Tufts vs Newton Wellesley

I'm trying to decide between Tufts Obesity Consult Center and Newton Wellesley Obesity Associates. I have a friend who used Dr Gazmuri at NW and loved him, but the Tufts program looks more well rounded at least online. Any comments? Thanks, Carolyn

You are right here in Northboro, how about UMASS?

Actually, I haven't heard anything one way or the other about UMass.

I was just looking at UMass' website and I'm a little disturbed that they don't have their stats (# done, deaths, complications, etc) available, like the NW and Tufts/NEMC do.

UMass doesn't have their stats on their webpage as I recall, but they do tell you right upfront at the two orientation meetings you have to go to how many deaths they've had (3 last I heard). I don't know if they tell you what percentage of people have had complications, but they take a lot of questions and I'm sure you can ask. They also tell how many surgeries they've done. I don't recall as I had my surgery done there almost a year ago now. The important thing, in my opinion, is to be comfortable with the program you choose. I started at NEMC because of their reputation, but I just got a funny vibe at the orientation meeting. I got a good vibe at UMass and have not regretted my choice of program. Whatever program you choose, they will be your partners for a very long time. Most of the programs have orientation meetings you can attend. I'd attend a couple at different places and decide from there. We are very lucky in that we have such top notch medical care in MA, so you have a lot of places to choose from. Good luck! Mary Ellen

Everyone that I know who went through Newton Wellesley, really liked the program and the docs. I don't know many people who went to the Tufts program. I looked at it 4 years or more ago, and chose Brigham & Womens......Tufts gave me a sort of, chilly, clinical feeling.....of course that was 4 years ago and just my perspective.

Thanks!

Hi Carolyn... I am a NWH patient and I cannot say enough about the program. I am obviously have no dealings with Tufts but NWH is extremely well rounded and the docs care so much! Another benefit is that compared to some programs you can get a date relatively quickly (if you are ready that is). I wish you the best of luck!!! Hugs, Stef

Hi Carolyn, I'm a Tufts-NEM**** patient and was just had surgery last week, but I've been working with the OCC for over a year - which is the time it took me to decide to have surgery and make room for it in my schedule (I could have had the surgery over a year ago if I had wanted). I can't say enough good things about their program; they are an incredible group of professionals and they've been right there with me every single step of the way. Once you're accepted into the OCC program, you really are a patient for life - they're very available, very caring, genuinely concerned, and the surgical follow-up and behavioral and nutritional support iis awesome. You can call them with any kind of question, thought, concern, etc - and they know you by name. The OCC surgeons are forever being covered by the media, traveling to present at conferences, and teaching other surgeons -- and yet they still have time for all of their clinical and surgical work...I felt incredibly well-cared for before, during, and after my surgery, and I absolutely loved my surgeon, my psychiatrist, my exercise physiologist, my nutritionist, and the rest of the staff. They are truly a multidisciplinary team, they work together, and they consider every aspect about you as you're going through this surgery - they're in constant communication with each other and they talk about you and how you're doing behind your back all the time. There are several great places to go in MA, but I just wanted to share my very, very positive experience at NEMC so far. Good luck with your journey, and I'm sure you'll be happy wherever you choose. ~Jen

Thank you, Jen. I'm actually leaning towards the OCC. From what I've read online it looks more well rounded. It's a hike for me but I think it's worth it. What college are you at? I graduated with a BA in Mathematics from Boston College in Chestnut Hill in '94. I read your profile and you are a very impressive and beautiful lady! Thanks for taking the time to respond to me!