KUDOS TO DR. GOULD!!!!!!!

Just wanted to share for anyone out there still researching where to go for surgery, and while I've had my ups and downs with the DHMC program, I still think it's great, and am really happy with Dr. Gould now. On Wednesday I had to have another medical procedure, and unfortunately I had a bad experience with the doctor, whom I had never met before.  I felt like the doctor was challenging me and belittling me about having had the lap band.  Well, long story short, my surgeon ended up getting involved because I felt he should know about how a colleague had reacted to his surgery ---  Dr. Gould called me and chatted with me to find out what happened - I felt so much better after he spent a few minutes talking to me, and he apologized over and over about it having happened.  He is also planning on speaking to the other doctor and educating him a bit about the challenges of overweight patients and why the lap band is appropriate for a lot of people.   I feel so good right now about having a surgeon who I feel actually really cares enough to get involved in that and just him making the effort to call me really made me feel better!  So if anyone out there is considering Dr. Gould, I say no hesitation!!!!!!!  He is awesome!

Thanks so much for this post.  I am meeting with him on Tuesday and am a little scared our of my mind! (oh, did I say that?---I thought I was being cool and collected)  A friend of mine actually went to high school with him I guess and said that she 'just can't think of DAVE as a surgeon'!  Having worked in healthcare at one point I can say that most surgeons are asses....I mean don't have great bedside manner.  They have to look at people like a piece of meat and put some distance there in order to cut them open and stuff....but there happens to be one that was a DHCM when I was there that was really awful, I won't mention names---not sure if he is still there.  You would expect better out of someone that is supposed to be EDUCATED.  Tell me, what was your consult with Dr. Gould like?  Do they do like a physical?  Like take your clothes off?  I have NO IDEA what to expect at this meeting.  Do I need clean undies! LOL (of course mine are always clean!)  I am in a strange mood today!  Michelle

Hi Mich! I am going to be at the meeting today with my husband - not sure if I will speak - I will if there is no other bandster there, but I spoke last month so if someone else is there I am not going to... Either way, I'll be near the front so please feel free to look for me - and I would be VERY HAPPY to chat with you.  I'm wearing jeans and a teal top. The meeting on Tuesday will be pretty simple... Mostly it's just talking, and no you don't need to undress!  He will poke a little at your belly and listen to your lungs and stuff, but nothing else.  Dr. Gould is really VERY friendly one on one, and I'm sure you'll feel comfortable.   If you don't catch me at the meeting, unfortunately I will be away from the computer until Tuesday night as I'm working then we're going away, but feel free to contact me and I'll write back when I get home! Lots of luck!!!

Hi Cindy,     I'm so sorry for the bad experience with the ill-mannered doc but HOORAY for Dr. Gould.  He stepped up to the plate and did the right thing.  You know, I've heard it said so many times that all a surgeon has to have is a good knife-hand but I disagree 100 %.  I've had about 8 OR procedures, big and small, in the last 4 years and I can say with experience that communication skills are right up there with cutting skills!  A surgeon or doctor that doesn't listen is flat-out dangerous no matter how good they might be at other things.      I'm so glad he called you and so glad you shared it with all of us.  It is good to know we have mutliple good options for bariatric programs in our state.  Treading

That's awesome that he was so supportive like that!

Hey Cindy...nice post. It is nice to hear that Dr. Gould stepped up to the plate like that. Its a shame that trained professionals can belittle another modality like that. To any newbies..(such as myself) I am going to DHMC and Dr. Gould (if all goes well) will be my surgeon. Today at the class Cindy did a GREAT job with her presentation and question and answer session! Dr. Gould also presented great information on the types of weight loss surgery. He even interjected a bit of humor ;) I have worked with Surgeons in my career, and most have a very DRY sense of humor..LOL Good job Cindy! Sherry

Thanks Sherry!  I am excited to be your "big band sister"  LOL!!!!!!!!  :-)