don't know what surgeon to use

I just found out that I'm going to have RNY and I want to have it done in the Charlotte area. I live in Wilmington but, most of my family is in Hickory. I know there are two popular surgeons in the Charlotte area. However, I know nothing about either one. I've read lots of the patient reviews but, was wondering if anybody had any advice on where I should go. I'm going to be self pay so, I want to get it done in January if I can. I'm mostly concerned with skill & experience rather than the dr. being personable.

There are lots of good docs in the Charlotte area.  I can speak personally about Drs Pirrello and Bauman out of Concord, Carolinas Weight Loss Surgery.  They are a Center of Excellence and use Northeast Medical Center.  Because it's not such a big hospital, you get lots of personal attention there.  Dena, who posts here frequently, is one of the nurses on the bariatric surgery floor.  To date they have had no mortalities and fantastic success.  They answered the on call line when I had a strangulated hernia and from the time we called (about 6:00 pm on a Tuesday****il I was in the operating room was only about two hours 15 minutes.  And that included a 45 minute drive thru Charlotte rush hour. I'm sure others will be able to give you good info about their docs, too.

Do you know of any in wilimington?  I just moved near Jacksonville and I need to follow up with a WLS and I was thinking of wilmington. I highly recommend Dr Jon Pirrello at Carolina Weight Loss Surgery.  I had dr Bauman do my surgery but dr pirrello fixed my wls complications when I had them.  He's a highly skilled and caring dr.  I hated leaving him when i had to move.  I am very biased.  I did have some bumps dealing with them when I had my complications and the hospital but they fixed me and I've healed. I hope you figure this out soon, I know how stressful it can be,  Northeast has an awsome baratric suite too, it's just like those maternity suites so you are comfy and your guests can rest while they are there too.  It's nice!!! Messge me if I can be of anymore assistance. 

The only bariatric surgeon I would recommend in Wilmington would be Dr Harris.

In Wilmington, I would second the vote for Dr. Harris.  I would also stay away from Dr. Miles.  I did my homework when I thought I was going to use Wilmington, and Harris wins, hands down.  BUT>>>>>>>>>>>>  I decided to go to Charlotte, so I used Dr. Bauman, and It is sooooo worth the 5 hour drive from Jacksonville to be able to attend his practice.  I have also heard that Dr. Voellinger (sp) is very good, but I liked the hospital practice where Bauman does his surgies better, so all around, it was meant to be. Nancy

First I would suggest not rushing the process... it would be nice to have surgery as soon as January but keep in mind it may take a little longer. Choosing the right surgeon and the right surgeon is the most important decision in this process.  I would call different surgeons you are interested in and sign up for their seminars. This will give you a chance to see the Dr, listen to what they have to say and learn a little about the procedures they offer. My surgeon always has patients speak at the end of his seminars so that also gives you a chance to hear their experiences and ask questions. You could also find out about their support groups and go and speak to patients there.  Also, there are more than 2 popular surgeons in the Charlotte area :-)

I would HIGHLY recommend Tim Kuwada.  I have honestly never had a surgeon who was as complete and thorough as Dr. K.  He was WONDERFUL to me!! 

Laurie- you know my opinion- Dr Bauman- hands down.....I did MUCH research and based my decision on his practice, numbers and NEMC ( nice hospital!). I have no regrets and Sandy - his surg. coordinator was a pleasure to deal with- very helpful from the self pay angle. Good luck! Sheila

I can tell you from both a personal and professional standpoint that Drs. Bauman and Pirello are two of the finest.  Of course, I am very biased!   Dr. Bauman did my RNY, and I work with his and Dr. Pirello's patients on the bariatric unit at CMC-NEMC in Concord.  They are both VERY thorough.  They have excellent patient outcomes.  Their program requires close followup both with the surgeon and with the nutritionist.   Dr. Bauman is very "serious" and Dr. Pirello more "laid back" as far as personalities go.  However, when it comes to patient care, both are very serious and dedicated to you 100%. 

Thanks SO Much to all of you! I have a consult appointment with Dr. Bauman on Oct. 31! I'm very excited but also scared.