Need opinions on surgeons

Hey all, I am very new to this and am seriously considering WLS. I'm leaning towards the VSG, but have yet to talk to a surgeon. I was wondering if anyone has had experience with any of the physicians at United, Unity, or Abbott Northwestern hospitals? If so, who would you recommend? What was your experience? Thanks a ton!! :)

I had Dr. Jeff Baker @ Unity, I had RNY.....I absolutley love him....He is down to earth and is one of these doctors that REALLY care.....You should meet with him.....

Kelly

    I had an excellent experiemce with Dr Drew at Abbott, but he only does RNY. I have heard great things about Dr Baker at Unity from others in our coffee group,  
    My recommendation is that you visit all of the hospitals that offer your chosen procedure, and you will will see how they interact with potential patients. You will have a long term relationship so make you r decision based on your comfort with the whole team.

I have had a great experience with Park Nicollet in St. Louis park. The staff and Dr. Jones are wonderful! I would also recommend "shopping" around. I also had a VSG.

Everyone could recommend their surgeon and surgery type, no doubt about it! Surprised you only got three responses to be honest. Let's face it, there's a reason each of us loves our surgeon and our surgery. Because the surgeon we chose helped us to win the battle.

However, to be well educated on your surgery, surgeon, and hospital, you really should go to several different free information seminars throughout the Twin Cities. Yes, it is time consuming, but to be honest, so worth it. You will learn something new at each one, and they will really provide you with a feeling of which surgery type is right for you. And most likely, you will find the surgeon/bariatric group you liked more than the other as well by attending those seminars.

The other factor to consider is what your insurance will cover, unless you're paying out of pocket.

You have a lower BMI which on these boards you'd be considered a "light weight". Because of that, really make sure you understand which surgery will yield you the results you want to achieve.

Best of luck to you in making your decision. Ultimately, it falls on your shoulders to make that decision.

Dr. Ikramuddin did my sleeve. I had a great experience with him and his staff. He practices at both Abbott and the U. I used Abbott and, again, had a great experience there.

I'm a lightweight and had no problem losing all I wanted in less than 6 months. Some say lightweights lose slower. That wasn't my experince. I'm maintaining easliy and every now and then I drop another pound. I'm currently 8 pounds below my target.

In my personal, non-medical opinion - and I don't know anything! - I think VSG will soon become the gold standard of WLS. I'd have it again in a New York second. If you'd like to ask any questions I'd be happy to help you out.