Dr Shina? (anyone see him)

Good morning. I was wondering if anyone had their surgery or follow ups done with Dr Shina? I am new to KY and was refered to him by my insurance. I had the lap band done in TX.  I guess I will be see at his office up in IN. I am a little frustrated since I cant get in to be seen until the middle of February. I havent had a fill since August and I havent had a office visit since October. 

My surgeon is Dr. David Geller.  He is wonderful and I would recommend him without hesitation.  His office is across from Norton Suburban Hospital in Louisville.  Dr. Geller has a very pleasant bedside manner and I'm sure he'd take great care of you.

You might want to read the surgeon reviews on this site.  Both Dr. Shina and Dr.Geller have plenty of feedback.

Welcome to Kentucky!  BTW, where are you?  If you are intersted in attending a support group meeting in Louisville, there are monthly meetings at both Norton downtown and Norton Suburban.  The group is made up of people who have had all different kinds of WLS and people who are considering surgery as well.

Thank you for your reply. I will definatly read the review pages.

We live in Elizabethtown about 45 minutes away from Louisville. Is the support group open to anyone? Or is it only your Dr clients? I am definatly in need of a support group.

The support group is open to anyone.  We would love to have you join us.  I believe that the next meeting is this Thursday at Norton Suburban Hospital at 6:00 p.m.

Hi Shannon,

While Dr. Shina has a reputation as an awsome surgeon he also has a reputation for not having the best bed-side manner.  It seems like most people either LOVE him or they can't handle his direct/brusk style and look elsewhere.  Several of my WLS buddies have him for their surgeon and are totally happy though so you may be as well.  It just comes down to a personality thing mostly.  Does your insurance company have only one option for bariatrics?  Maybe call and ask for a few names so you have the luxury of a choice.  There are several surgeons that could do you follow-ups in the Louisville area.  There is also a new group in the Bardstown area that would be somewhat closer for you. 

The Norton's support groups are open to anyone and everyone who would like to attend regardless of who your surgeon is or what type of surgery you have had.  Dr. Shina is listed as one of the Norton's surgeons though so if you attended the Suburban group you would be seeing staff there that you would cross pathes with anyway.

Good luck and welcome to KY!

I am one of the rareties I guess, I have mixed opinions of Dr Shina. I have 5 other co workers/friends who used Dr Shina as well, I can say that none of us dislike him, but some like him better than others. He is very direct, no sugar coating, and a heck of a good surgeon. Some people he cuts up with and jokes around with, but whenever I have seen him I have felt he has been in a rush, in and out but getting everything accomplished.

As far as talent I couldn't have asked for better, he did my RNY, ventral hernia repair, and adhesion removal at the same time all laproscopically.

Even though I have had some problems and health issues with the surgery, I still am grateful that Dr. Shina did the surgery.  There are times he seems in his own little world and just dropping by ours for a quick visit.  But I like him.  He will answer any questions and is happy to give you all the information you need to make a well informed decision.  He is direct and to the point and is one busy surgeon.    I think he is direct and to the point because he is very busy.  The office staff are great and will answer any questions you have, also, and have always been nice.  I understand that you either like him or you don't.  He will hold you hand if you need it, but he expects you to follow his rules and if you do, you know and he knows, things will turn out okay.  If you want a non-nonsense doctor, who will answer your questions and be there if you need him, then Dr. Shina is for you.  

Vera-Ellen  

I originally was scheduled with Dr. Shina because I was impressed with his record but then I switched to Dr. David Geller.  Not only is he a great surgeon - my surgery was very fast - he has the best office staff as well...Celisse and Pam are the greatest.  They believe in you.  I don't know Dr. Shina's staff, I am sure they are great as well.  Dr. Geller is really nice and gentle and spends plenty of time with you - all that you need.  He is not in a rush.  I like that he talks to me and always tries to make sure I am following the path.  I also had outpatient surgery with him and it went great.  One other note, if I need to get in - they get me scheduled in....
Is the Norton meeting really this Thursday on Christmas Eve?  I thought it was cancelled this month...that would be really cool if it is still on...

Melanie

PS:  Welcome to KY!

oh nm - being blonde - posting was 7 days ago... :)

I <3 Dr. Shina...
I 100% agree with everyone else's opinion of his straight forward manor, but it keeps me on track! He tells it like it is! And he is a wonderful surgeon! I can see where people would see him as an in and out person, but I don't think that is true. With him, I don't think he understands beating around the bush, so, if you have questions, comments or concerns he expects you to say them... he isn't a hand holder or someone that is going to lead you along, but he always takes the time to thoroughly answer questions and explain things when I ask.

I think he is a wonderful weight loss doctor, but I think it really depends on what you are looking for in a surgeon... if you are looking for someone to push you then he would be great... but if you want a sympathetic ear or soft spoken coaxing... he is definitely not for you!