Who is your surgeon?

I had my surgery about 6 weeks ago w/ Dr. Hamilton. I was a little apprehensive at first because Dr. Steward has much more experience than Dr. hamilton. I loved him at my pre-op visits, and I haven't had any problems so far w/ the surgery. I had one bad experience and that was at my 1 week check up. I had a list of questions I wanted answered, and I really felt that he did not take the time to answer them. He tried to leave twice while I was still asking questions.  Granted, I had a lot of questions, but I also felt that with such a life-changing experience I wanted to make sure I was doing everything right. I was also self-pay and didn't want to encourage any complications!! So, I did leave there crying (but I chalk some of that up to emotional stress from being on the liquid diet for so long!!!! and not having food to help ease my emotions!). I emailed the bariatric nurse, Rachelle, and she answered all of my questions thoroughly. I just had my 1st fill two days ago, and Dr. Hamilton was great! He explained the fill to me and sang while he filled! The great thing about him is that he determines if you need a fill or not based on your hunger and how much you can eat. He doesn't hold it against you if you've lost weight. I know I've seen several complaints on the boards here of surgeons saying a person doesn't need a fill since they've lost 10 lbs, etc. He encourages dieting and trying to lose weight on your own until you can get a sufficient fill to give you restriction. I'd say overall that I like him. He's a little rushed during some appts (what doctor isn't??), but at least you know that the nurse will always be able to take the time to answer anything you may need. Let me know if you have any questions!

Hi Crystal: It is nice to hear from somone else who has Dr. Hamilton as their surgeon.  I just got  approved today so it won't be long before I become an offical Bandster.    Do you know how many surgries Dr. Hamilton has done?  I havn't asked him yet.  Was he able to hit  your port pretty easy when you got your fill and where di d he put the port.   Did you have outpatient surgery?  I'm hoping to be in and out within a few hours, so hate hosptials. How long did you have to do a pre-op diet?   Sorry for all the questions but your the first person that I have talk with that has the same surgeon and I'm a little excited now that I have been approved.  Anything you can tell me would be greatly appreciated.  I thought he was a really warm person when I met him at my first consultation and someone else told me he sings to his patient my dentist also sings to his patient.   Thanks,  Laura

Congratulations on your approval!  I'm jealous! I think it's ridiculous that some insurances have exclusions on their policies! It won't be long now! I don't remember how many surgeries he has performed, but I remember that he told me there will always be another surgeon in there with him during the actual surgery. I went in at around 7 in the morning, and I left around 1:30 that afternoon. He was running late b/c the person scheduled ahead of me took longer than was scheduled, and I have a hard time waking up from anesthesia--so I'd guess I was there longer than the average person. The entire process there was super easy, the staff was great, I felt totally comfortable, not anxious or freaking out or anything like that. After I FINALLY was coherent enough, I had to drink a barium mixture and go get an x-ray. I could have ice chips, walked to the bathroom twice and then got dressed and left. I'd bring loose clothes to wear home and don't expect to be able to wear a bra (I don't think I wore one for almost a week--tank top w/ built in bra was the way to go for me--although, I'm sure a looser sports bra would be fine). I had to be on a liquid pre-op diet for 10 days before the surgery with the day before being only clear liquids. I didn't cheat at all, and it was tough, but I lost like 13 lbs, so that's nice. When he did my fill on Tuesday, it was a very easy process. He lays you back in a chair, pushes around to find the port, gives you a numbing shot (stings a little) and then I only felt pressure after that. It didn't take long at all for him to find the port. he only stuck me once with the saline needle (it's kinda big), but didn't hurt since he had numbed me first. It felt weird when he pulled it out... no pain... i don't know how to explain it... it was just a weird feeling. Oh, I almost forgot, my port is to the left of my belly button about 3-4 inches and up 2 inches. It was really sore there for about 3 weeks, and then one day I just didn't notice pain anymore. Feel free to ask any questions at all! It's kinda nice to be able to be the one answering instead of asking... and believe me, I did my fair share of asking!!! He is a nice person, I'm sure that one day was just really busy for him and emotional for me... those two things don't go well together! :) Everyone's entitled to a bad day!

hi  glad to hear you are fine. i was banded on aug,28. everyday is getting better. i have a question, my sister and nephew live in topeka i am in conneticut, anyway they are going to be going to a seminar in kansas city is there anything closer that u know of. thanks  teresa

The surgeon I went to, Dr hamilton, is in Topeka. He's at the Tallgrass Surgical Center. That was the closest, most affordable one to me.

I had surgery at the Tallgrass on May 21, 2007, but I had Dr Bernstein.  So far no complaints here, other that they all seemed to be rushed.  Tallgrass was a great facility for the surgery the nurses take wonderful care of you.  I haven't needed a fill yet, so can't help you on the aftercare part of fills.  I was all self-pay so didn't have to go through the insurance hoops.  Best of luck for your upcoming surgery.  Mary

I am a self-pay and have been to seminars in Lenexa and Shawnee Mission.  I plan to visit Tallgrass and then make my decision.  Would any of you Tallgrass folks be willing to share what the cost is and what it includes?  Are fills extra?  I was very impressed with the two places I've seen, but I live in Kansas and Tallgrass is more convenient in terms of location.  Also, how is the after-care program? Thanks much! Jim