Found out who my surgeon is

Hello All I had my first formal interview with the RN today. It was via the phone but its a step nonetheless. I almost missed it. It was at four today and I didnt call her until like 4:10 thank GOD I didnt miss it. We went over everything and all. I told her I already had my psych eval..and am scheduled for my sleep study consult. She was impressed with my before hand knowledge and ambition. So I'm scheduled to go in and get pics taken and to meet in person with her (Susan), Melanie and such. She also told me that Dr. Smolik would be first available so I chose him. So anyone who feels like giving a personal review of Dr. Smolik I am all eyes! Today is a good day! Amanda

Hi Amanda, I had Dr. Beck as my primary surgeon, however, Dr. Smolik assisted her. At Mercy Capitol they always have two surgeons in every gastic bypass operation, that gave me peace of mind, four eyes or better than two. I never actually met Dr. Smolik but the good news is with those two surgeons working as a team so far I haven't had any complications and I am over 3 weeks out. Good Luck with everything!

Amanda, Dr. Smolik is the medical director of the program and in my opinion, an excellent surgeon. He did my RNY and he also did my emergency bowel obstruction correction a month ago. He's not all touchy-feely, but he takes time with you to make sure he answers all your questions. He didn't lie to me when I was having complications, and he let me make the decision about whether or not to have surgey to correct my infection or not. He rode it out with me because I wanted to give it more time. He didn't coerce me into anything i wasn't prepared or ready for. I really like him and am grateful to God I chose him. jean

Amanda, I have to agree with the others about Dr Smolik although he did not do mine Dr Cahalan did mine he was the asst doctor in there, I knew I was in good hands. I also met him one day while I was visiting a friend and she had him and he was very nice and did not push the issues like Jean was saying above. I think you are in good hands with any of the 3 doctors in this office in my opinion. I also like the fact that there are always 2 doctors in the operating room and like another said 4 eyes are better than 2!! Susan is great!!! Sounds like you are making progress!! Deanne

Amanda, He did my surgery (Oct 30) and I actually chose him becasue he had done my husbands umbilical hernia surgery about 2 years ago. He is a very nice guy and really knows what he is doing and he will answer all of your questions. Good luck, I hope all goes well for you Holly

Dr. Smolik is GREAT!!!! He was my surgeon and did a great job. I agree that he is not all touchy but he is a great doctor. I is very nice. On one of my post op appointments I had taken my daughter and it was the appointment that they take out the g-tube. she wanted to help take out the tube. Dr. Smolik was so nice and let her help him. While she thought she was helping. He let her put the tape on over the guze. I have no complaints about him. But if no one has said it yet I will.(not that this is importantbut) He is very handsome. Even my friend who went with me to one of the apponintments said so. Good luck with everything!!!

I also had Dr. Smolik. I was originally scheduled with Dr. Beck but she had a conflict at the last minute so he stepped in and did mine. I wouldn't hesitate to let him operate on me again. He feels a little rushed at the appointments but has always answered all of my questions.

Thank you all for replying so promptly. I do believe that this is my first time being a "hot topic" . I am very excited to meet Dr. Smolik, especially now that I know he is handsome. It is very reassuring knowing that there will be four eyes in the operating room, and that my surgeon is the director of something. I do love the fact that there is such a great aftercare program. THanks again Amanda