PMC/PRH - Gens, Looser, or Paciulli?

I would really love to hear from those of you who've had your surgery with one of these surgeons.  To me, it seems like having a good relationship with your surgeon is important, but I don't know much about them (nothing about Dr. Looser or Dr. Paciulli).  They're going to be stuck with me for quite a while - I'd like to figure out how to get the best fit.

If you were in this program, who did you have and for what type of surgery?  What did you like about him/her and what do you wish would have been different?

I don't want this to turn into any kind of bashing or anything, but I'd appreciate honest opinions.  Maybe it would be best to respond by Private Messaging me.

TIA,
Janine
(maybe next week, I'll know my surgeon, starting weight, goal, etc, so that I can make a cool signature...)

Hi - I had Dr. Pacuilli and she has been great.  It feels like she really cares and wants you to be successful in the surgery.  She was very calming before surgery (I needed it!), explained everything in plain language, etc.  I had my gallbladder removed 1 month after my RNY and she did that surgery as well - she took time in making sure that was the problem and as soon as she knew...out it came.  The only other doctor I interacted with was Dr. Gens and I thought he was great too.  I don't think you can go wrong with Dr. P, but it's your decision.  No matter what, it's a good team all around.

     Hi Janine,                            I have Dr. P, she is wonderful. She was honest and sincere with me through the whole process. Dr. Gens did my lapband with her. Two of the surgeons are always there for surgery. She has a sense of humor that is quiet.  I called after 5 weeks complaining that the port site really hurt still when I sat. Her response, through Nancy was just sit up straight, I am short  and short waisted  we laughed when I went for my next appt. I have been to several appts since my surgery in Oct of this past year and she is always upbeat and informative. As for the hospital staff when you have the surgery ......the best, they bent over backwards for me and my husband. I would have done nothing different.                                                                Linda      

I had Dr. Looser, I had complications after being banded and landed me back in the hospital 3 days later, He always checked on me, while at first I didn't think he was a warm person, he dealt with me breaking down crying like a champ ;o) He even called me a couple times to see how I was doing, and I had slip complications and 2 emergency surgeries, he came in for me on his day off, and is currently helping me appeal insurance for a revision to sleeve with NEMC.  He has been in my corner since day one and I trust him with my life!  He is super!

I had Dr. Paciulli.  I chose her because if I have my information correct, she is Board Certified for Laparoscopic Surgery as well as General Surgery.  She was also recommended by my PCP specifically.  She and Dr. Gens did my surgery.  During my surgery my husband (who was in the waiting room) got messages from her every 20 minutes as to how I was doing.  She saw me at least once a day, but most days it was twice a day while I was hospitalized.  My 12 year old son came with me to my appointments because he had concerns and questions about my surgery and both she and Nancy were wonderful with him.  No disrespect to the other doctors, but I highly recommend Dr. Paciulli.  If you have to wait to get her, she's worth the wait.

I just met with Dr. Paciulli on Monday for my consultation.  She seems very nice and down to earth, and realistic about behaviors.  I was impressed that she answered all of my questions without being condescending toward me.  (I was annoyed that I didn't get to see her until half an hour past my appointment time, but that seems to be the norm when dealing with healthcare offices!) 

I had Dr. Gens.  He is a very warm and caring person.  I used Dr. P as my "other" surgeon (they always use two) so they both did my surgery.  I also had some complications and was re-hospitalized nine days later for another couple days.  He visited me then as well, at least twice a day.   Since surgery he remembers me at support group and is friendly and warm in appointments.  My minor complication had nothing to do with anything he did, I healed nicely and one of the most impressive things - he actually encouraged me to bring my four kids - ages 13, 11, 7 and 5 - in with my husband for my pre-op consult with him so they could meet him and ask any questions they had for him.  He's a grandpa himself and he's very good with seeing the patient in the greater context of their life - as a whole person.  He suggested I let my older two watch the Emmi program, which I did (you'll find out more about that when it's time) and they learned alot from it.   I would strongly recommend him.  I like Dr. P as well.  She visited me once or twice.  I don't really know anything about Dr. L, as I didn't have him and have never seen him at support group.  I *think* he was at my info night in January but if so I don't think he said anything.  Most important:  I have never heard anyone having a bad experience with any of the PRH program surgeons.  I have met people who have each of them and they have all been very happy with their doctor.  I would feel comfortable sending a dear friend or close relative in with any of the three of them.