Pre-Op Provider Recommendations Wanted

I got my pre op testing package today.  Looking for thoughts on nutrition providers and psych providers. 

For nutrition, I can choose from Robin Vales, Michelle Smith, or Heather Gagliardi.  For psych, I can choose from Dr. Messier, Dr. Zimmerman, or Dr. Borescu.  The only one I've heard about is Heather (good things). 

I'm only looking for fairness, and maybe someone who is easy to talk to.

Thanks for your thoughts!

I had Dr. Borescu for my psych. evalution, She was ok. I just got the impression she wasn't overly thrilled that her assisant couldn't find any reason for me to come back for additional counseling. Although If I choose or feel the need to talk to someone she left the door open. 

Hope this helps,

Lee

Absolutely it helps!  Thank you for your thoughts!!

Deb,
If you can get in to see Dr. Zimmerman I would recommend him.  He is one of the top Psych in the state and is really hard to get in to see.  I presently see Dr. Messier for help with my food issues, but was able to get in to see Dr. Zimmerman for my initiial evualation and really thought he did a good job.  Someone else from his office actually asked me all the questions, but he went over them and made the final approval after going over the results and talking with me.  I also see Dr. Zimmerman for med management.  I hope this helps.  
Amy T. 

Amy:

Thanks very much for your thoughts.  I didn't really make out too good w/ this office.  They were not willing to bend as far as the schedule of the appt.  I have to go for 2 hours of testing in the morning, and then back to the office that afternoon for results.  I asked if I could go back for results another afternoon.  "No" was the answer.  Rather than sweat it, I just got a date where I could go first thing in the morning, and then last thing in the afternoon, so I can get a good amount of time in at work.  They couldn't tell me who I'd see in the morning -- there is a rotating schedule.  In the afternoon I see Dr. Friedman.

Thanks again - much appreciated.

Hi Debbie.  Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the counselor I used for my psych eval; but I do remember where her office was.  She was very, very nice.  She was on (I think?) Division St. in Warwick right after you get off rte. 4.  I also used 3 different nutritionists out of Karen Smith's office (one of them was her).  I liked them all and it was very convenient because there are 3 offices, including one down here in Middletown.  Good luck! 

Thanks, Jayne.  Unfortunately, I didn't have the choice of any psychiatrists outside of RI Hospital.  Instructions were included in my packet that said all testing had to be done at RI Hospital with the list of providers they sent me.  It didn't jazz me too much at all since I've got an established relationship (going back 13 or so years to when my mom was diagnosed w/ cancer) with an MSW whom I was hoping could do that eval.  So, I scheduled with someone at RIH just to get by the hurdle, and have committed myself to see the MSW several times pre-op and post-op.  Figure that's a terrific investment in me.  When I called the nutritionist's office that I selected, the lady on the phone was great -- I'm hoping that's a good sign as to how the nutritionist is.

Thanks for your thoughts -- much appreciated!

Amy:

I ended up calling in today to see if I could back my psych eval up a couple of weeks.  Ended up scheduling w/ Dr. Zimmerman.  I remember someone spoke highly of him.  Happy that he's got at least one fan!

I used Robin Wales for my nutritionist- loved her!  Very easy to talk to, very down to earth!  I have seen her a few times since surgery as well

I'll keep your recommendation in mind.  I actually booked w/ Heather since someone here had  written nice things about her.  If things don't go well, I'll have a plan b. ready.

Thanks again!!