I have decided to have WL...

I have decided to have WLS. Now I am at the point of selecting a doctor. I live in Orlando. I have Tricare Standard Insurance. Does anyone know anything about Dr. Tenewitz in Melbourne? I went to his informational meeting and everything seemed ok. I have checked him out on the state medical web page. But I would really like to hear about him from people on whom he has operated. I really do not know any other way to check out a doctor. I mean I can ask him how surgeries he has performed and what his complication rate is -- but I have no way to verify that information. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks-

Charlotte, I did not have my surgery in Orlando, but I heard some great things about the Bariatric Center at Celebration Hospital. Check them out, they are supposed to be one of the best in the US. the web site is www.usbariatrics.com. The people that I know, who have gone there, have had nothing but great things to say about them. Had I had surgery in FL, they would've been my first choice. Do your homework, go to at least 3 different information sessions and them make an informed decision, as of what is best for your particular case! Good Luck! -Flávia

I had my RNY with Dr. Kim at US Bariatrics in Celebration. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Kim and the program. I agree with Flávia: go to at least three different informational sessions. I went to two, and the differences were night and day. The first I went to was like an infomercial cheerleading-type session. Dr. Kim's was far more informational with one, 5 minute testimonial. My advice is to prepare yourself in advance that you may see incredibly uplifting testimonials - don't let them sway your decision, in either direction! Base you decision on the facts, and don't forget to ask the tough questions of the surgeon! That's what he/she is there for, after all. Kristen RNY 10/25/04 278/255/135

Charlotte, I know two people who had surgery with Tenewicz, both have nothing but good things to say about him and his practice. His post care program is supposed to be very good. Like Flavia said, I have also heard great things about USB at Celebration and Dr. Kim has a very good reputation. They have frequent info sessions too. I had originally chosen USB but found my insurance would not have covered surgery with them so I kept looking. Good luck in your decision. Amy

Thanks for the advice. I called US Bariatrics and found they did not accept Tricare Standard -- hence the search!

good luck to you on your journey... Alexa

I myself am a patient of Dr. Tenewitz's. I had my surgery on July 13th and I am currently down 120lbs. And I still have a ways to go. I can't say enough about how great their program is. The only downside was the $1,000 program fee he charges for the follow-up care, etc. However, that said, his after-care program is outstanding. All but one or two of his employees are former gastric patients themselves so they really know what you are going through. The last time I asked Dr. T. has had 3 fatalities out of 800 plus operations. From what I have heard the complications that caused these deaths had everything to do with the patient's not following the proper diet/exercise/vitamin program immediately after surgery. I would suggest trying to make it to one of the informational meetings he has the first Wednesday of the month.