Surgery in Jacksonville, Florida

I just wanted to know if anyone has had surgery in Jacksonville, Florida.  If so, who was your doctor and how was your experience? 

Thank you!

Dr. Baptista was one of my doctors when he was in Chicago. He's the nicest, most compassionate, caring person ever. 

I think the lapband is the worst choice, personally. But Dr. Baptista is great.

I have Dr. Uchal. He came here from Pittsburgh. I really like him and his staff! I am very happy with my choice to have the band.

 Why was the lap band a bad choice?

I also had Dr Uchal at St Vincents in Jax.   I think he is one of the best. 

Back in the day LOL... I had wanted North Florida Bariatrics at St. Vincents researched the Surgeons, had gone to one of their seminars, went for the consultation (500.00) but while going through the process they informed me that Tricare was now paying for the lapband (at the time I was going to have to be self pay) so of course I went with who was participating with Tricare.... With Tricare the Surgeon and facility has to be a Center of Excellence and because the band had just started being covered under tricare North Florida Bariatrics wasn't one yet (I think they are now).

So I went to my MTF, started the process with my PCP and Tricare approved me with Dr. Jawad (at the time he had a satelite office in Jax) but main office is out of Ocala...... he has been wonderful and I wouldn't trade having had him or his staff for anything......actually he is only 1 hour and 15 min. from my door and without traffic St. Vincents was 45 min. + more if traffic so it isn't a big deal having to go to Ocala and the ride is nicer lol....now however he is with Orlando Health systems and now they are no longer participating with Tricare (gosh how things change over time) but I still get to go to him under a continuation of care exception....

Bottom line St. Vincents is a great place to have the surgery if that is who your insurance approves.......not sure if Dr. Baptista is still with them but was at the time I had started and had a great reputation 4 years ago.....so must be real god now lol.  I was going with another in his office can't think of his name now........Chappano ???

Michele

I had surgery in Jacksonville, FL.  Jacksonville Weight Loss Associates.  904.399.4004.  See Dr. Pinnar, do NOT see Dr. Cywes. 

Yes, I've heard the nightmares about Dr. Cywes.  I heard he'doesn't have any bedside manners and is very rude to patients. 

Thanks for responding to my post. 

 I was considering seeing Dr. Cywes for revision.  Why do NOT see him?

I'm having RNY on May 14th with Dr. Sharma, love him! He's very knowledgeable about bariatric surgery and great bedside manner.