CMC or Dartmouth Hitch****

Hi All - I am just beginning my journey and plan on attending the information sessions as both places.  Does anyone have any experience (good or fab) with either Dr. Campbell at CMC or Dr. Gould at Dartmouth?  Thanks!!

Hello and welcome.

I had Dr. Gould and had a very good experience.  I don't have anything bad to say about him or his office.  I went to DHMC in Manchester and had the surgery at Elliot Hosp.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Lisa

I've heard both things about both programs.  Personally, I went thru CMC and Dr Campbell was my surgeon.  I chose them because they were so close to work it made all the appointments and follow-up a breeze to get to,  my insurance approved their program, and I had met Connie Campbell professionally and was very impressed by her.  I can't say enough good things about their program.  I'm VERY happy I went with CMC and am thrilled with my progress.  Good luck making your decision and on starting the adventure of investigating WLS! 
~Donna

Donna,

I just looked at your pics!  You look awesome!  Keep up th great, HARD work! 

Lisa

Thanks!  Im  so glad I pushed to have the WLS!  RNY was one of the best things I've ever done for myself.
~Donna

Are you considering the RNY or the Lap Band?   I had the Band with Dr Gould and have done quite well.  No complications other than a gall bladder that had to come out.   The only thing I will say is that Dartmouth's band program is younger than Dr Campbells but it has been 2 years since they started doing them.  I was in with the first group.

I had the lap band with Dr. Campbell in July of 2007 and I think that their prgram is great.  They guide you throught the whole procees and are willing to go above and beyond to help you get through.  I have no comparison with DHMC program but jus tmy 2 cents on my experience with the wonderful Dr. COnnie Campbell.

I had gastric bypass with Dr Campbell at CMC. I think this program is awesome.  I can't say enough good things. Everyone is so nice and really care how you do.  It was overwhelming in the beginning the amount of things they wanted done to get ready, but its only because they want you to succeed.
Good Luck

Well, well, well....I have actually been through both programs....

I have a unique and strange story though.... Had to delay the surgery twice due to life cir****tances.  I started the journey 5 years + ago in the CMC program---

Here are the differences I have seen:

CMC holds your hand.  They really are much more supportive and lead the way.  At least that was the way it was when I went through their program the two times I attempted there.  You met with the doctor who did a history and eval and the dietician upfront who would work with you to try to develop a plan for your required weight loss.

DHCM really expects their program to be patient driven.  You are expected to get the information and do the work on your own----they only meet with you once you have jumped through all the hoops yourself.  You do not even meet with a staff member until all your T's are crossed and your i's are dotted.  You have to have all your testing done, all your bloodwork submitted and your 10lb. weight loss documented and maintained.....BEFORE you meet with anyone.

Now, I did finally do my surgery with DHCM and will say that Dr. Gould was fine....really loved the PA K. Lajoie.  However, I really liked the 'attitude' of CMC way better.  I switched for two reasons---I had 'attempted' the CMC program twice and gotten knocked off the horse (through no fault of CMC) and thought maybe I just needed a fresh start...........secondly because CMC required an 8% wt. loss rather than DHCM's 10lb......and lastly, I had an OR nurse friend of mine who went through Dr. Gould---I figured if an OR nurse who worked with him on a regular basis thought he was good enough to do his surgery, then he was pretty darn good!

I am happy with everything but I will say that if you are not self driven and you want someone to pat you on the head every step of the way DHCM is probably not the best program.  That has just been MY experience. 

Thank you so much toe veryone for your advice!  I have appts. with both places for their "intro" meetings and will see what happens.  I am still not sure if I will qualify b/c I am "only" about 50-60 pounds overweight and my BMI is "only" around 30 at this point.  BUT, I am diabetic and have high cholesterol.  My PCP who has known me for 20 years and witnessed by stuggles think I am a great candidate for LapBand. We shall see.

Thanks again everyone!

Nancy