Duncan patient 01-14-02 lap-rny 01-15-02 leak repair surgery (non smoker, non steroid taker) 01-29-02 surgery to see if I had another leak SEVERE COMPLICATIONS!!!! 45 days in ICU, 33 days kept alive via ventilator 30 days in rehab, had to learn to walk again Now, one happy girl, LUCKY to be alive

Thank you for sharing your story Debbie. You must be one of the people that I heard about. I am so sorry that you have had to go through all of this. I am glad that you survived! I can't imagine what a terrible ordeal you have been through.

All surgeons have had complications. I used Dr. Duncan and was very pleased. You should check them all out and pick the one that suits you. Good luck. Patsy

Hi Keisha, After spending serveral months looking at different doctors I have chosen Dr Duncan to perform surgery on me. It will take place 10/29/04. He is considered one of the top 4 in the country. He has preformed well over 500 WLS and he claims to have a 1% incident rate. He works with a team of surgeons each doing part of the surgery. I like this because there is a back up system in place (more heads in case something goes wrong). Considering he works with patients who are morbidly obsesed, and with many health related issues I figure he must be very good to have his reputation. All surgeons are going to have some disgruntled patients. I figure its a crap shoot and I hope my dice is loaded. This is just my opinion. Charlene

Keisha, I used dr. duncan... I have nothing but good things to say about him or his staff... complications can happen with any surgeon... I feel that his after care is great and I will be going to my 3 month check up on tuesday... I have had very few problems, but what I did have, they were quick to try to find the problem and fix it..... I looked at alot of surgeons before I made my choice..... there are alot of good dr.s in atlanta for you to choose from... make sure you are comfortable with your choice and RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH !!!!!!!

Keisha, I can understand your concerns. Surgeon choice is a personal decision. You have to feel 100% confident in his abilities before and after surgery. I switched from a local Surgeon to Dr Duncan b/c I felt more confident in him. I had surgery on 14 July, was up walking 30 mins after they brought me to my room and was discharged by 11:00am the next day and haven't had any complications or problems todate. Thank God!! I requested Dr Duncan specifically, I had several opportunities to meet and speak with him before surgery and he checked on me after surgery. I was pleased with him and his staff. I suggest you find a couple of Surgeons and attend their seminars and even schedule a consultation. There is nothing worng with shopping around, infact I think it's important. Good Luck! Tonya

I too, have used Peachtree Bariatrics for my surgery. I am 2 weeks and 3 days out and I feel great! Dr. Johnson, who is in practice with Dr. Duncan was listed as my surgeon. I met him just before surgery and I felt he had a great bedside manner. I feel the entire staff at P'tree Bariatrics is wonderful! Every person I have dealt with on every aspect of my surgery has been helpful and easy to talk to. I feel they all took a personal interest in me and my surgery and I know that must be hard with all the patients they have. I feel so good and I have already lost 22 lbs. and Dr. Duncan and his staff are wonderful! Don't pass up the opportunity to find out about them before you write them off because of a few people who have been dissatisfied. Remember all surgeons will have a few who are not happy. Dr. Duncan's staff is great and I am sure you would be happy with them. Just meet them at the seminar and make up your own mind.... Good luck with your journey! Rhonda C. P.S. I have a friend who worked at Atlanta Medical for 8 years. She worked in the Medical Staff Services office and knows Dr. Duncan and Dr. Johnson personally. She said they are great doctors and have very few unhappy clients (as compared to other docs.) and that if she were having the surgery, that is exactly who she would choose to operate on her... that is from someone who knows all about the doctors and their credentials! (That was her job... She verified credentials!) It was impressive to me!