I want to know everything (good and bad) about Dr. Voellinger!

I went to his informational seminar tonight.  Give me the scoop.  I want to know everything - good AND bad. 

What did you think of him last night? I was at the seminar also.

I am confused on the "package" deals.

I thought he was fine but his staff seriously could have been a little more friendly.  I did NOT like the way they pushed you to set up an appointment.  And that line they made you wait in to get your "certificate"...that was BS!  I did NOT set up an appointment and I did NOT pay that $100 program fee they wanted.  I have gotten some not-so-stellar feedback on him here, on the boards (mostly staff/office related) so I'm not so sure he is going to be the surgeon I go with. 

I did check out his surgeon profile prior to attending the informational seminar and there were nothing but good reviews but, from what I understand, negative reviews can be edited out by the doctor and his staff.  I don't feel like I can get honest feedback on a surgeon if they are allowed to edit out their negative feedback.

I'm looking into Dr. Smith in Atlanta.  He seems to be a leader in the DS field and it looks like he has a good program for out of town patients as well.  :)

What did you think of Dr. V? 

I am three years out and I recommend Dr. Timothy Kuwada with Carolinas Weight Management and Wellness Center in Charlotte Phone: 704.355.9484  He is awesome!!!!!

I am a registered Nurse and I have worked in the ER and Recovery Room with both Voellinger and Kuwada and I agree that Dr. Voellinger's bedside manner isn't very outstanding.  Dr. Kuwada is very involved in his patients and when or if they have issues, they are to call him before arriving at the ER so that he can call them and give them orders before you arrive so that your care is expedited and you aren't given a lot of tests you don't need.  He always came to the ER whenever I had to go regardless of whether he was on call or not.  He is very protective of his patients.

You might click the 'find a surgeon' link above and search for him. You'll find reviews on him from other OH members that might not necessarily be active on the board right now. Often you can send them a private message and talk to them directly if you want more information or clarification on some issue they posted. 

I hope that helps.

Yeah I did not schedule an appointment either and I felt they were pushing everyone to set one up.  When I told the staff member all I wanted was my certificate she looked shocked. A co-worker had him perform her surgery. She had nothing but good things to say about him but said his office staff  left little to be desired.

I am looking at Dr Jon Pirrello in Matthews. I have heard good things about him so far.
I am going to his seminar in September.

I went to Dr. Pirrello's seminar first.  I was going to go with him but then I found out about DS.  Dr. Pirrello does NOT do DS...even though his OH profile says he does.  Originally I was looking into Banding but, after researching everything, I have decided that DS is probably best for me.  If you are looking for banding or RNY, Dr. Pirrello is a good option, I think.

I am looking for the realize band. Everything I have been researching is pushing me that way.

Dr. Pirrello uses the Realize band - he prefers it.  You should go to his seminar if you haven't already.  It is nothing like Dr. Voellinger's.  It's a lot more laid back.  He discloses his reasons why he went into Bariatrics, too.  Very interesting! :)

kathy, i know you will make the best decision for you.  so sorry his staff was not the best, thats one thing i do love about dr pirrellos office, they are all so sweet.