CMMC has anyone had surgery from Dr.Loggins?

Hi Everyone,
I am in search for a surgeon for either lap band or gastric bypass. I was wondering if anyone has had surgery with Dr. Loggins and your impressions, outcomes etc??? Any info would be appreciated. I am nervous about this but feel it is something I have to do because I do not want to feel this way the rest of my life.
Thanks,
Cindy

Hi Cindy,

I'm not familiar with that doctor, I haven't heard his name before.

I CAN strongly recommend Dr. Michelle Toder, at the Eastern Maine Medical Center's Surgical Weight Loss program.  Both my wife and I have had the full gastric bypass with her as our surgeon.  Also, if you spend much time on this board, you'll find she has done a large number of us in Maine.  That's because she's an EXPERT, and she's GOOD.  She has pretty much perfected the technique of robotic gastric bypass, using the DaVinci robots (laproscopic procedure).  I can't rave about her enough.

All my opinion, of course, but I think you'll find it a pretty consistant opinion...

-David

Thanks David. I heard Michelle is a good surgeon but it is hard to get through the program and it takes a while to be scheduled for surgery? I am not sure how long we will have our insurance so I wanted to try and complete as soon as I could. Sounds like most people on here have had the gastric bypass? I am wondering if that is the best route or lap band or the sleeve. I just want my life back and to feel good again. Thanks for your reply!

Well, I think it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this program or that program, based on insurance.  It's a fact of life, to be sure (and isn't that sad?), that some insurance programs value this type of procedure, and others don't.  

I can tell you I have some experience with several methods.  Although I (and my wife) both had the laproscopic RNY procedure with Dr. Toder, my sister had a lap band procedure in NH, and my wife's cousin had lap-band with Dr. Toder (both last year.)  Both have been successful.

I can't speak to the sleeve myself, I don't personally know anyone who has had it.

The first step, I think, is making a committed effort to get back in control, and so that starts with diet and exercise, and you can start that now!  :-)  Their program is a little slower to get through at EMMC, but the pre-surgical education is SO important, and they are SO thorough, that I have to feel that it's a real A+ program, and should be the first choice for anyone looking at these SWL procedures...

I wish you the best...I know it is a tough choice...I can promise you this...I don't think there is another surgeon in Maine that I would have allowed to do this surgery on me.  Honestly, I WANTED the program to be tough, and thorough.  It instilled the confidence in the program that enabled me to feel comfortable with going ahead...

I second everything that David said and will add that many insurance companies require a six month diet with your primary care physician before they will even consider approving surgery so its really not about the surgeon that decides how quickly you go through the process.

I had dr. Toder and from beginning to end it was 5 months. That is actually a short time frame for surgery. The only reason it was that quick was because I had already been seeing my surgeon monthly for diet and nutrition and because I am a full time nursing student and needed to have surgery toward the beginning of the summer to have plenty of time to recover throughout the summer and Dr. Toder and her staff completely accomodated that.

I have no experience with Lap band other than to say that most who look into lap band (like myself) and then learn more about each of the options end up going with RNY or go with lap band and end up getting some sort of revision. There are others that are very happy with the lap band decision however. If you are undecided you should talk it over with your surgeon and go with their recommendation.

I think the most important thing is that you select someone that you trust with your life. Someone who will make your safety and health a priority over time frames and insurance companies. This is major surgery and making a decision based on anything other than your health is not wise.

I have no knowledge of Dr. Loggins so I am not saying that he is not a perfectly good surgeon, he very well may be. I am just saying make your decision an informed one and one that you can feel 100% comfortable with.

We are all here to route you on and support you and let us know if you have any questions along the way no matter who you choose!


Best of luck to you!

Kristie

Well well-put, all the way around...

I second what David has said! I personally am having surgery with Dr. Toder on Monday and my mother had surgery with her back in 2005. She knows her stuff! I am from Waterville and It is worth every bit of the drive to go through the program at EMMC. When it comes to your health you want the very best and you will get that at EMMC and Dr. Toder. Good Luck with you decision and your Journey!

Kristie

Thanks Kristie. I hope your surgery went well and wish you a speedy recovery!!!!! It sounds like she is definitely worth the trip but I don't want to wait a year for surgery:(
Cindy

I had surgery by Dr Loggins in 2008!  He's my hero!  I started at 265 and I'm now at 125 or so....He IS THE BEST!!!  He did my exploratory lap too!  He is the greatest and his partner, Dr Bang, is pretty awesome too!  Feel free to add me or send me any questions you may have!  Dr Loggins IS GREAT!

Congratulations Ruth!!!

And good luck K!!!  Tomorrow is your surgery!!!  Check in with us when you can!!!  I'll keep my fingers crossed, and all will go great!!!

See you on the other side!!!