Dr John Kelly, UMASS Worcester

Hi to all, Has anyone had this doctor? My sister is in the beginning stages of the whole process and this dr was recommanded. I had GB almost 2 years ago here in CT. I don't see he has a website besides the patient feedback. THANKS! Carrie

Hi Carrie. I didn't have Dr. Kelly but I would highly recommend my surgeon, Dr. Pablo Gazmuri at Newton Wellesley Hospital. I had my surgery in July and have had not one complication. THe office is more than wonderful! I would trust them with my life...oh, I did! Nicole

Hi Nicole! How are you? I met w/ Dr. Gazmuri on Wednesday and I really like him as you know I had Dr. Thayer *****tired a week after my surgery. I have to give big thumbs up to NW as well they are all great in that office. Trish tells me she talks to you often, it's been a godsend having someone else to go through this with. I also have to say that the other patients that you meet in the office are great too. Talking w/ people further out and getting perspective is wonderful most everyone is friendly and willing to help out as well. Hope all is well Gwen

Hi Carrie- I looked into having my surgery at UMass, but was turned off by the length of time it takes to get a surgery date at this institution - approximately one year. (on the other hand, Dr. Kelly and Dr. Czerniach are leaders in this surgical field in the US, and specialize in providing exceptional after care and patient selection, so there is a reason for the long wait. Just to be fair.) I am looking into surgery at Emerson (concord) or Saints Memorial (lowell). Same group of surgeons at both hospitals, but a less lenghthy scheduling time. At any rate, you can be very confident of your sister's choice of Dr. Kelly. He's considered one of the very best and most experienced at this, and he's published a number of articles on the characteristics of an appropriate patient selection, characteristics of successful aftercare and characteristics of a well-equipped WLS surgery hospital. He's very good. Donna

Hi Donna do you know which of the Dr's you are seeing. I had Dr. Shen and can't say enough about him and the group as a whole. I had my surgery at Saints- but the group has just moved to Lowell General- right across the river. If you have any questions feel free and good luck. donna

Hi Donna! No, I don't know which physician I am going to see -- I'm scheduled to attend the orientation session on 10/11, and then I can call on the 12th for an appointment to start the process. I have already started attending the support meetings (they require two before scheduling a surgery date), so that's taken care of, but I still have all the specialist appointments to do before getting a surgeon and a date. Hopefully I can have my date before the end of the year . I'm delighted to hear that you liked Dr. Shen. I'm currently about five pounds below the 40 BMI cutoff (no comorbidities) so I'm a little worried about being denied for insurance. Apparently my ability to gain weight on demand is just as crappy as my ability to lose weight on demand. Anyway, thanks for the shout-out. If this happens for me, I'll probably be attending support groups at both lowell and concord, depending on what part of town I'm working at any given month. Maybe we'll meet. Best! Donna B.

Carrie, Dr. Kelly is one of the leading bariactric surgeons in MA. He actually does training seminars for area surgeons wanting to start to offer bariactric surgery. Here is the link to the website for the program offered at UMASS. http://www.umassmemorial.org/ummhc/hospitals/med_center/services/weight-center/index.cfm . Hope this was helpfull. The ONLY reason I didn't use him as my surgeon was because of my Primary Care Dr. is thru Fallon and they have their own Bariatric Surgery Program. Lauren

Hi Carrie. I had Dr. Kelly. HE IS THE BEST! I had my Gastric Bypass on 7.17.2006! He is SO caring and very kind. Also, he is the Chief of Sugery/Surgical Director at Umass. Check out the website for Umass Memorial Medical Center. http://www.umassmemorial.org/ummhc/hospitals/med_center/services/weight-center/index.cfm Best of luck. If you have any questions please email me! PS: down - 56 lbs!! (2 months 6 days, whoo hoo)

Hi Carrie - I had Dr. Kelly for my bypass on 3/16/05. He is a wonderful surgeon and very kind. The reason it takes so long to go through the program is that the program is very thorough. They want to make sure you are as prepared as possible for life after the surgery. I'm not sure how the program is now, but when I went through we had to meet with a psychologist a few times, nutrition a few times, have group sessions to talk about how to cope with not being able to eat after the surgery and other issues, and then they added an exercise component. While I hated having to spend the time while I was going through it, I don't regret it at all now. ANd I don't know anyone who has had the surgery there who feels the time it took to go through the program was wasted. It's easy to be impatient and want to get the surgery as soon as possible (and believe me, I think we can ALL understand that), but in retrospect, a lot of things I learned going through that program have been things that have helped me be successful after the surgery. There are a lot of wonderful programs in the state, but I hope you won't be put off of UMass simply because of the length of the program. You want to be successful, so I would choose a program that will give you the best possible chance of success. I'm sure there are others that are as thorough, but I can tell you from experience that the UMAss program is wonderful as are all of the staff. I started at NEMC, but switched to UMass even though it took me longer to get my surgery. I had zero complications from the surgery, and I have no regrets with my choice. I even just had a tummy tuck with a UMass surgeon. It's been great for me. Good luck wiht your decision. Mary Ellen

Hi Carrie, While I do not have Dr. Kelly specifically-I have one of his partners- I do know that Dr. Kelly has a fantastic reputation. There is a meeting on 9/28 from 6-7 at the Lazare Auditorium at UMass Medical Center. It is great...it is questions/answers for those who have had surgery already and those in the "program". I look forward to going every month. If your sister wants to meet up with me prior to the meeting, please have her contact me through this website. Thanks, Sue