Dr. George R. Merriman ~ Good? Bad?

Has anyone had any bad experiences with him? Does anyone know if he works with people who have Tricare Prime?

I would also like to know about his pre-op diet and the care and services he offers after your surgery.

All I can say is good things about him. As far as pre-op diet. He didn't have me on one. I was told by the nutritionist it is always best to try to lose prior to surgery. She did want me to drop a few lbs. His post op diet is one of the strictist I have seen but I have done so well I am sure it is because my pouch had a long time to heal and heal properly. The postop diet was not at all hard on me. I know some people have a hard time with it, but I was determined I would do it and not complain. I even went through the Christmas holidays on liquids. To me he has great post op care. I can only say I have had nothing but a positive experience with him. I go to some of his post op support meetings. Right now my life it hectic and it is a little hard but I go as often as I can. I don't think you could go wrong using him. Jodi

Well, so far I haven't heard even one bad thing about him. Can you give me some examples as to exactly how strict he is...what are the pre & post-op diets like? I've been trying to find information online about him, but can't find very much. I'm not even sure yet if he works with Tricare Prime. Does he have any kind of free meetings for pre-ops? I thought I read something about it somewhere, lol, but can't seem to find it again! Also......dang, I forgot what I was going to ask...LMAO! Oh well, I'll try to remember what is was and then post again, LOL!!

No pre-op diet, just nothing after midnight. It is always best if you can drop a few pounds before surgery. The nutritionist will tell you this. Post op is clear liquids for the first two weeks then full liguids. It sounds bad but it was not bad at all. The best thing is to just go into the surgery with a positive attitude and you will do fine. I was on clear liquids over the Christmas holidays and I survived. He has a website www.surgicalspecialistsonline.com maybe this will help. I think, not sure that he does work with Tricare. Seems like I have heard that before. If you have any questions just ask. Jodi

Amanda, I had my laproscopic RNY with James and Stephanie Barnes at Minimally Invasive Surgery in Shreveport. They take Tricare Prime. I have only had to pay $12 copay for them and $25 for Schumpert. They are a team-so when you are in surgery you get 2 surgeons with you at the same time. They are wonderful! As I was being wheeled in to surgery all of the nurses told me that I chose the best! I have not had any complications with the surgery. Please check into them if Merriman does not take Tricare Prime. Valarie

I recently got my referral in the mail and it's for the Barnes'. So...I'm going to stick with them because Dr. Merriman (and all other surgeons in this area) seem to NOT take Tricare Prime. I have my first meeting with the Barnes' on April 2nd. Thanks for everyones input!