Which Doctor should I chose? Steven Katsis or Luis V. Gorospe??

I had gone thru several meetings in Springdale, Ar, and the Springdale Hospital shut down the program. I just couldn't believe it. It took me 3 days to get over the shock. Thank goodness, I hadn't gone thru all that physical testing. I am forced to find another doc, and I think I'm going to travel over and check out Tulsa docs. There's so many to chose from, but from all the feedback, I can't decide between the Fisher/Katsis team OR Luis V. Gorospe. I haven't contacted either, cause I want to hear from you folks before I jump in here, and START OVER on all this paperwork. What do you think?

Have you thought about Little Rock, there are some awesome drs. over there. I used Dr. Gibbs and highly recommend him. As for Tulsa Drs. I know several who have used Dr. Gorospe and he did a great jjob for them. They are all doing really well.

Hello Phyllis I am using Dr. Katsis...I know of people who have used Dr. G and were happy, but I have read a lot of posts that his bedside maner sucks and he kinda heards people in. I know he had a booth at the Tulsa Womans fair this year!! Nothing bad to say about either one really....as far as death or botched surgeries. I am sure that either one would do a good job. I have had my consult with Dr. Katsis and know he is the one I want to do the surgery. He is out of the office for the next 2 weeks due to birth of baby boy. Good Luck Sarah

I started with Dr. Gorospe, but because of insurance had to change, and boy am I glad I did. First of all, I really feel that Drs. Fisher and Katsis prepare your body for surgery and post-surgery. You are given a book that shows what foods to eat and when to start introducing them. I have friends who have used Dr. G and they talk about dumping and being sick a lot, I think this is because they try too much, too soon. I also like all of the medical experts that use St. Francis hospital, not to mention the medical experts that are just in the Surgical Associates team. Dr. Fisher is very personable. He talks with you, not to you or at you. I did not meet Dr. Katsis, but I have heard he is very likable too. So, now it is your decision. I would start by going to the informational meeting on September 6, at 6:00 p.m. at their offices. You might also go to Dr. G's support Group meeting. I will be at the Surgical Associates Support Group Meeting on September 14 at 6:00 p.m.

Thanks for answering. I've more positive responses for Katsis/Fisher, than Gorospe. I think I'll chose the Katsis/Fisher team. I was thinking of attending the meeting Sept 6th, but that's Labor Day. Will there be a meeting on that date? If not I'll have to wait a couple of weeks. I'm anxious to get started. Since my Medicare Insurance already covers this, and I've already been to meetings in Springdale about what to eat before/during/after, then I'll not be so "in the dark" about this. Thanks so much for your response. You've help me decide.

I have personally been to consults with both doctors, and based on stats I am using Dr. Gorospe. His mortality rate is much lower, he's been doing this MUCH longer than anyone in this area, he actually developed some of the insturments that are used for lap. RNY. His office staff are much nicer, and much more helpful than Dr. Katsis staff. There is much less paperwork with Dr. Gorospe, and since he's been doing this for so long, he and his staff make dealing with insurance much easier. They are very knowledgeable about what it takes to get approved by certain ins. cos., and you're not forced to jump thru nearly as many hoops to get approved. Also, Dr. G uses a 'ring' in the opening of the stomach 'pouch' that prevents it from being stretched out. Dr. G has not lost one patient to any complications actually stemming from the surgery itself. All 5 of the deaths were from blood clots in the legs that travel up to the heart. But they also have started using these massage boots that keep the blood circulating if you are unable to walk right away. The hospital that he uses has its own bariatric floor, with beds that are larger, and specially trained staff who deal only with bariatric patients. Bedside manner aside, which would you rather have, a surgeon who has done 500 surgeries and lost 5 people (most to complications from the actual surgery), or someone who has performed approx 2000 surgeries and has lost 5 people?