Need help on choosing a DR. at CMMC, appt. next Wednesday.

I have an appointment next Wednesday for my first consultation at CMMC and I have no idea which doctor to choose. I haven't met any of them, so how can I know which one I like best? I don't really have any information on any of them(other than what I see off OH), so how can I know which one is better qualified? The sad part is that I won't even get to meet any of them on my first consult. I think so far that's the only thing that I don't really like about CMMC. I like the offices that you actually get to meet your doctor the first time you go; instead of having to wait until you get insurance approval before you meet your doctor. Anyway, can someone please give me some insight on which doctor you think is the best between Cleveland, Cummins, and Ferrugia? Also, is there anything I can do/bring for my first consult that will help speed things along? Thanks for any info you can offer me, Jackie

Hi Jackie: I used Dr. Cleveland and he is really nice. The only advise I can give is to stay on top of things. Once you get a letter saying that you are approaved stay on top of things. Other wise you tend to fall through the cracks. They are really nice but there are so many people going through it is hard for them to remember things. Steph

Thanks for the info, Steph. One of my co-workers had her appt with the nurse practicioner two weeks ago and they told her not to even call them to check on her insurance status for at least two months. They said in the paperwork that they sent to me that it could take up to two months "just for them to send the predetermination letter to the insurance company". I pray that it doesn't take them that long. After three years of reading OH and looking into this surgery, I sure don't want to have to wait another 6 months. Patience flew out the window a long time ago. By the way, congrats on your weight loss success! Jackie

Hi Jackie, I used Dr Cleveland at CMMC. He is a very nice person and a great dr. He knows his stuff. He will answer any question you have and will be upfront and honest with you. I am not saying that the others won't, cause I don't know. I am just speaking of Dr C since he is my dr. I wish you well on your WLS journey. Jo 444/414/241/?

Wow, Jo, 200 lbs gone forever! Congratulations!!!!!!! I hope my surgery, once I have it, is as much of a success as yours has been. Thanks for your advice about which doctor to choose. Do they prioritize the patients in any way, or is it first come first serve? Also, do they take your gall bladder out or is it determined case by case? Thanks for any and all help you can give me. And, "YOU GO GIRL!" Jackie

HEY JACKIE. I chose Dr. Cleveland because he is the one with the most experience. He is actually teaching the other doctors. one of the other doctors will be in the OR during surgery assisting Dr. Cleveland. dr. Cleveland was able to do lap on me. and I have had three other major surgies on my abdomen. He is very good at the surgery. I have had no complications. I would chose Dr. Cleveland again if I had to do it again. Hope this helps and Good Luck! Donna

Donna, Thanks for your advice. I really love the fact that everyone on the MS boards all seem so friendly and nice. It's just like one big family taking care of each other. By the way, I love the glamour shot. That's my side business. I took pictures in the Natchez mall a few years ago. It's a pretty small mall, so I was just there for a few days. Now, I'm mostly just into house parties and stuff. It's gotten too expensive to rent a place in the mall. Hopefully, after my surgery, I will look and feel good enough to post my own glamour shots online. Jackie

I hear good things about Dr. Cummins too. So either Dr. Cleveland or Cummins would be a good bet. I am sure that Dr. Ferrugia is good too or he wouldn't be there! but I haven't heard of him. Smoochies Arlies Go to the portion of the board "locating a surgeon" and there will be reviews of the docs....I know Dr. Cleveland has reviews...not sure about the other two.

Jackie, I used Dr Cleveland myself and cant say enough about him. He is a great dr and he takes the time to make sure everything is right. He even came to see me after surgery on his day off so I am a big supporter of him. Best of luck and yes it takes time and it is hard to wait but the results are so worth it. Good luck and God Bless. Barry -191+ 03-14-05

I had Dr Cummins, she's a lady. She's really good. I felt like she understood me. She's very easy going.