the scoop on Dr. Paul Cunningham/Syracuse

Last year when I went through the Upstate program..  there was Simon, Kim, and Cunningham.  I was actually orginally "assigned" to Cunningham, but found out that he didn't do the surgey Laproscopicly, he only did them open...  So I had to reschedule to see Dr. Kim since I didn't want an open surgery.      From what I understand though Cunningham left a little while back..   

I absolutely agree with Candi.  You should definitely go with your gut instinct and if you were not comfortable with Rahman, the support staff, etc. then it is a great idea to seek a consult elsewhere. 

I am truly sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience.  I hope that your next consult goes much better. 

thank you ... i just came from a pre-surgery appointment ... i'm having HAND surgery in two weeks ... and everybody was just wonderful ... night and day, by comparison ... so, yes, i'm sure my next consult will be an improvement!

It is true that Dr. Cunnigham has left the practice, some time ago.  I myself had Dr. Simon and I LOVE him. He is very knowledgeable and experienced in the Lap Rny. He has a wonderful sense of humor and a great bedside manner. Dr. Kim is great as well, But I am Pro Simon.

Hi...
Do either surgeons do the DS, do you know? Thanks...


Kim

No, neither surgeons do the DS, just RNY and LapBand

Ok...thanks for replying...



Kim

Hi patidee: Dr. Cunningham is gone from Syracuse.  He did not leave under any bad cir****tances, just his family are all down south and his wife really wished to be closer to them all plus a warmer climate (imagine that! lol!) I was I believe, Dr. Cunningham's last and final surgery at Upstate.  He was absolutely wonderful!! My surgery went without any major problems (open RNY) and the staff at both University hospital and at the bariatric center were terrific and those at the center continue to be wonderful whenever I have any follow-ups done.
I am just under 1 year out and close to 160 lbs gone.  I believe as the others have written that Dr. Simon and Dr. Kim are the only 2 doctors currently associated with Syracuse's Bariatric Center.
Both are well respected and good surgeons.  I do my follow ups with Dr. Simon and find him to be very personable and very capable and confident.
I cannot say enough good about my experience with the bariatric center itself.  I have had any/all of  my questions answered, they all are knowledgable and personable.   I hope this helps you out and best of luck to you -you have to be comfortable with your decision!! Take care and keep us all posted.  Mary

hello Mary ... i'm happy everything turned out so well for you ... unfortunately, i just got a call back from Syracuse and they are telling me that i'm too old ... i turned 65 in May ... i was told 65 is their cutoff age ... which really doesn't make sense to me ... they should have said 64 is their cutoff ... whatever ... it is what it is.

I understand about the 60+ cut off.. I will be 60 in December, and am lucky to get in under the wire. You might try the doctors in Utica. I know Dr. Weiss only does it to 60.

It's not the doctors -- it's the insurance companies and the programs the doctors practice under. One is the American College of Surgeons, which has a cut off of 60.

Lin