Has anybody here had surgery with Dean Care and how was their experience?

Hi, How long was the wait for Dean Care? How did you like the Service? I am thinking of looking for a different Surgeon. Thank you so much. Hugs to all of you ;) Daniella

Hi Daniella: I haven't heard anything about Dean Care, but if you're looking into staying in Madison for the surgery, you may want to look into Dr. Michael Garren at Meriter. I went to Dr. Starling at UW for my initial consult (which I had to wait for 1 1/2 years to see him) and was totally unimpressed with his bedside manner. When my comapny switched to a new insurance carrier, I had to start all over so I went to Dr. Boe at the Barix Clinic in Belvidere, IL. Since finding this website, I've spent a fair amount of time researching what other people are saying. Even though I'm very impressed with Dr. Boe, I'm not all that excited about some of the negatives I'm hearing about the lack of staff at night there. Now I too, am thinking about looking into something closer to home. Everything I've read so far has given Dr. Garren rave reviews. Good luck in your search. This is a big decision and you should feel comfortable with both the facility and the surgeon. Who knows, maybe we'll end up in a support group together sometime! Carmen

Yep - I am 2 months post op today. Hmm...did I like their service? Let me say this and I will preface it!! I LOVED MY SURGEON - Dr. Carl Sunby. He is an absolute gem. I knew him prior to picking him for WLS because of my best friend who had him for something unrelated. What stage are you in as for as "being approved"? The diatitians -- are "okay". I don't know Julie only met her 1 time. Shirley Shelly - she is "okay". The psychitrist - Dr. Schramm - The word hate is very strong - however he rates up there in category of HIGH DISLIKE!~ Lauren Winter - the coordinator. If you are thinking of switching surgeons my guess is because of the "pre-care" you are getting. Lauren is VERY VERY overworked. That is ALL I can say. Debbie Schrader - (The P.A. that assists the surgeons) -- My thoughts on here were very high until this last week. I really liked her. My 3 mon. appt is set up w/her. However, I will be calling this week and switching it to Dr. S. Email me privately and I will explain why. The "process" -- isn't the quickest that is for sure. In the end -- I "wanted" Dr. Sunby to do my surgery. And therefore the wait was worth it. The frustration and the tears that came along w/my insurance approval being sent back to Lauren numerous times was worth it. That doesn't take back that fact that I feel there is MUCH needed work in their process that is for sure. Feel free to email me. I would love to help you along in anyway I could. Do you go to the support group meetings? I generally do. I will be at the next one -- next Monday. However, I will not be going to the on in October (because Dr. Schramm is conducting it and my dislike for the man isn't worth my hour drive there). Gala

Hi Daniella. I am confused. Do you have Dean Care for your insurance or Medicare that you have listed on your profile?? I HAD Dean Care as my previous insurance carrier and they will cover NOTHING for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. I don't know anything about Medicare. As far as the Dean doctors, I can honestly say, that I have heard good and bad. I know of one person in particular that is pretty sure the dr. that did her surgery made the opening from her stomach to her intestines too large causing the food to exit her stomach too rapidly, making her hungrier sooner and causing her to eat more. She has had a lot of trouble getting him to admit this and she is pretty sure it is the case. I know of someone else who had Dr. Starling for her initial consult and was not impressed. Because of these reasons and a few others, I chose to go to Green Bay for surgery even though it is 2.5 hours from here. I knew someone who had it done there and had a fantastic experience. After having mine done there, I wish I lived closer to them. The care I received was second to none!! They all deserve awards for the service and care they provided. Good luck to you and take care...K-Man

Daniella, I have several complaints about the Dean Care process, but none that are dangerous or that would lead me to advise you not to use them. #1 - Yes, Lauren Winter is overworked, but it is totally unprofessional to not return phone calls for 4-5 business days, with no apology or explanation. I was not a frequent caller, but the times I did need something, I felt pretty put-off. I also had to ask several times that paper be resent because she didn't want to follow directions.?. #2 - Dr. Sunby's surgery on me was a success...I lived, and I had no complications. Yeah! However, he spent 2 minutes with me on 2 different days, and sent me home, despite my pleas not to. I could not reach my own bottom, had my period, and hemorrhoid problems, and told him I only had a 7 year old at home to help out. I had not passed gas yet, so they didn't even know if my system was blocked or not. I felt like he sent me home on Friday, so he wouldn't have to check on me again over the weekend. Also, 3 of my staples had pulled out before I ever left the hospital. I showed Dr. Sunby on both days that he visited, but he blew it off, and didn't even so much as show concern or give me any advice/comfort on the condition of the incision. I ended up in the ER 2 days later, because several more staples had pulled out, and I could actually see lint from my PJ's resting inside my incision. The ER said it was not a "serious" thing, but that I should not have been sent home with stitches dangling from one side and no protective covering over the "open" area. They cleaned the incision and taped everything over. He was a good surgeon, but I felt he didn't "hear" anything I had to say regarding my own care. The bedside manner could use some work. Also, regarding Sunby and Hupenbecker...they are really bad about making appts and then cancelling or not showing, and you meet with Deb Schrader or others. I think this is unprofessional also. Several people I know have just gone back to their primary doc after the first check-up because they are sick of getting cancellations and rescheduling calls. #3 Deb Schrader seems to lack common sense. Long story short...she advised a sort of radical thing to me for "pre-op" preparedness that my primary doc (and my friends) basically laughed at when they heard it. OK, Daniella, that got lengthy, but I wanted to make my points, without scaring you off the procedure. The good news is that St. Mary's nursing staff was A+, so you can plan to be well taken care of while you are there. Good luck to you!