Newbie need help!

Hi everyone,

I would like to know if anyone here had an experience with Pioneer Valley Surgical in Springfield MA (or Dr. Fiallo or Dr. Haag)...Im in the process to explore different alternatives, and choose the better. Maybe another surgeon, or WLS Clinic in the area? Experiences? I live in Western Massachusetts.....Thank you and good luck to all!

OH has a state board. You may want to check it out. Typically the state boards tend to be very slow.
Prek3

A search of the state board might bring something up.

I don't know MA, but here are some things to consider when choosing your surgeon:

1.  Don't choose a dr. that only does one type of WLS.  It may not be the best surgery for you.

2.  Choose a Dr. that is board certified as a Bariatric surgeon.  Just because a dr. can do the surgery doesn't mean he should, otherwise, removing a gall bladder is not the same as having WLS.

3.  I wouldn't want anyone with less than 5 years of bariatric surgery experience.

4. At the minimum, choose a practice that has a Center of Excellence certification.

5.  Choose a practice that has aftercare (at least a year) as part of the cost of surgery.  Especially if you choose the band.  Fills are expensive and some surgeons cover them for a year after, others don't.  

6.  Research thoroughly ALL of the surgery types and make the decision that's best for you.

Best of luck!

Lisa O.

Thanks for the help!

I'm not familiar with any bariatric surgeons in your area. Just want to say hello. I lived in the Pioneer Valley for almost 20 years. I don't miss the winter weather!

Jean

P.S. -  You can read some OH member reviews of Dr. Fiallo here:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/profiles/bariatric-center/viratio-fiallo-md-bariatrics/