Anybody use ECU for bariatric surgery?

I have an employee who is 400+ pounds that has back problems that are getting worse. She consulted with a Dr. in VA who is in solo practice who said he wouldn't touch her till she weighed around 250. Well if she could do that, she wouldn't need WLS!!

Anyway, with her back and decreased mobility, her weight continues to creep up. I know ECU is a Center for Excellence for Bariatric surgery, and wondered if anyone had personal experience with them or could suggest a Dr. from there.

My doc trained there even though he is not practicing there, and I have been very pleased and impressed with his skills and program.

Our insurance here would be no problem and other than high blood pressure, she is in good health and I think would be an excellent candidate. Since she asked and is interested, I said I would see what I could find out.

Can anyone please help?


Thanks in advance,

Barb

There are several ECU patients here on the NC Board.  I'm one of them.  Dr. Chapman and Dr. Pender are both excellent and have tackled some tough cases.  If you want more info, checkout their website.  http://www.ecu.edu/weightlosssurgery/

I'll be happy to answer questions, just PM me.

Alice

I answered on your other thread. I had Dr. Kenneth MacDonald at ECU and couldn't possibly recommend him any higher. He is absolutely top notch!!!! My dad was a surgeon and researched Dr. MacDonald very carefully for me before I went to him (and before my father passed away). He is a past president of the ASMBS and is absolutely one of the finest bariatric surgeons in the country. He is also a very, very nice man. I recommend him without qualification from the bottom of my heart.

Barb,

You have come to the right place!!  As Alice said, there are a lot of us on this board who have had WLS at ECU.  My Doctor (Dr MacDonald) is with Southern Surgical and of course I think he's the best in the world!  He did my RNY (6 years ago) and my Gall Bladder last year.  I was 425 at my highest weight and 395 the day of WLS.  There is definate help for your friend.  Have her come on Obesityhelp and chat with us.  I had other co-morbities but my back and knees were a problem also.  PM me if you have any specific questions for me.  I hope you have a great week!

Sheryl

Hey there - I'm PMing you Dr. Mac's phone number for Southern Surgical. Love the man to pieces.

Hope things are going well with you and we need to have an Elizabeth City get together very soon.

- Iris

 I am another Dr. Mac fan.
He just did my surgery in Jan, when i got pneumona he didn't hesitate about coming in and seeing me in the hospital, and doing a scope to make sure everything is going well. 
I believe his gift is from god to help over weight people. HE is a very nice person, very easy to talk to, and i know your friend is in good hands with him.. 
I highly recommend him to anyone.. 
I hope this helps your friend, and i hope she get the help she needs with weight gain. We all have been there, different weight and size but we've all been in the same shoes. 
Let her know to come to this website, I believe the NC boards has some of the greatest and supportive people you could ever want to know. 
Keep us updated on your friend

Annamrie 

I just had my surgery with Southern Surgical with Dr. Naziri and he is wonderful. 5 girls at work have had surgery with dr naziri in the last 3 years and very one loves him.

sarah

When I started out, pre-op I weighed 362lbs.
I went through Dr. Pender at ECU Brody School of Medicine and March 5th is my 1 year "surgiversary" and  I have lost 161lbs in less than an a year and NO complications :) 
If you go to my profile you can read up on my story!!
JAMI

WOW Jami, I can't believe it's almost been a year since your surgery!  Where does time go?????  You look fabulous! 

I to am one of Dr. Pender's patients and would recommend him to anyone.  Dr. Chapman and Dr. Pender have a wonderful staff that is always there to help.  I started out on this journey at 320lbs here I am nine months later at 191 lbs.  that's 129lbs in less than one year.  I have had no complications, the key is to follow directions and take care of yourself.  I hope this will help.

Lisa