Comparing facilities

I am new to this experience....I am in the beginning stages of deciding if this is the avenue for me and looking for the right facility. I live in southern NH and unfortunately, my hospital (SNHMC) no longer has a program and St. Joseph's hospital is on Hiatus while they look for a new Dr. (due to Dr.Brown's departure). Therfore, I am forced to find another facility in my area. I have an information meeting scheduled at CMC in Sept. and was wondering if anyone can help me with some first hand information on what their program is like and maybe other programs in this area. I have read the post on Dartmouth's program (and their website).

The research i have been doing you can try catholic med, or parkland

If you are in southern N.H. there is a wonderful program at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital. About 2 minutes from the Circle, and the Doctor who operated on me was Dr. Kevin Looser, He and Dr Paculli and Dr. Genes have a wonderful program, it is a total before and after program , mentally, physically and neutritionally. as well as a pre surgury forum, and a post sugury forum. They do a wonderful job. the problem i had is that the time i had my surgury they were doing construction on the floor and the nurses were short tempered with everything. Amy was my angel nurses aid. She made all things wonderful when she came on shift. The doctors on the Barriactric Program are 100% wonderful and are a team. no matter who you choose. I would defenitely check this one out. and I came down from Augusta , Maine because of their wonderful program, my reg. dr. Nancy Brease of Exeter, sent me to see them and I liked Dr. Looser from the get go. What happened to me was an unfortunate thing. But in no way should reflect on the Dr. care. I love my Dr. Looser. and would I do it over again, you bet in a heart beat and with dr. looser again. His before care and after care is exceptional, he treats you like a queen. If you need any info keep in touch. Julie in maine formerly of Newton N.H.

Hi Susan, I live in Nashua, NH and I was enrolled in the program at SNHMC last summer and in October on a Tuesday before they were to set my surgery date on the next Thursday, Dr. Drinkwater resigned and they closed the program down. He recommended 5 different programs and I chose the one at Saints Memorial Medical Center in Lowell, MA. It is only about 12 miles from Nashua. I had my surgery in March by Dr. Michael Jiser. I was so impressed with their facility and the weight management clinic. All the personnel are located in one place and they are absolutely wonderful. Dr. Jiser is the best, however, in addition to him they have 2 other excellent surgeons in their program. On August 1, the entire weight management team left SMMC and moved to Lowell General. They are going to add 3 additional surgeons and Lowell General is building them their own building to house all personnel, have their support group meetings and hopefully a gym. I would highly recommend that program - I have never found such a kind and caring group of people that run the clinic. Also, with regard to Dr. Brown I have heard he was going to resume the surgery at SNHMC in the very near future - that he left St. Josephs to go to SNHMC to start back the program there. Anyway, if you want any more information, please feel free to email me. I do not think you would be disappointed with Dr. Jiser's group and it really isn't that far from Nashua. Barbara

Susan, I am just starting the program at CMC. So far they have been wonderful. I went thru a program at Brigham and Womans and didn't follow thru because I felt like I was just a number. Also, a little inside info, I work at CMC in the OR and trust Dr Campbell 150%. The before and after support groups are convient and the try to make the informative as well as fun. If you choose CMC, I'm sure we will be seeing eachother.....kathy

Thanks. We may be seeing each other as I am signed up for the information session on September 6th. I have heard nothing but good things about Dr. Campbell. I'll let you know what I think after I attend.

Hi, I am going to this monday's meetings. cking the website.. i haven't seen as much on cmc. so, i was wondering. I am considering both surgeries. I have had my initial appt on the 11/3. Went fine. Just wondering? thx lisa

Hi Susan, I am sure that all the local hospitals have excellent drs. My family practice doctor highly recommended the Tufts-NEMC program because that is all they do and their stats are impressive. I was pleased with their program, the holistic approach and the surgeon who did my surgery. Their aftercare is great. Boston is not that far and I think well worth the trip Meg

Hi, Susan, I had my laparascopic R en Y at Catholic Medical Center with Doctor Connie Campbell as my surgeon and aftercare at CMC's Obesity Treatment Center. It is truly a superb program with wonderful, caring people. Every aspect of my experience with CMC has been extremely positive; Doctor Campbell and the nurses at CMC are fantastic. I felt 100% confidence every step of the way. This was the first surgery I had ever had and I was really scared, but the program and staff are so meticulous and thorough that my mind was put at ease. If you would like any additional information please email me - I am so happy to recommend CMC! With best wishes, Anne Welch

Thanks for all the information. I will let you know what I think after I attend the information session in September.