Park Nicollet or Unity?

I'm looking for opinions from anyone who had experiences with either of these hospitals for their surgery.  I've been working with Unity for all my pre op stuff and had decided on Dr. Jeff Baker for my surgeon.  Now I'm having second thoughts.  I met Dr. Baker at the seminar and really liked him, his manner, his approach, etc.  The nutritionist and exercise specialist were also good.  My nurse is ok, she mentioned several times that there are patients who need this surgery for dire health reasons which made me feel my case wasn't very important to her.  And what's really lacking is the office staff. First of all, I'm having a VSG, this surgery is new enough to Unity that they don't even have a VSG book, just gave my the RNY book and crossed out the parts in pen that don't pertain. I have called the clinic 3 times in the past 2 months during business hours and have either gotten voicemail or was put on hold before even asking my question long enough so that I eventually hung up.  I'm finding working with them frustrating, it feels like an assembly line process.

I'm considering looking into Park Nicollet's program.  I like what I've read on their website about their program, it sounds more organized and professional than Unity's. However, it's further from where I live and I would need to start the process over since they use their own staff apparently for psych, nut, etc, all of which I already have done. 

Any thoughts or experiences are greatly appreciated.

I had Dr. Jeff but for RNY 3 years ago....He is awesome.....They have many nurses there, if your unhappy with one of them, switch....I have heard Darla is awesome, I myself have Sandy G. As far as the office staff that is a bummer.....

I speak at Dr. Jeff's seminar's every once in awhile, he would want to know your dis-satisfaction....I know they just started doing the sleeve a little bit ago, and are trying to get things in place for those patients....

I have nothing but good to say about him and the staff....If there is anything I can do to help, please just ask.....I know Dr. Jeff very well and could talk to him for you if you'd like....I won't say anything though unless you tell me too...:)   He's a great guy, great doctor, I would hate you to miss out on that because of the office staff.....

Kelly

 You need to feel comfortable with the decision you make for where and who you want to do your surgery.  The VSG is new to a lot of the bariatric programs in the area.  BUT one place it doesn't appear that you are looking into is the U of M.  I do not know there exact number on VSG's done, but I know they do the DS and the VSG is basically the first part of the DS.  So for me the experience factor alone would make me want to look into them.  Also 2 of the surgeons at the U also do some at Abbott as well.  The U of M is a very busy clinic though.  

Have you checked out the bariatric clinic at Abbott? Dr. Ikramuddin is doing my VSG in 2 days. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Take a look there.

I had my RNY done at Unity by Dr Rick Johnson, and I had a wonderful experience.  I loved my nurses and the care at the hospital was excellent. I would recommend them highly.  I also have a friend who had her VSG done at the U.  She has had a few problems, but it may not be the fault of either the surgeon or the hospital, but they were giving her cottage cheese on the second day, and I found that strange. 
Good luck to you no matter which one you choose.  I love the way I feel now, and I am only 3 months out. 

I had Dr. Jeff Baker at Unity and I had a wonderful experience.  Darla is my nurse there and she is fabulous, too.  Based on those experiences, I have spoken at a number of Dr. Baker's WLS information seminars over the past few years.  What it comes down to for me is the skill and demeanor of the surgeon.  I can put up with anything else.

RP

They have the sleeve books in now. I have been hounding them for mine and picked it up Tuesday when they were doing the orientation.

And I understand your frustration with the up front staff. Helpful hints - if you call before 10 am you get great service, after that it**** or miss. 

Which in reality is the nature of any Dr's office. 

The bottom line is are you happy with the Dr - nurse - nut and excerise specialist?  If so, keep in mind  they are the ones youre going to see and work with.  Not the upfront reception staff.

I am currently going through the process at Unity and my nurse is Darla who is wonderful! You might just ask to see a different nurse. My experience with them has been great so far. I chose a different surgeon, Dr. Johnson, not sure if surgeon choice dictates who you get for a nurse. Never hurts to go to another seminar and check out other surgeons though.

Also, I dont care for their front desk staff either....but they are not the reason I am staying with Unity. The direct patient care staff is.

I had my surgery at Park Nicollet by Dr. Svendsen -- and I loved him! The staff is great -- and maeny of them are also post-op.  I have nothing but positive things to say about them.