Fairview Southdale Weight Loss Clinic

Hello, I am in the somewhat early stages of the process at Fairview Southdale Weight Loss Clinic.  I love the office and staff that I have already met.  My problem is, I am not sure which surgeon I should have do my surgery.  I have seen Dr Benn and Dr Pierce speak on their online info session, and Dr Laguna spoke at the info session I attended.  I liked all three surgeons, but I really like Dr Laguna.  Unfortunately, I have found the least amount of info on him online as he is the newest surgeon with the group.  I am just wondering if anyone here on the MN Board has any feedback on the surgeons at Fairview Southdale, and especially any feedback on Dr. Luis Laguna.  Thanks!

I had Dr. Laguna as my surgeon on March 4th.  He is wonderful!  I have since had issues with an ulcer (possible side effect), and he has always made himself available to talk to me.  He even came to see me once in between surgeries.

He also doesn't use drains, which is great!!  I would definitely recommend him, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I wish you all the best with your surgery!

Good to hear.  Dr Merz told me that he didn't use drains.  She said it wasn't a good or bad thing, just how he was taught at the Mayo Clinic.  I have wondered if the lack of drains was an advantage or disadvantage.  I appreciate the feedback.  I know on personality alone, I was sold!  I just wanted to make sure he was just as good a surgeon.

I don't have any information to share -- but am working through the process at Fairview Southdale, as well, and am eager to hear what others say. I've completed my first meeting with the np & nutritionist, had bloodwork done, have met and had results forwarded from my MMPI, had my first phone consult (insurance company requirement), and am working on losing 10 pounds. I am  hoping to have surgery in late August and would love to support -- and have your support in this journey!

Sounds like you are pretty much at the exact same point I am!  I wonder if we were at the same info session.  (I went to the afternoon one on 05/14).  Its nice to see someone else on here at the same point as me and at the same WL Center!

I had Dr. Laguna for surgery in January and I really liked him.  He was very kind and compassionate and took the time he needed to with me.  I was so happy to not have the drain!  Good luck!

I had Dr. Benn and he was so wonderful.  I was so scared the day of surgery and he was comforting.  He used drains, and too me that was a good thing because the drainage was gross enough and I am glad I didn't have it just sit inside me......Does that make sense?  The whole staff there is great, if I had to do again I would go with Dr. Benn.......... Good luck to you guys and keep us posted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the info.  I can say that that office definitely seemed like the best fit for me.  I did a lot of research and Dr Benn is what had me strongly considering Fairview Southdale.  As I did other research, I found out Dr Pierce and Dr Laguna are also good.  The staff has been great so far, and I really feel that I couldn't go wrong with the surgeons.

As far as the drainage tube, I know exactly what you're talking about.  The idea of NOT having the tube kinda grosses me out.  We'll see what I end up deciding, but I will definitely keep everyone posted.  This website has been such a huge help to me.  I think about how much I have already gained from it, I don't know what I'd do post surgery if I didn't have a place like this to come for knowledge!  I am comforted knowing it's out there.

 I have found continuously good care from SD WL clinic.  I am a Pt. of Dr. Benn's, whom I selected based on his online information--what you've likely searched, as well as first-hand recommendations from other patients.

I find Dr. Benn's statistical success important to me, as I approached this portion of my decision process.  Essentially, I wanted the best mechanic to do this mechanical procedure.  I viewed the SD clinic in a manner which there is the mechanical procedure, an instructive nutritional procedure, and an ongoing support procedure.  All run concurrently, but as relates to the surgeons, I found Paul Benn's to have the strongest pedigree.  Of course, all three surgeons are capable and dependable, but as they say of medical students: "someone graduates at the top of the class, but they're all Dr.s on graduation day."  I wanted the best in that class.

He is a very straight forward guy, by which I mean he gave me great information on my first introductory meeting.  He was available to speak to me at great length, not rushing off to another patient or appointment--he was present for me.  He is not a jokester or highly social individual--though very personable.  I appreciated his focus.  He has good bed-side manner, taking great care to visit before and following surgery.  During a follow-up procedure I had (a hernia), he stopped in my room repeatedly to check on my recovery, and he allowed me to participate in the decisions for my care--(staying longer in the hospital if needed…getting materials or nurses care as deemed appropriate).  

As part of this experience with Dr. Benn, I was initially struck that he didn't immediately recognize me, several weeks after surgery, or when I called the on-call service over night.  He didn't immediately know my name nor my case: and I took it personally, at first.  However, I then considered the fact that he knows my chart well; he performs the surgery very well; he knows his craft and has great outcomes to back it up.  He only knows me in-person from our consult, the pre-op greeting, in the O.R. (where I'm flat on my back), and in the follow-up care in the hospital room the next two days.  How can I expect him to remember me with such limited personal exposure.  I reminded myself that I selected him for his skills as a surgeon (mechanical process), not his willingness to be my friend outside of the surgical suite. 

Dr. Benn performed up to his reputation, and beyond my expectations.  I would recommend him, from among his peers, without hesitation.  Please feel free to private message me, or come to a Saturday coffee in Burnsville or Eagan (alternating locations. check the MN Board for reminders).

Kind regards,

Dan

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the surgeons at Fairview Southdale, they're all great (from what I've heard).  I had Dr. Laguna (for both my weight loss surgery in November last year & then again for my gallbladder surgery last Friday).  He's a great surgeon, explains things very well & clearly, is very comforting, as you already know he doesn't leave any drainage tubes (whether that proves to be important to you or not), and he does surgery 4 days of the week (which was convenient for me when I went to choose a surgery date since there was a specific date I really wanted).  He's been there for not only my surgery in November last year but also when I found out I had gallbladder issues last Monday (at my 6 month follow-up appt).  After finding gallstones at that appt. on Monday I was able to get in to see him on Tuesday morning & my gallbladder surgery was scheduled for Friday morning to have my gallbladder removed.  He knew I was in pain & very nauseous and he was able to work me in to help feel better as quickly as possible.

But, like I said, you really can't go wrong with any of the surgeons at Fairview Southdale.  Through your research & testimonies of other patients you will come to the surgeon that will work best for you.