Grand Health Partners

Hey -

Just wondering what everyone thinks of the new GHP?  I started with MMPC and went with Dr, K to GHP - have only been there for my 6 month follow up.  I have my 1 year with them in a week. 

Do you like the new PA?  What about the new dietitian? 

Just curious what everyone thinks of the new place, (some) new staff, etc.

Thanks! 

Well not thrilled with the new dietician, she bugged me. Everyone else seems ok. I think most the staff transfered over with the surgeons. I think Dr. Kemmeter and Dr. Baker are the greatest so I'll prolly follow up with them no matter what and or where ever they go.

I don't think I've met the new PA. I had Matt who's been with them forever it seems. I started at MMPC like 6 yrs. ago.  When the surgeons moved to GHP so did I.

I hope you have good luck with them.
Tara

I am not crazy with the new dietian either...she is no Christine that is for sure.  I made it a point to say I didn't want her.  I don't really like the new PA either - she is very smart but just isn't as "fun" as the rest of the group....fun is the new requirement for a doctor!  ha ha 

I love Dr, K and would follow him anywhere also :)

Thanks for the feedback...intrested to hear what everyone else says also.

I have my 1 yr follow-up w/Nancy(the new PA). She's not fun, huh? Bummer! Matt did all of my pre-op & all but 1 of my post-op appts. I was hoping to see him again-love him!! Fortunately, I don't need to see the dieticians(do love Christine, tho!) or the behavorists(they gave me the choice). You can always just email Andy if you need an exercise regime or have any questions-isn't he the bestest?! And Scott, 1 of the behavorists, well....I think I'll just leave that one alone:)

I should clarify that I had the DS-GHP, altho a fantastic practice, doesn't have proper follow-up for a DS'er, therefore the dietician isn't helpful in any way ONLY concerning a DS'ers nutritional & supplementation needs. I think they're FABULOUS for all other surgery types!! Have never met the new one tho. I didn't have to follow up w/them at my 6 mo either(they never scheduled it when they switched over from MMPC & didn't seem concerned-just told me to call if I wanted to set up appts w/them or had questions/concerns).

Have any Ds'ers seen Nancy yet? What am I going up against? Am I going to have to argue w/her about my vitamin dosage(s) & food choices??

Hey Lisa,

Nancy isn't  *new*  to the practice at all, and is actually who I recommend  (as Julie R. has been  *training*  her for a couple years now!)  every DSer should see.  Nancy was with MMPC, and I have seen her, and prefer her to all the other PAs.  Frankly, I could care less about fun, I prefer knowledge, but I personally think that Nancy is great.  Yes, Matt & Todd are great guys, but they DO NOT know the DS.  Nancy doesn't know the DS  100% either, but she knows the most, and does not provide BAD information.  Advice given by other PAs and NUTs can actually be dangerous to the DSer.

The reason most people probably don't know Nancy, is that she (had been?  maybe still is?) worked part-time, and is the only PA that doesn't go into surgery.  She has to be requested, and was taking the appointment times that patients had to have to accommodate their schedule (or not come in at all otherwise), but the times conflicted with the three male PAs surgery schedules.

Christine can be requested.  Any of the support staff can be requested, actually.  And, yes, she is nice as well, but is NOT someone I would spend any of my time seeing in the future (simply due to her lack of DS knowledge and the advice she gives -- I am sure she is fine for RnYers and others, but she is dangerous for DSers).  I have not seen Kristen, but have heard promising things about her and her interest in learning the DS.  So, I can't say that she is up-to-par, but I am encouraged that she is interested enough to actually learn our special requirements.  She is who I would advise DSers to see, as we can hopefully get her educated.  Christine has had countless hours poured into her from DSers hoping to educate her, but she continues to dispense advice that is not proper for DSers.

Scott, yeah, I will leave him alone, also!  But, for anyone that would find Scott's methods / belief system offensive, I would highly recommend Lora.  Actually, I would highly recommend Lora for everyone, if they are truly interested in gaining insight and not just looking to jump through the insurance requirement hoop of the psych eval (and don't require the religious stamp of approval!).

I think its okay...
I wish there was a new Behavior person, he rubbed me the wrong way when we first met, and am not looking forward to the one-year with him.
I refuse to have an appt with NUT Kristen.  She does not seem to know anything past general nutrition.  At my 3 mo, I asked her how many carbs I should have during the day, and in response, she asked me how many carbs are in a protein bar.  I said about 15, and she said "well, thats about a bunch of grapes"  - that was her answer.  What???   She doesn't seem to know anything about PCOS (or at least didn't when I spoke to her), and is annoying IMO.
I'm overall unhappy with the group appointments.  I don't think we should have appts with different surgeried people.  Its a waste of my time (and money) when i have to sit and listen to people talk about their band, or whatever.   I also don't appreciate the violation of my privacy.
I had a lenghty chat with the office manager about this, and she really seemed to listen, and gave me a free appointment with Christine to make up for the terrible one with Kristen, which was much better.
From now on, I request single appointments, and non-Kristen NUTs. 

I still love the surgeons, PAs, Nurses, and everything.  They are great and have taken wonderful care of me.   But the whole nutrition program leaves much to be desired, especially if you plan on a low-carb diet post op. 

You can absolutely, positively request specific people for your appts! Request Lora for your 1 yr/behavorist & def. stick w/Christine!! It's not uncommon for patients to have issues w/Scott. I was kind of surprised that he followed them to their new office. If they try to make you see him again, just refuse. You would definately not be the first(or last)! You're paying the bill(or your ins)!! I believe that you can also request one-on-one appts w/dieticians if you're not comfortable w/the group thing!!

If you know anything about Dr. Baker (who actually started the WLS program in G.R.), than you would have an idea of why Scott is still with them.

Scott is the ONLY option for the one year follow-up, so of course I refused the appointment.

And yes, one-on-one appts with the NUTs are not uncommon, you just have to ask.  It makes a lot more sense to have the individual appt at 3 months & 6 months, but they don't offer that up unless you ask for it.

If they bothered to hold relevant support group meetings, their practice interactions with patients would benefit significantly.  But, they really aren't interested in that -- just meeting the requirements for being a COE (which is a worthless designation, as studies have proven).

Luckily, the surgeons are top notch.

I just had my 2 year appointment with Nancy.  I really like her.  She is very knowledgable, friendly and helpful. 

Since 95% of the staff went with the doctors to GHP, I did not really see much difference.  I had no issues with MMPC and have had no issues with GHP.  

I HAD MY 2 YEAR FOLLOW UP LAST MONTH AND I HAD NANCY. I LIKED HER AND THOUGHT SHE WAS A NICE PERSON. I LOVE THE NEW OFFICE THERE AS I THINK THE STORE IS GREAT. I HAVE DR. BAKER, WHO I THINK IS ONE OF THE BEST! I WOULD FOLLOW HIM FOREVER TOO AS I PROBABLY WOULDN'T BE HERE IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM!