OSU surgeons

I was wondering if anyone knows much about the surgeons at OSU I have heard wonderful things about Dr Needleman. But not much about the other LAP doctors Dr Melvin and also I guess they have a new one Dr Dean Mikani. I have approval and now I am just waiting for a consult and then a surgery date. They said it is usually 3 months from the time the surgeon gets your chart but now that they have another surgeon it will move faster. I think I am willing to wait longer to have Dr needleman. Any info will be appreciated. Take Care Renee

I believe Dr. Melvin is the chief of the general surgery department, so that's a good thing. I had open and was assigned to Dr. Cook because he does the high risk patients. I'm not sure on what basis the assignments are made for the other surgeons. I haven't heard of Mikani, but I know Muscarella is doing surgery there again, not sure why he stopped for awhile.

Renee, What insurance company do you deal with?

I am with Medical Mutual of Ohio (ohio MED) Luckily it is not one of the ones putting caps on WLS and excluding them all together. Yet!

Renee, I am having surgery with Dr. Muscarella on the 10th of June...can't wait! In my initial visit with him, he made me feel very comfortable and he is VERY knowledgable. He told me he only does the open procedure. I also thought about waiting for Dr. Needleman, but one of the nurses at the bariatric office in doan hall said that the cap for the laproscopic procedure was 300 lbs...and I weigh 380. Just thought I would let you know! Amy

Thanks for the reply. I weigh 327 they told me unoffically that I could do the lap surgery but I havent seen a surgeon yet. I am hoping for the lap because I really dont have alot of time to take off work and I was hoping to only have to be out 2 wks 3 at the most. Good Luck on your surgery. I am very excited for you. Keep me informed and if there is anything I can do let me know. Take care Renee

I had Dr. Needleman---he's the best there is. He also does the most lap rny's of all the docs there. He's the head of lap surgery at OSU, so you can't go wrong with him! Read my profile, email me if you have questions. Good luck! Diana S.