Question re: Best utah surgeon

I just found your message board and web site. I was searching the www for info about wls in utah. I had an appointment scheduled in a couple of days with the WISH center in West Valley City Utah, but they called me today and said the WISH center is closing. So now I'm looking for somewhere else to go. I would welcome any referrals or reviews of doctors practicing in utah. Thanks for your help, Kimberly

There is a place on this site obesityhelp.com that has "finding a bariatric surgeon." Go there and it will give you a list of surgeons/hospitals in Utah. I know that St. Mark's also does the surgery. There are about 5 or 6 hospitals that do it. I personally am going to Mexico for my surgery as my insurance doesn't cover it. They have an exclusion and it costs a lot to have the surgery in the states. Good luck Melissa

Thanks for the info. I'm looking at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, but we'll see. Good luck with your surgery. Kimberly

Rocky Mountain Bariatrics is located in St. Mark's Hospital. http://www.utahbariatrics.com/ I never looked at the Wish Center because I'd had bad experiences at that hospital and wasn't willing to have major surgery there. However, I didn't know they were closing. Good Luck!

Thanks for the info. I'll check out Rocky Mtn Bariatrics. See ya!

I was going to go through the Wish Center. Do you know why they are closing?

No, I don't know why the WISH center is closing. I just got a call telling me that they would be closing this month, and I could go ahead with my first appt but I would have to have the surgery at a different center. Guess you could call them and ask. Good luck. Kimberly

When I lived on UT, I looked into the WISH Center. They take very few insurances and seem to be very strict in their pre op diets and such. The Dr that I finnally weent with, is thorough on pre op testing which I think is better. There is more and more Bariatric Drs in UT now as compared to several years ago. This is very good news for you. This is the best place to find info and referrals. Good Luck and keep us posted!! Carol

Thanks for the info. Which doctor did you finally use?

Hi Kimberly. After our disappointing support meeting last week, I talked to my neighbors about the WLS they had last year here in Utah at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (St. Marks). The daughter had open by-pass by Dr. Halverson and the mother had scope by-pass by Dr. Simper. They were both very pleased with their doctors and the program there. I understand that they also have monthly support meetings. Hang in there, Eloise