Anyone had WLS at St. Agnes in B'more?

Hi everyone I'm new to the OH site and I'm currently still researching WLS. I've been to the informational seminar and have my first appt. with the surgeon on Dec. 19th. I was wondering if anyone here who has had surgery with Dr. Singh or Dr. Averbach at St. Agnes would be willing to share your experience with me? Thanks!

I didn't have surgery at St. Agnes, but one of my co-workers did. She raves about Dr. Singh. I would have considered St. Agnes had I known they did it also. I went to GBMC with Dr. von Ruedin. I rave about him, but I also live right off Wilkens Ave. Welcome to the Maryland Board! Aime

Welcome Rachel - Ditto to everything Aime said!!! I'm sure you'll probably hear from Terry M., who had her surgery at St. Agnes with Dr. Averbach. She loves him and has been sooooo successful! Good for you for researching - it's the most important pre-op step. Good luck and feel free to post away!!! We're a great, warm, slightly nutty bunch!!! Teresa (Tia)

Dr. Singh did my Lap RNY at St. Agnes on 11/6. I know two other people who also had their surgery performed by him. He's great. Joyce

Hi Rachel, Dr. Averbach did my surgery in July 2005 and I lost 129lbs in less than 12 months. I have nothing but positives to say about Drs. Averbach and Singh and the program at St. Agnes. I did not go to Dr. Singh, but have had some interface with him in the office/social settings. Dr. Singh is more outgoing whereas Dr. Averbach is more stoic, but certaily approachable and compassionate. I don't say that to discourage you from going to Dr. Averbach, just wanted to make you aware of the differences. Everybody on their staff was caring and informative and helped me get through the approval, surgery preparation and then surgery/recovery processes. If you have any further questions or you'd like to talk, please email me. Good luck on your WLS journey! Keep us posted Take Care, Terry

Hi -- I haven't had surgery with any of these docs but I did have surgery with a GREAT doc here in Baltimore. His name is Dr. Roe. Visit his web site at baltimorebariatrics.com Hope I spelled it right -- if not I would love to give you his name and address. Best wishes on your search. Debra Aquaowo

Thanks everyone for your replies and great info. Ahhh, I feel so welcome here.

Hi, Rachel! I am having surgery Monday with Dr. Averbach. I am getting nervous because I am starting to think about that little opening from your stomach to your intestines - how is anything going to fit through there?!? But I digress... Everyone in Dr. Averbach's office is great. I think I even made Dr. Averbach smile once. He is very willing to answer your questions. I went to Dr. Singh's seminar on Lap Band and he was very personable. I went with Averbach just because he seemed to do more gastric bypass and that's who I had my initial appointment with. Good luck with your research!

Hi there! Dr. Averbach is wonderful. i am so glad I went to him. I had my surgery in May and have lost 79 pounds. He sets very realistic goals for you. But, I didn't like St. Agnes. I will never go back there again. I have heard so many people rave about this hospital, but I hated it. The nursing staff at night was awful, especially the second night I was there. I don't want to discourage you from using Dr. Averbach, he's great. I have had no complications at all and my incisions are healing beautifully. Good luck with whatever you decide. Danielle

I think you can run into that at any hospital. I had one night nurse that was the pits. One thing no one told me was that I would have issues following surgery related to loose stools. Needless to say, I made a mess. There I was one day out of major surgery and she has me in the bathroom trying to clean myself up. I couldn't twist or bend well at all. I found out later from another nurse that what I experienced is common following bariatric surgery and that the nurse should have "helped" me. That was at GBMC. The rest of the nurses were fantastic. Aime