how to choose a doctor

I started this process looking at Dr. Blake at UMC and have a consult in November. I questions the 6 months just for a consult but guess they are that busy. I ordered and got info from CMMC (Dr. Cleveland) and am looking at using him. The have a support group meeting June 8th that I plan to attend. Anyone with comments on Dr. Cleveland or any of his associates????? Thanks Ralph

I went to one of Dr Cleveland's seminar and met him and his nurse, Adam. I LOVED them both!! But they don't take my insurance. However, Adam helped me find Dr. Blake. And I LOVE Dr. Blake. I had my first consult with Dr. Blake on April 13, and am getting in my other appts (psychiatric (done), Pulmonary (done), and nutrition (June 10)). I got my appt back in Dec, so yes, the wait is LONG. The good news is that they are opening another bariatric operating room this summer, and that will speed things up some. Dr. Blake says that I will probably have surgery in July or August. There is a seminar Tuesday night @ 6:30 at UMC in the Student Union Conference Center. The topic is "Women's Issues", but if you could come, we would be happy to have you and meet you. Several of the MS folks that visit on this board will be there. Also, I think Kristi from Meridian is using a new guy in Dr. Blake's office, but I forget his name. Seems like it is an Indian name Dr. Ramenh or something. I think he isn't booked too far in advance, but am not sure. Keep us posted, and hope to see you Tuesday night. (May 18) Smoochies & Hugs Arlies

Hey! This is Kristi from Meridian. I am using Dr. Salameh at UMC (he is from Lebanon originally but got his specialty in Laparoscopic Surgery here in the US). I found a lot of good stuff about him on the internet...he's very well known in Lap Surgery and he is the one that brought the Lap Lab to UMC and teaches the residents there how to perform Lap surgery. I was very interested in him b/c of the Lap b/c I have to take time off without pay and the recovery time is much shorter. I have had my first consult with him and I LOVE HIM and all of his staff. I sent my info to both he and Dr. Blake at the same time ( had to use one of them b/c Im going through Voc Rehab) and Dr Blakes office sent me an appt for November 11, where Dr. Salameh saw me two weeks ago! He was so nice and knowledgable...and his secretary Susan and office manager Celise are GREAT. Try him and see what you think. You can do a web search under J.R. Salameh or Jihad R. Salameh to get his info. I definitely was impressed with him. I will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Let me know! Good Luck!! Kristi

Dr Cleveland is top notch. If you want it fast and dont have insurance to hold you back as far as time, check with Kristi's Dr at umc. They usually only go with the best of the best who will work for less money b/c it is a state hospital. If I were not going to have to have open rny due to my liver surgery, I would definately go see Kristi's dr. Let us know more about you. What is your height, weight. We will enjoy getting to k now you better. Are you married? You know we are women and we want to be nosey. LOL We will be here to grow friendship with you and support you.