Dr. Sonnanstine's Office...

I'm not sure if something about this has already been posted, and if it has, i apologize!   did anyone else know that Taryn is no longer at the weigh loss center?  i emailed her the other day because i was having some curious pains and in the past i have always been able to email her and get her opinion on things and she's always been so helpful.  but when she replied this time it wasn't what i expected to hear. she said she is now working at st. luke east and not at the center.  i am very upset about this!  i'm wondering what else has gone on over there that i don't know about.  i am upset because i feel that they shouldve sent out a notice to their patients or something letting them know of the change going on, because Taryn was a huge part of that center and Dr. Tom's right-hand woman!  it's almost as if the place is falling apart or something.  i've even tried emailing beth, the nutritionist at least 3 times and i've gotten no replies.  what gives?!

Hi Tiffany, as you know I have been involved in patient advocate with Dr. Sonnanstine for some time. .  Took a little time off the past few months for my own personal reasons.  However, this past Monday Dr. Tom and myself had a meeting about what's happening.   St. Luke West unfortunately has not been very giving as the center has grown so fast over the last 3 yrs..  The space they gave them to start out is not sufficient any longers as they are busting out at the seams.  There isn't enough room for storage, employees they need to handle the load and the extensive patient list the doctor now has. Ground has been broken for a new center.  New employees will be coming on soon including a Certified Bariatric nurse to take Taryn's place. As well as talk of another surgeon.  With that will of course take more staff. You are right, Taryn and the doc had a great working relationship, but often times we just need to move on.  Taryn felt it was time to persue other interest and I applaud her for her decision.  Taryn is an awesome person and an incredible nurse.  I am not sure anyone knows that better than me as she took very good care of me when I needed her.  Also, I am not sure if patients realize that all employees at the center, including the doctor, are hospital employees. Not employees of the doctor.  When stress is felt or changes needed- it's awesome to belong to an organization where you can move if you feel the need.  Please do not feel bad toward Taryn or the center, this is just a process.  Taryn would be upset if she knew patients felt her move was taken personal..instead look at it as a great opportunity for her.. I would not consider what is happening over there as "falling a part".  Just growing pains that all businesses go through.  Dr. Sonnanstine is very sorry to lose Taryn but is very excited about the future plans.  A new contract, new center and even more patient support and after care.  Please bear with us all and watch the center as well as Dr. Tom grow.  I for one am extremely proud of being part of all the changes I have watched over the years.  Dr. Tom is awesome...he is there for all of his patients, I can assure you. Any questions, call Kristine at the office.  or let me know if I can do anything at all.. Brenda

I hate to hear that Taryn isn't at the center anymore.....I'm going to miss her.   But I'm sure Health Alliance is a lot like all large companies where there are always jobs opening up and people moving to new jobs within the company.   That's a very common practice here where I work. 

I am going to miss Taryn but am glad she is able to make a change for herself. We all need a change sometimes in our lives. I do appreciate everything she did to help me ..

I have worked for Dr’s offices now going on 10 yrs.  I have yet to remember notifying patients when a nurse leaves.  This happens all the time, my understanding is that Taryn was not the team player everyone thought she was.  I have a relative that works at the hospital, she tells me there are problems in the office and perhaps she was part of that.  Things don’t always appear, as they seem on the outside, I believe in giving it a chance and let’s see what new and exciting things Brenda mentioned. I support Dr. S, I feel he is a very good surgeon with a big heart.  He will do what is best for his patients.

my wife was there one day with a friend and taryn yelled at him in front of patients and everybody she was so upset when she got home that she decided to find another doctor...........brenda talked to her and calmed her down......so maybe she was just really having a bad day but that did not look or sound nice to other patients in there........my wfie is sticking with DR. S because he is the best around here and she really likes him and his bedside manner........I think every office has bad days and so does my work.....i am easy as anything to get along with but days I am a realllly bad boy.....and you do not want to be around me......lets wait and see what they have planned and see where it all ends up......I owuld like to do a dinner too....I think we can learn a lot by being with other patients and especially someone like brenda who has been in the center and understands patients and what's going on.......crhis is great too I see so much of her answers on here...she is very supportive.... see you around teh bend...charlie

I, personally, am extremely sad to hear that Taryn has left the center.  I will miss her very much.  I always looked forward to seeing her at my appointments as she always gave me a compliment and was there to share in my weight loss success.  She did so much for all of us.  I wish her nothing but the best in the future. Sara

I'm not going to bad-mouth Taryn, because I think at all times people experience stress in their lives and at work.  The office is always very busy when I go in.  I saw her be very helpful, and then she was actually very curt with me on two occasions.   I don't get offended easily, but I'm sure if she felt it was time to move on, it was the right thing to do.  ~Sam