Whats your experience w your surgeon?

I am looking for a surgeon to preform my bariatric surgery...I have an appointment in Portland for their seminar...i also thought about Bangor...i just want to know you experiences with your surgeon and their staff before I completely commit to Portland!! 

I had Jamie Loggins at Central Maine Bariatrics in Lewiston.  He is a wonderful surgeon and the program that his office has is very thorough.  I decided to have surgery in May of 08, got a referral from my pcp and had my first appointment with them towards the end of July.  It took me close to 4 months to complete all the testing and required weight loss.  My insurance approved it in about 2 business days.  I then had my surgery in November.  I have had no complications thus far with the surgery.  Having said that, I know that a lot of the office staff has changed since I had surgery.  I know Dr. Loggins, Michael, Corrine, and Ashley are still there but there are a few new faces that I haven't met yet.

I started the process in Portland at the end of last November and had surgery in early July.  Dr. Wolffe was nice enough but we didn't "click" if you know what I mean.  The staff at the Bariatric Center has been great and I've never met anyone I didn't like.  Good luck!

I,  too, had Dr Loggins in Lewiston.  He and his staff are awesome!  I've met some of the new staff and they all seem very nice.  The program is very thorough!!!!  Be ready to "jump through hoops" whichever program you decide on!!!!!   I THINK (not sure though) that the time from consult to surgery may have gotten a little longer due to the size of the practice now.  They are also a "provisional" Center of Excellence (they are awaiting final approval, last I heard.....they may have it by now, I'm not sure!)  They now have a second surgeon at CMMC Bariatrics too.

Whichever practice you decide on...........good luck!  AND CONGRATS on taking this first step to a healthier you!!!!!!!!!!

I went to Dr. Toder in Bangor.  She is wonderful.  She has clear expectations and wants you to succeed.  I chose her due to her excellent surgical skills and the fact that she does the surgery with a robot.  She also teaches around the country how to use the robot.  EMMC was also a center of excellence which was required by my insurance.  Now they have another certification which I believe is of even higher standards.  All the doctors there are great.  They have a new doctor now at the EMMC program and I was told by Dr. Garth Davis from Big Medicine that she trained under him.  My friend is currently in the EMMC program and could have had her surgery done sooner if she chose the new doctor.  (she will operate under Dr. Toder for a number of surgeries)  My friend chose to wait as her secondary insurance doesn't kick in until January.

Good luck in selecting a program.  I recommend going to both informational meetings and a few support groups to see which one is the best fit.

Thank you all for you input...does anyone know someone that went to Portland? Also what about Dr. Treu in Augusta?

I had Dr. Trieu in Augusta and I absolutely LOVE him!  The entire office staff is very nice.  I am very glad to have him here in Augusta!

There are a few people on here that went to Portland.  I used Dr. Trieu in Augusta and have been very happy with them through the whole process.  His staff is great and my nutritionist, Jackie, is so knowledgeable and she really makes sure you're prepared.  Well, as prepared as you can be anyway.  There are several wonderful programs in the state so it doesn't hurt to go to a few seminars and see what feels right for you.  If you have any questions, we all love to help when we can!

Hi, I too went to Bangor, but many here that went to Lewiston, Augusta, and Portland are very happy with their programs.  Good luck with your decision!

I went to Portland....I replied to you above.