I had RNY Gastric bypass four years ago this week. My surgeon was Dr. Georgen.

Let me say first, no establishment is perfect; BUT there are some better than others. Lori P's and my experiences prove it.

My experience with Midwest Bariatrics, from day one been nothing but professional and helpful to say the least. My primary Dr. referenced me to them, and I did my homework on other sites. I decided to go to Theda for many factors, much of which are listed above, and have played a key roll in my success in my POST BARIATRIC lifestyle.

My surgery went flawless, though difficult as I was a very high risk candidate. This is where the skill of Dr. Georgen and support team made all the difference. About a year ago, I had my Gallbladder removed. Not uncommon for bariatric patients. Dr. Georgen nor Theda Clark did not partake in this. Another hospital, another Dr. did.

Well, the procedure was botched, the GB was torn, and all contents were sent into oblivion..inside me. This hospital was up in arms what to do with me.  FFD a month later, where a now seriously sick  RNY patient found himself back in the care of Dr. Georgen and his staff.

Dr. Georgen heads the trauma care aspect at Theda Clark. He sat down with me on a number of occasions, pre and post operatives and laid out all the options and where we were in this matter. It was not a easy situation, specialists were brought in from Madison, who just about threw in the towel on me because of the complexity. I had tubes inside of me for over a month, hand picking the rubbish out as it settled.

I could of been shipped to Madison or Milwaukee for this. BUT my Health, care, comfort were foremost in the Dr.'s mind. He saved my life on the original RNY gastric bypass, he did it again, wth a specialist, on the 22 times they had to renter my ab to radiate or hand pluck out, stones, asteroids, and other foreign material floating around.

Had any of this got into my bloodstream, it would NOT of been fun. Cardiac complications a reality.. this is where his skill came in...but I digress.

Back to some notes that Lori placed, that are important. Do your homework, shop around. But I, and a heck of a lot of other bariatric Pt's will swear on a stack of bibles that a center of excellence is the way to go. The support functions after the surgery are worth their weight in gold in the success circle. Any failure in my bariatric journey has solely been my own; has to do with being a human and the follies of following a good bariatric path.

I would not hesitate in recommending Midwest Bariatrics or their staff now, or ever.

With the exception of the GB glitch, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Thank you all for your patience in this lament. Holler with questions as well.

RJS

I had gastric bypass surgery 9 years ago, this was the biggest decision that I would ever make in my life.  You want to make sure you ask all questions and hear the good with the bad.  I can tell you I have experienced both.  I had my original surgery out of state, this was a decision I made because Midwest Bariatric Solutions was just starting their program and receiving their equipment when I was approved by insurance.  When I returned to WI 18 days later I ended up at Theda Clark hospital under the care of Dr Georgen, Dr Wasco and Dr Burkett due to complications from a MRSA Staph infection.  Midwest Bariatric Solutions/Surgical Associates saved my life.  I cannot say enough about them or thank them for being so open and honest with not only myself but my family.  I was not even their patient for my original surgery and they did not blink an eye regarding my care.  If it were not for these doctors I may not be here today.   I have been with their program now for 9 years and I can honestly say I have done a lot of research on other programs, talked to a lot of individuals and I have found no other program to be as complete as they are.  I was under their care and when they could not find the answers for the complications I had, they referred me to UW Madison.  We worked hand in hand with each other to find the resolutions.  There was not a day that went by that Dr Georgen/Dr Wasco didn’t check up on my progress and for 9 years they have made sure that my blood levels, weight levels and my health are where they need to be. Over the past nine years I have had the experience to see MWBS become a Centers of Excellence facility, this does not happen overnight.  They have followed all the guidelines set up to become a bariatric surgery facility.  Not only do they do the surgery but they have provided me as a patient with nutritional guidance, a personal trainer for an exercise program, support group guidance and now they have partnered and offered bariatric cooking classes.  I have had NUMEROUS additional surgeries due to the MRSA complications and I would do it all over again.  With the guidance I have received from Dr Georgen and Dr Wasco I have been successful.  I lost 200# and have maintained that weight loss and have overcome the complications that I endured because they were so willing to speak to me openly and honestly.  When you are contemplating having this life changing surgery you need to make sure you are comfortable with the people that will guide you thru the process.  Ask the questions and make sure you get the answers.  This is not a surgery you will have and just walk away from, this will be with you the rest of your life.  I would not change anything, I was given 3-5 years to live its already been 9!

 

With your surgery date nearing you are in my thoughts and prayers. How exciting to be on such a journey. First your weight loss and a move to Cedarburg. I live south of Milwaukee but have been to Cedarburg several times and it,s one of my favorite towns. I think you'll be happy there.
My surgery is schuduled for the 21st of January and I'm looking foreward to hearing about your weight loss journey as I go thru mine.

You're doing great. You've lost 30 pounds in a month! That's terrific! I think you're right on track, personally! 

I, on the other hand, have gained the 30 that you've lost... and then some.   (My WLS was a complete failure-- lapband-- noooo good!)

Expect stalls here and there as your body adjusts, but I'm gonna tell you, I think you're doing fabulously.


Nicci

 I am two weeks out from surgery. I had surgery at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire with Doctor David Ciresi. The care I received was wonderful and I am recovering nicely!  To anyone who is contemplating surgery. I would recommend getting the book The Experts Guide to Weight loss Surgery by Garth Davis It is really helpful and imformative.