Need Honest Dr. Feedback

Okay, my PCP has agreed that WLS is a good choice for me and will refer me to whomever I want. I am trying to research different doctors and would love to hear feedback on Dr. Simonowitz, Dr. Weber and the WISH center. I have heard such mixed things by word of mouth I thought I would turn to you all. Any information you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Everyone!

Hi Paula! I had Weber. You can read my profile for details, but my overall review is this: He's an experienced surgeon with strict thoughts on what works and what doesn't. He's an exercise maniac and will push you to move your body every day. Most look at this as a bummer. I looked at it as exactly what I needed. The old stationary me just kept getting fatter. To be a success we need to be and stay in motion. WLS isn't a miracle, it's a tool and exercise is key to long term success. DrW will put you outside your comfort zone for your own good and eventually you will enjoy redefining who you are. I am beginning to see myself as an athlete! DrW is very sympathetic to the plight of the obese. His bedside manner lacks, but he knows his stuff. He's a hugger and very warm at times. He's all about numbers, tho. He only performs open surgery. The diff in healing time between open and lap is huge and something to weigh out. If you go open, lose some weight before hand... my incision is now only about 2.5 inches long. DrW's aftercare sucks. If you chose DrW, get connected with a support group and read up on nutritional issues for WLS patients. Remember, you are not selecting a nutritionist, a cheerleader or a friend, you are choosing a surgeon. You need to take ownership over your body and the surgery, understand the permanent changes and how to take care of your post-op self. All said, I would pick DrW again. Primary reasons: his expertise and his push to exercise. We HAVE to change, Paula, not just what or how much we eat, but in movement. This is a big key to long term success. DrW has a pretty good track record of long-term success stories. I recommend going to as many orientations as you can to get a feel for each surgeon or facility's practices. I applaud your brave pursuit of WLS! Keep pushing thru and read everything you can. Keep in touch and let us know how it goes for you. Nancy Medial RNY 09/16/04 276/144/138 Down 132 lbs!!!

I would not choose Dr. Weber. Perhaps you should go with Simonowitz or even Dr. Dellinger.

Well, I gave you my personal opinion via email, and once my surgery is done, Ill email you my experience on that. Good luck with your decision!

Check the complications and mortality rates for each surgeon you are considering. Bedside manner be hanged! Your surgeons skill is the most important factor to your survival, your success post op is your responsibility. I found Dr Weber to be personable, friendly, genuinely concerned for his patients welfare and success. If he pushes exercise, it is because he has been doing this for 20 years and he knows what he is talking about. He is open to learning from his patients as well, so if you have picked up some little tidbit of info that will be of interest to future post ops, share it with him enthusiastically. On a point by point comparison, Dr Weber stands out as one of THE best. Do your research, and good luck.

Dr Patchen Dellinger at the U of W is exceptional!!!! I would not consider anyone else. I'm 2 years post op and Dr. Dellinger still has yearly follow ups with him and the nutritionist. He was definatelty worth the wait. A true professional! He has wonderful staff. I am truely blessed to have had him perform my surgery. Not one complication from the many tests, surgery, post op, anything!!!!! I've heard so many horror and I do believe I blessed. He's very knowledgeable and takes his profession very seriously. Good luck with your information search and your life changing procedure!

Don't forget to research the DS surgery if you haven't heard of it before. www.duodenalswitch.com. I've heard not so good things about Dr. Dellinger and fairly decent things about Dr. Weber, but if you have a lot to lose you may want to look into Dr. Oh in Federay Way. He's known nationally as quite an expert. Not so good on the bedside manner, but very good with structure for aftercare, nutrition and follow up on patients. Good luck, Jill 440/435/348/140 hw/sw/cw/gw BPD-DS Dr. Baltasar, Spain 3/10/05 revised from lap bad 2/17/98 -92 pounds