Dr. Thaemert, anyone?

Hi! Just looking for people who may have had wls performed by Dr. Bradley Thaemert at Avera Mckennan in Sioux Falls, SD I am looking at him as a possible surgeon as I begin this journey, and really would like to find out what some peoples first hand impressions of him are. Sure appreciate the help!! Thanks in advance! Karen B.

I have met with him (free consult in his office due to the fact that I was the only person signed up for the informational seminar scheduled on a Tuesday afternoon, so I was asked to come to his office). I'm not sure if he will be my surgeon. I thought he was personable, professional, and informative. He seems mightly young (to this 43 year old), so I need to find out how many of these procedures he has done and how many he averages per month. I think he primarily does the lap. I liked the fact that he didn't prefer the band or the gastic bypass over the other. He also said I needed to see Dr. Filler (bariatric doctor) to start the process. I have an appointment in his office on Monday. Be prepared for quite a bit of paperwork (for the assessment). I guess one will also see a dietian and have a psych evaluation. Don't know how much pre-op health screening the office does, as I want to make certain I don't have an usual pre-op condition that may interfere with the lap. I am also checking out Dr. O'Brien. I can tell you that a friend of mine from Gregory just loved Dr. Thaemert. She really liked his bed-side manner. She's about 56 years old with quite a medical history. She had lost 100 pounds in about 6 months. What a result! Good luck--keep me posted. Vicki

Thanks for responding...Vicki! Since that post, I had reconsidered surgeons...mainly because I personally know several people who have actually had Dr. Harris, and all had such great things to say about him. Not to say anything at ALL negative about Dr. Thaemert, I am sure he is wonderful as well. Just makes sense for me to go with Dr. Harris since i have so many resources close to me who know firsthand. I initially wanted laproscopic, and was part of my first decision to check out Dr. Thaemert...it seems that Dr. Harris prefers open, while Dr. Thaemert does mostly lap. Then, a few of the people I talked to told me what his reasoning was to prefer open...and it is that he likes to take a look, sort of "check out" the organs, and lots of times will take the gall bladder at the same time, if it looks like it will need to be done later. I have heard that many wls patients have to go back in for gall bladder surgery after they start losing the weight rapidly, as this causes gall stones many times. I was suppose to have my counselor appt. and open dietician meeting tomarrow, and was soooooo ready to get started on this stuff. Well, they called today and the counselor took medical leave, so have to reschedule these for April 21st...2 more weeks!! AAUUGGHHH! I am still signed up for informational seminar on April 14th...so the next two Wednesdays will be taking care of these things. I was referred about 6 months ago to Dr. Filler by my pcp. I saw him, ad he gave me options for weight loss....surgery being one of them. I didn't feel at the time to be ready for such a big step...and I went on a calorie deficit diet through his dietician. Well, I don't think I need to tell you how THAT went!! Like all the other hundreds of attempts over the years!!! Now I am ready, and guess just impatient...as I hated that postponement I got today!! I hope things are moving along for you and I am interested in hearing about it if you would like to share!!! Take care! Your friend, Karen

Thanks for your update! I might also check out that info meeting that Dr. Harris is having next Wednesday. I haven't decided surgeons yet, but like you, I am weighing the pros and cons of lap versus open. I just can't take that much time off of work, as no work equals no income for me, and as a single parent with no child support, I just don't have enough saved to tide me over for 6-8 weeks! I feel your frustration! I had to reschedule an appt with Dr. Filler, and every time that happened, I had to wait another 10 days. I guess I've been considerably overweight for 20 years, and now that I want to do this, I have little patience! I finally have health coverage after a 5 year lapse, and my insurance is reputed to pay for WLS with little problems. I hope that remains true for me. Due to my busy work schedule, I need to do this early summer, or it just can't happen for me. We all have our quirks, don't we? Well, thanks for the update. I see Dr. Filler on Monday morning. Dr. Thaemert thought I could get surgery scheduled in about 6 weeks if all goes well. What is your projected wait time with Dr Harris? Do you have to see a separate dietician and mental health person for him? Perhaps I'll meet you on Wednesday afternoon.... Have a happy holiday. Vicki

Hey, Vicki! Seems we have more than just WLS on common. I am 39 yrs old, overweight for the better part of 20 yrs, a single parent who has never recieved one cent of child support!! I have been divorced for 12 yrs..my daughter will be 14 in August. I do have some sick leave accrued at work, but not enough yet. I think I have about 4 weeks so far. I also accrue vacation time per hour worked, but not sure that will add up to enough to make up the difference if I have open. I know it will take time to get everything done, and insurance approval (hopefully-approval)...so maybe will have accrued enough sick leave by then, or vacation. I don't know if it is a seperate counselor and dietician for Dr. Harris than it would be for Thaemert....but i do have the appt.s set for both on April 21st. counselor at 9:30 am, then the open dietician meeting at 12:45. They said it would be $135 up front payment on the dietician meeting. They don't submit it to insurance because most companies don't cover it...but they said that you yourself could submit to your insurance. It would be cool to meet if you go to the informational meeting on the 14th~! Let me know if you are going for sure... Have a wonderful Easter! Karen