ANYONE GONE TO VANDY FOR SURGERY

DUE TO MY INSURANCE THAT ONLY PLACE THEY MIGHT COVER IS AT VANDERBILT. I HAVE AN EVAULATION WED. I HOPE THAT IF I AM APPROVED THERE THAT I MAY GET APPOINTMENT WITH SURGEON. ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR A SURGEON. . THANKS

I had my surgery with Dr. Wright at Vanderbilt. It wasn't the best surgical experience I have ever had and it wasn't the worst. Good luck.

I had my surgery at Vanderbilt on 3/3/05. My surgeon was Dr. Torquati...I really like him, and the nutritionists over in the Center for Human Nutrition. That being said - though my surgery went perfectly fine, and my surgeon and his staff were awesome, the nurses at Vandy really suck. My stay in the hospital was terrible. I don't expect to be waited on hand and foot, but begging for anti nausea meds for 4 hours before getting any, and having the nurse say, Sorry - I forgot about you (even with my reminding???) made me mad! If Vanderbilt is your only option - I can honestly say that though the hospital stay was horrible, I have had no problems post-op. Dr. Torquati is available at ALL times...I had a fever one night, and called him - he called right back and made me come in the next day to be checked. I am very happy with my surgeon. And, knowing this - you can make sure that someone is on the ball to keep the nurses taking care of you! I wish that I had been able to have my husband there more, but we have 3 kids - he would have hunted them down for the meds! Good Luck! Jennifer 4'10" 228/207/healthy?

I had RNY at Vandy in September ( Dr. Melvin) and gallbladder surgery there in December. I would definitely recommend that hospital. My experience was very positive and the nurses were VERY attentive. I have been through numerous hospital visits with my parents over the years including 7 different hospitals in Tennessee. My care at Vandy was definitely better than those by a longshot.

Kip, I had the very best experience with Dr. Richards at Vanderbilt. His staff is wonderful and so is he. I had a bad experience with Vanderbilt years ago and was against going there in the beginning. But lo and behold, my insurance company thought differently and Vandy was where I needed to go. Because of going to Vandy and Dr. Richards, I am part of his clinical study with the WLS and diabetes. That part is very exciting because it may have a definite impact on dealing with diabetes. I'd be happy to talk to you more about Dr. Richards.... [email protected] Susie

I have JUST had surgery at Vandy. Dr Toriquati (sp). It was GREAT, they treated me like a king. Never more than a few minutes wait for anything. I too was "forced" to Vandy by my insurance company. Despite that, they were great!! I am at home now, surgery was on 3/24 and released on 3/26. See my profile for all the gory details.....

THANKS SO MUCH . I HAD HEARD A FEW BAD THINGS ABOUT VANDY BUT SO FAR, I MET DR. HADI THE OTHER DAY, EVERYBODY HAS BEEN GREAT

I hope you get approved also!! I know what it feels like to be waiting... :0)

I had Lap RNY at Vandy on 3-1-05. They were the BEST staff of nurses anyone could ask for. Dr. Richards was excellent. He does have a dork sense of humor but I made him laugh. We got along great! I recommend anyone to go there. They are AWESOME! Don't let anyone elses negative comments freak you out. You have to judge those on your own.

I'm a patient of Dr. Torquati's too. I agree he is awesome. SO kind and available at any time. The Center for Human Nutrition is very helpful. I used to be better about attending the support group meetings....need to go back soon! (oops, missed it yesterday...next one is the 19th). I had a rough time getting pain meds the first night post op...the nurses are definiteley overworked. (esp. at night). I would have no problems recommending Vandy, though. The post op care is great. When I need plastics I will definitley be checking with them first. Good luck! ~Annie 5'2"....307/195/150