HELP I NEED A NEW SURGEON!!!

A word of caution...in choosing a surgeon make sure you get a comprehensive after care program. I understand from several people who used Abkin/Bertha that there is a charge for the nutritionist after the 3rd visit. The nut. is your lifeline, I could never have lost the weight without mine's guidance, advice, etc....I can email her whenever I want and she is always there for me. Make sure the support groups are at times you can attend, they are crucial for success. There are many great surgeons out there....but the after care program is more important, remember the surgery takes 1 1/2 hours but your recovery time will be much much longer if you want to get thin and healthy!

The nutritionist works with their office however the Nut fee is not a program fee nor is it paid to Drs. Abkin/Bertha.  It is a separate office and a separate fee.  A lot of nutritionists charge after a certain number of visits. Frankly, the nuts associated with their office give you so much comprehensive information I find I have not needed to seek additional information.  I have found their program to be very comprehensive.

Yes, that is correct.  We pay ahead of time for 3 visits, and then there is a charge like hockeymom said.  But...if you go to their free support groups every month (I go to St. Peters) there is a FREE NUT from the hospital there for you anyway. 

So, to the OP, I highly recommend ALS!

I agree - I highly recommend Dr. Gritsus.  He did my surgery at Chilton Memorial - my care was excellent!  Dr. Gritsus also has a great aftercare program - his Nut - Susana Mendleson is awesome!  I am over 2.5 years out, and I still meet with Susana regularly to keep on track.

I researched WLS for about 6 years prior to choosing Dr. Gritsus - I did not feel comfortable with the other surgeons I consulted with.

Good luck in your search!!

My Dr. takes any insurance that you have. His name is Dr. Ibriham. He is out of Englewood Hospital. I highly recommend him! Best of luck and PM me if you want to call me and ask any questions.

I run a union county support group and I cannot tell you how many people I have met who are unhappy with their doctor's after care program. They feel that they do not get much post op and spend just a few minutes with their surgeons after each post op visit. They have gone to support groups that are not well attended so they don't even get to meet other people there. Choosing a program is one of the most important decisions you will make to achieve your weight loss goals. If your surgeon is a distance from you, make sure you are willing to put the time in to go to all of your follow ups and attend the support groups. I find that most people who do not lose all their weight because they "gave up" and stopped going to follow ups and support groups.

It's ironic you say that, b/c your doctor was one that I called before making a decision and they never  called me back.  Kinda happy now, though, since I'm happy with my surgeon.  Glad you are too!