Anyone using Dr. George Merriman in Shreveport?

Just wondering how you like him, which procedure he did for you, what hospital were you in, how was that, how do you like his staff, etc. (I'm being really nosy!) There's not a doctor over here in Tyler, TX who will do the LAP Band, which is what I want, and I have found that Dr. Merriman does do it, and it's easier for me to drive to Shreveport than to Dallas if it works out. Just want more information from any of you with experience. Thanks in advance!

STEPHANIE, I AM CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING APPROVAL FOR SURGERY WITH DR MERRIMAN. I CAN TELL YOU THAT I HAVE NOT MET ANOTHER WLS SURGEON WITH HIS TYPE OF BEDSIDE MANNER. WHEN I WENT IN FOR MY INITIAL CONSULT, HE SAT THERE WITH ME ANSWERING MY QUESTIONS, AND EVEN THOUGH I THOUGHT SOME OF THEM WERE RATHER, STUPID, HE ANSWERED THEM AND TREATED ME AND MY QUESTIONS WITH RESPECT AND DIGNITY. I DO KNOW OF A FEW PEOPLE THAT HAVE USED DR MERRIMAN AND THEY HAVE RAVE REVIEWS OF HIM. LOOK AT HIS REVIEWS OF HIS PATIENTS... HERE HUN http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/forums/messageboard.php?ID=1105480774 THAT MIGHT HELP YOU A LITTLE MORE. AND WELCOME TO THE LA MESSAGE BOARD, HOPE YOU LIKE IT HERE!!!! GOD BLESS, LORI

Stephanie, I have not had surgery yet, just got approved. I have been very pleased so far. He did my ECG and I had no problems. My first appt, he answered all my questions and was very easy to talk to. His staff has been wonderful!!!! So far I have been very pleased. I first went to a seminar and was very impressed and then went on and made my appt. If you can go to one of the seminars you may get a feeling about him from that. Good luck, JC

I had a revision from a vertical banding to a RNY in Feb and Dr. Merriman was my surgeon.I have had nothing but good experiences with both Dr. Merriman and his office staff.They have been wonderful in helping me to get the surgery approved and it was no easy task either as my insurance company fought it tooth and nail.

Hey JC, Leslie, and Lori, Thanks for your input! It sounds like he's pretty great. Lori, I used the link you posted and read the comments about him....he's very well liked, and his staff, too, which is important to me. (and everyone else, of course.) The hospitals listed were the Catholic one and Doctors....which one were you guys in?

i have been in schumpert, the catholic one, and to be honest, it was a very nice hospital... other than if you use that one and you are warm blooded bring a fan. as they do not have their own ac in each room. other than that the hospital is very nice.

Stephanie, I told you how I felt about Dr. Merriman but did not answer your question about the hospitals. I plan to use Schumpert, I like the fact that his office is within walking distance. Just in case of emergency rather quick to get to. I have heard good things about Doctors Hospital. I had the EGD done at Schumpert and was very impressed. I have always worked for their rival so it had to take a lot to impress me but I was very impressed with the way I was treated for the EGD and upper GI. The staff in those two departments were great, and the nurse that started my IV was fabulous. Good luck in your journey so far mine has been very postive. I have now completed the last of my pre-op stuff so I hope to get a date next week. JC

Thanks for the information, Lori and JC! Inside information always helps. I have never been to the dr. in Shreveport, much less a hospital, as I have been in Tyler and the hospitals here are great. I'm glad to hear the experiences you had were good...other than the a/c! JC, I'm so happy for you that you're getting your date soon! Can't wait to hear how it goes! Steph