New, Is anyone here a patient of Dr. Shina's?

Hi, all. I'm just beginning my journey. The beginning of this whole process is scary and exciting all at the same time, lol. I'm Vickie, a 34 yr. old married mom of 2 (a 12 yr. old son and 2 yr. old daughter). I'm going to college to get a degree in Psychology. I live in Elizabethtown, KY. I've been researching WLS for about a year now and finally feel like I can make the choice without reservations. I'm going to set up a consulatation with Dr. Mark Shina based on reviewing his stats and talking to one of his patients. I was wondering if anyone here had him as their surgeon or knew anything about him at all. I've read many of the patient testimonials, but many of them are 1 or 2 years old. Anyway, hello to all of you and congratulations on your own journeys! Vickie

HI Vickie I am a patient of Dr. Shuna's I have not had surgery yet but had my first consult with him on 6/29/04 I like him I think he is very up front and to the point. He wants you to do exactly as he ask's you to do for your own well being and seems to care for his patients and I think you will like him. Sherry B.

Sorry miss spelling that is Dr. Shina's

Thanks, Sherry! It helps a lot to get different opinions from current patients. I thing I will like his style. He sounds like the type that works hard to keep his patients on track. Will you be having your surgery in IN or Louisville? Vickie

Hi, I'm a patient of Dr. Shina's. I am scheduled for my WLS on July 30th. He's a bit arrogant but seems to be very competent and thorough. At times I feel like I'm part of a mass production assembly line but I am confident in what I have read about him and learned in researching him. I go to support group meetings at the library in Radcliff. Come join us. Call 351-9999 for information -- I'm not sure of the exact date of the next meeting. I work at the library and I just take my break and go to the meetings. We'd really like to see you there. Sharon

Thanks Sharon! The one consistant thing I keep hearing about Dr. Shina is that he doesn't have much of a bedside manner. It'll probably really get under my skin at first, but I want to do this so badly and be successful that I'll put up with it. One of my professor's at ECTCS had him as her surgeon and she has just raved about the after-care she has recieved. She says he's much friendlier after surgery. I will definately check out the support group, thanks for telling me about it. The big issue for me right now is finding support. It's sounds strange, but I've gotten the least support from my overweight friends in real life and on-line. They've all tried to talk me out of it, while all the slim people in my circle of friends have been much more open to the idea of WLS. I just don't understand it. Hopefully I'll meet you at the next support meeting! Vickie

I hope to see you then! Mary Daugherty kind of runs? facilitates? (whatever the politically correct word is) the group. You can call her at the library in Radcliff 351-9999. Remember, no matter what anyone else says about WLS to you, it is YOUR decision to make about your LIFE. I know what you mean, some of my larger size friends are somewhat negative about it. Dr. Shina can be arrogant as +$(@ if he wants to be, it's not his personality that is important it is his skill and his record is very impressive. My date is the 30th and I'm somewhat nervous too. I think that's normal because who wouldn't be nervous about a life style change of such great proportion? Heck, I got very nervous about moving here from Illinois 2 years ago! lol !Take care ... Sharon

Hey Vicky, My Dr. is Dr. Cacchione. He is not far from Dr. Shina. I like him a lot. If your shopping around make an appt. to just meet him. I checked out his credentials and he has received awards for his work. Just an idea. I'm not scheduled for surgery yet because of an H Pylori bacteria I'm being treated for. But hopefully soon. Good luck and god bless you on your journey.

Thanks Kim! I will definately check out Dr. Cacchione. I am open to checking out every Dr. in the area prior to my initial consultation. It never hurts to keep my options open. Thanks for taking the time to respond. It means a lot to me. Vickie

Kim, I meant to ask in my other post to you and forgot, is the Dr.Cacchione you're refering to Robert N. Cacchione? Probably a stupid question, but the reason I ask is that Robert Cacchione is a perfered provider for my insurance company (BCBS of Alabama PPO)and that might help with getting approval. Sorry to bug ya to death Vickie