Dr. Shina Feedback HELP!

I am scheduled for surgery on 12/10/04 with Dr. Shina. I have had 2 meetings with him. I find him personable and direct with a good sense of humor. However, I have heard some horror stories about him that have me worried. A friend of mine who is a nurse at Suburban, asked around about him and none of the nurses had anything nice to say about him. One called him a "butcher", and another said she wouldn't let him work on her dog. This is very distressing to me as I know WLS is serious business and I want to trust my surgeon completely. Anyone with feedback about this issue, PLEASE REPLY!! I am scared! Thanks.

Amy, I don't know anyone at the hospital but I have looked at the numbers of surgeries that Dr Shina has done and met him and was reassured by that meeting that I had picked the right surgeon for me. If you feel that you won't feel safe, I'd advise that you change surgeons. Remember also that you can't make all people happy all the time and co-workers often have a hard time. Maybe those who have nothing nice to say are the ones who are the most vocal. Bottom line is--- Do what is right for YOU. Best of luck, Shirlene Wright

Amy, my husband and I loved Dr Shina. He was my first pick as a surgeon when I started researching WLS. Shirlene is right though, u have to go with who u think is right. I know in my heart that he is right for me because I feel it, don't listen to other peoples gossip, listen to your heart and what U think... God Bless and Good luck Angela

Thanks for the advice. Please see my reply to Linda.

Hi Amy 4 yrs ago, my sister had the RNY performed by Dr. Shina. She thought he was wonderful, and he didn't "butcher" her. I think lots of nurses (and this is just MY opinion) tend to say bad things about Drs when there are "personal" issues between the 2 of them (i.e. the dr yelled at the nurse for no reason, dr accused nurse of doing something wrong, etc). If you are truly worried about this, talk to Dr. Shina. If you met him twice and liked him and trust him, WHY would you rely on what someone else says? Linda

You are right. I guess it was hard to make the decision for WLS and then after I did, it seemed that darn near everyone was negative about it. I mean I have my personal support group, but outsiders are always saying "You don't want to do that" or "I knew someone who had that done and she is miserable". It just seems like I continuously fight off these people. I have gotten to the point that I don't even tell anyone anymore because I don't want to have to listen to them. I just need to work on being confident with my decision and let it go at that. Thanks for the reply.

Amy Follow your Gut feelings. I have had an appt with Dr Shina and I too love his direct/honest up front personality. Some people that offends. I think he is very knowlegable with the surgery he does. The day I went for my consult and seminar the room was packed!! And only about 5 were there as supporters!! The best thing to do about everything is pray about it! I have prayed about the surgery and God has given me a peace. Is the peace for approval or denial ? I don't know but because of the peace it will fine. God is in control. Hang in there!! I think we have been looking for help for so long that we finally see a light at the end of the tunnel that is not an oncoming train!! The thought of missing the chance to make permanent changes is something we don't want to miss out on!! That is just my 2 cents!! Blessings Tonya

Tonya, Thank you for your reply. I can really relate to what you say about "making permanent changes". I definately don't want to miss my chance at a new life. Thanks for your support.

I know I'm late with a response, but just had to say that my husband and I have the upmost confidence in Dr. Shina. Not just because of our feelings about him after meeting him, but also in his skill as a surgeon. (DH knows the guy that Dr. Shina trained with re: bariatric surgery and he is the tops!!) So my decision to have him as a surgeon is multilayered, and I just can't imagine a colleague (nurse or doctor) spitting venom as these women did...you prolly should have asked, if those opinons were based on his skill and surgical history, or were they just being women that have hurt feelings like the previous poster referred to. I can't imagine his reputation being what it is if he truly is a 'butcher'...that sux

Thank you for your feedback and support. I received a lot of feedback from my post and all has been positive. This has reassured me more than anyone knows. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with him, I can't thank you enough.