Looking for Doctor recommendations. Dr. Chute?

Hi, all.  Hope you will be able to help me decide on a doctor.  I'm trying to do as much research as I can and this site and all the friends I've made at coffee Saturdays have helped so much.  I figured it wouldn't hurt to bring this to the whole Minnesota group. I'm thinking of going to Edmund Chute who works out of Abbott in Minneapolis.  Does anyone have an opinion on Dr. Chute or Abbott?  Otherwise, do you feel really strongly about recommending someone else? Thanks so much! Kathy ps.  I just figured out how to do an "avatar."  I think I selected something very "hopeful."

Kathy -- well, EVERYBODY loves their doctor!!!  There may be a few who have had a bad cir****tance that they don't, but crap happens during surgery.  Even though they blame the doctor, there are risks with this surgery.  So you could get a recommendation from everyone who had surgery with all the doctors in the twin city area.   You need to pick someone YOU feel comfortable with.  This is a big decision and you need to find someone who answers your questions, you feel good about cutting into you, and will be there to support you after you have the surgery.  Make sure they have support staff to give you support, counselors to help with eating disorders, nutritionists to help you get and stay on track for your eating habits, etc.   I love the PNC program because Park Nicollet has an all emcompassing program with it all, but I don't know that Abbott and Dr. Chute don't have that too -- they may.  I'mnot familiar with that program.  I picked my doctor based on the nurse who supports him.  She's the one I see for the next million years so I wanted to feel comfortable with her too.  The program also turned me onto group sessions, this board, call whenever I want to ask questions, very attentive to any needs I had.  So that covers Dr. Svendsen, Dr. Wellerlie and Dr. Jones, and Methodist Hospital. Just make sure you feel at ease and full of peacefullness when you are being put under -- then you'll know you have the right doctor for you.... XXOO

Hi Kathy, I didn't have Dr. Chute but he is part of the Abbott Bariatric Group.  I personally used Dr. Dan Leslie and absolutely love him.  I chose the Abbott Bariatric Center for it's after care and nursing personnel.  I am only 2 weeks out but they have been great, very caring and very thorough. Choosing your doctor and after care facility is a personal choice and I would recommend you do what I did and go to a few seminars and pick the one you are the most comfortable with.  I knew I wanted to go to Abbott, based on past experience, so I chose my doctor based on that.  I was originally scheduled with Dr. Ikramuddin but he was on holiday on the date my surgery was scheduled and I went with Dr. Leslie and was so happy I did.  He is so meticulous and caring and concerned about me as a person.  I have had no issues since surgery and don't feel like I've even had surgery.  I don't even know I have a pouch until I forget and drink my water a little to fast.......it reminds me in a hurry.  Good luck on your search.  There are many good surgeons and hospitals in this area and you just need to find the one that you feel the most comfortable with.   Bonnie

Hey Kathy- Barb is right, you are going to get LOTS of different answers because for the most part, we all LOVE our surgeons.  They saved our lives.  Go with your heart....make sure you feel comfortable with the surgeon and the program and ask LOTS of questions.   Good Luck in your decision.   and yep, the avatar is hopeful and attainable with this surgery!  *S*

Thanks to Pam, Bonnie and Barb.  You're all so kind to take the time to help with such thoughtful and thorough answers.  I'll be taking every word to heart.  k