Dr. Bartha

I don't see why you could not get copies of your nut and psych counseling and give them to the new doctor. They are yours.  I am sure all you would have to do is call them up and ask them to forward their reports.  Personally, I think it is a good thing that they just did not take you on as a patient when they thought you were too high of a risk.  What were the results of the stress, cardiac and pulmonary tests?  Was there perhaps something in those results that made him uneasy?   I am not asking for an answer from you but maybe as something to think about.  Good luck to you.

My experience with Dr. Bertha was NOT good - after seeing him twice he decided not to do my surgery. I am now working with Dr. Garrison and, hopefully, this time I will get a surgery date! Good Luck in your search and surgery! MissVic59

MsVic & Working_on_It- If I were in your shoes, I'd be thankful that the doctor refused you as a patient -he may be sparing you some terrible complications/issues after the surgery.  I would definatley let your new doctor know about the original refusal, and discuss whether they have the same issues.  Personally, I'd rather be fat, than dying in a hospital of horrendous complicatons, in terrible pain and discomfort..  But that is just me. I don't know this doctor personally, and I'm sure that there are a ton of people who love him and had a great WLS experience with him...but I know one person who didn't.  Maybe she was the one and only "complication" they have had, but for me, knowing what she went through is enough to find a different practice. I hesitated even posting that I wouldn't use him OR any of his partners (the woman I know was treated/abandoned by them all) seeing that there is someone scheduled for surgery at the end of the month...however, if it were *ME*, I'd want to know so I could talk to the doctor about what to expect if there were life threatening complications from him and his partners. I'd also have a family member there as a witness, and to make sure everything was discussed and clear. If not for a nurse in my friend's life,  she would be DEAD.

I am sure for any doctor there is going to be a few people who were not happy with him.  They do tell you that there is a risk of complications. Personally, I am glad to hear he turned people down because he thought they were at risk.  I would rather have a doctor who does that than one who does the operation not caring about the outcome.  I don't know the issues your friend had and why she felt abandoned.  I know she is your friend but I do wonder what, if any, role she had in her outcome. I see people on these boards who do things early out that they should not be doing and then wondering why they are having problems.  I know a lot of people in the medical field and not one of them has had anything bad to say about Dr. Bertha or Dr. Adkin.  I am sorry your friend had a bad experience and am glad she is doing okay now.  I have confidence in Dr. Bertha and your post is the only negative thing I have heard about him.  I do not consider being turned down because he felt the operation was too risky to be a negative thing.

Hi hockeymom8016 I'm glad things went well for you & hope they continue that way.  I also would not have a problem if I was turned down due to an operation being too risky.  Unfortunately, I do not feel that was the case or the doc would have said that on my first appointment ( the reason stated is a very obvious medical issue). I am lucky - my cardiologist suggested I see Dr. Garrison and I have been very pleased with him so far and hope my luck continues. Good Luck to all! MissVic59

I have not had surgery yet but I feel confident in Dr. Bertha.  I wish you good luck with your new surgeon. I think one of the great things about this Country is that we have choices and if Dr. Bertha is not your cup of tea then I am glad for you that you found someone who is.  Choosing a surgeon is a very personal thing and you have to be as comfortable with your choice as I am with mine.  I wish you much success.

Hi All,  I had my surgery with Dr. Bertha and I Love the guy, very professional and caring.  I was asked to lose 30 lbs before sugery I did and no problems.  Everyone in the office is always willing to help answer questions and return calls.  I do NOT regret my decision to have Dr. Bertha as my surgeon, they warn you ahead of time about the possible complications, and from there you must decide for yourself.  Best wishes to all.

I had my first visit with Dr. Bertha today.  Someone said that he isn't 'warm and fuzzy.' which I agree with, but he is very good at what he does.  My sister has been working with him and his colleague and has talked with both of them, at length, about both surgeries.  They gave advice and were very nice.  She said they are both very nice and kind and extremely talented and skillful in the operating room.  As far as hospitals are concerned, I have been in MMH many times, and though, the nurses are stressed out and overworked, and you can become lost in their busy day, I wouldn't go anywhere else.  God forbid there was a complication.  I want to be at a hospital that has the best teams in almost every department, in the hospital with the most high-tech equipment.  I have heard that St. Clare's have veruy "snippy" employees, but the nicest nurses, etc. are in the Dover hospital.  I hope this helps.