Dr. Enochs?

Hi all - has anyone active on this board used Dr. Enochs for your surgery?  I initially went to one of his seminars with an interest in lapband, but quickly realized I do not want lapband (I have a sensitivity to silicone, even medical grade - whoops.

Anyway, I'm down to wanting the Sleeve first, but it is highly unlikely my United Healthcare insurance will approve it.  My back-up is RNY.

I live in the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area).  I'd really rather not have to travel to Charlotte or far out of the triangle, mainly because I live alone and will have to rely on friends to take me and pick me up, then stay with me a couple days when I get home.  So I don't want them to have to come the 2.5 hours to Charlotte or somewhere else outside the Triangle.

SO - any Dr. Enochs fans out there?  And, any other surgeon recommendations for either Sleeve or RNY?

Thanks in advance!

Kristen

Hi Kristen,

I didn't have my surgery through Dr. Enochs, but I run a large support group in Raleigh and know a number who have used him. As with all practices, there are pros and cons. I will let patients that have used him give you their recommendations. You can also get reviews on him through the surgeon list on OH.

Other possiblities in the area are

Duke Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery Center in Durham. They now have 5 surgeons that perform almost all WLS types. Their program has gone through some serious growing pains lately, but they seem to have things on the right track. I had my surgery through them with Dr. Eric DeMaria and my husband just had his with Dr. Dana Portenier. All are very good and they have the most comprehensive program in the area and are the only ASBS Center of Excellence in this area.

UNC Chapel Hill - Dr. Timothy Farrel and Dr. Overby. They have a smaller, but very competent group.

Dr. Moran in Raleigh. Private practice.

There are others in the Rocky Mount Area as well.

I hope that this helps.

 

Thanks Barbara - I'll look on the surgical forums as well - and thanks for the names of the other surgeons.  I have an initial consult with Dr. Enochs' office and I intend to take a lot of questions with me - one in particular is that while he might be a good surgeon (I have one friend who used him), his office appears to have some issues.  I have very low confidence that they will work  very hard to help me if I need to appeal insurance, as it seems difficult to get the office to follow through on things.

I'll check out Duke certainly, and CH.  Heading to the surgical forums now :)

Hi Kristen

Dr. Enochs performed my RNY surgery and he performed my husband's lap band surgery.  I have nothing but positive things to say about him and his staff.  Dr. Enochs has a great bedside manner. He is easy to talk to and he will answer any question you may have. Lisa (his assistant) is awesome too.  My husband and I haven't had any complications and I have to say it was a smooth ride for us both. 

Let me state clearly though, our situations were not like most and our experience is probably rare. We did all of our leg work ourselves and we worked with our PCP early on with questions, concerns and recommendations. I’d done WLS research for years and was just waiting for enough nerve to actually take the steps to get it done.

Here's how it went for me.  I went to the seminar July 3^rd & received all of the necessary test paperwork. Did all of my testing (on my own w/ my PCP) in July and August.  Scheduled and met with the nutritionist and psychologist in August.  I previously had my gall bladder removed so no ultrasound but had my upper GI consult in Louisburg (recommended by Dr. Enoch’s office) at the end of August.  I had my first consult in Dr. Enoch’s office on September 4^th. We discussed my lab and test results and my success with WLS Lap band v/s RNY.  Angelica checked everything off and said all necessary paper work was in so she would send my letter/request on Friday.  On Friday September 5^th his office sent my letter to my insurance provider.  On September 9^th Angelica called to tell me I was approved and the scheduler would be contacting me soon.  On September 10^th I had a date and had surgery on October 13^th. As for my husband, this was a quick scenario for him.

My husband attended the same seminar with me in July but waited for me to be cleared before he started. Started getting his testing done in October, had initial consult with Dr. Enochs on October 28^th and was cleared for surgery which took place on November 19^th.  

As for after the surgery, I still have nothing but good things to say. Lisa has taken great care of me and she has been friendly and straight forward. For instance, she has point blank talked to me about toning and weight lifting in order to look the way I want to look when it is all said and done. Believe me, I am as picky as picky can be and want top of the line service especially when it is costing me.   

Let me know if I can help or if you have more questions. There are several people that had surgery (Dr. Enochs) around the same time frame as me. Hopefully you will get some posts from them.  

Thanks, Deb

Hi Deb, and thanks a lot for all the good information!

I really liked Dr. Enochs when I met him at the seminar I went to back in January.  He was friendly and willing to answer all my questions patiently.  I've never spoken to Lisa - I assume I'll meet her at the surgical consult I have on the 27th.  All of my contact has been with the business office.  They have always been friendly, but I've just had to push them to send in paperwork and to get callbacks when they find anything out.  Nothing big so far, but it made me nervous that they would not help me fight if insurance became difficult.

You really did a lot of great legwork!  I have been gathering information myself to help in any appeals I might have to make to insurance, and I know I'm my own biggest advocate.  Just wanted reassurance (and I'll ask them at the consult) that if insurance gave me hassles, Dr. Enochs would be willing to phone conference with their clinical staff.  I shouldn't have problems.

My biggest worry is that United Healthcare says they want to see 5 years of medical records and weight loss.  I don't have five years.  I have three.  I didn't have insurance for two years before that, so didn't see a doc in that time.  I fear they'll try to deny me for that reason, though I've been overweight since I was 20 years old.  I hope they don't, as I do have comorbidities, including sleep apnea and high cholesterol.

I'll arm myself with questions for the consult.  Thanks again!

Kristen

I did alot of research before I chose a surgeon and Dr. Moran was my top choice. He has done so many RNY and Lap Band which is what I got. He was on Good Morning America and everything. If I were you, I would go see Dr, Moran, I sure am glad I did.

I had my surgery in October with Dr. Portenier who is with the Duke WLS center.  I was really pleased with my experience there and I think Dr. Portenier is a wonderful surgeon.

Kristopia - I emailed you regarding this issue.  Mostly because I've been flamed by others about what I had to say.  I absolutely would never tell you never to see any Dr. I believe 100% that people have to find one that fits their comfort level.  While I think my surgeon is remarkable - he's not for everyone.   You  put your life in their hands and it's someone you will be building a life long relationship with. They are going to become your extended family.

I hope you'll read what I had to say about Dr. Enochs and keep that in mind.

I would recommend that you do your research online and in person. Also check to see if the center is a Center of Excellence-that was key for me and my insurance company. Talking to some people and also go to the info sessions to talk with the doctor. I'm very please with my doctor-Dr. Mitchell.  He's in Pinehurst and it's a long drive, but it is so worth every bit of it for me.  I am please with my Dr. and his staff.  Plus it's a beautiful drive there each time. 

Take the time to research. Then make an informed decision.
Good Luck,
Andrea