Anyone had surgery at University of Cincinnati?

Anyone had surgery at UC? Do you mind sharing your experience with me? Who was your surgeon and do you recommend UC? I'm starting to do my research and would like to hear from others that have first hand experience. Thanks for your help!

Theresa Mae: I am one of the surgeons at the UC Center for Surgical Weight Loss. I would be happy to answer questions you may have about our program. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance. Thank you for your interest. Sincerely, Calvin A. Selwyn, M.D. Assistant Professor of Surgery UC Center for Surgical Weight Loss University Pointe, West Chester, OH Feel free to email me if you wish [email protected]

I had Lap RNY surgery with Dr. Calvin Selwyn at University Hospital 12-15-04. I researched alot of surgeons in my pre-op period and I kept coming back to UC Physcians in West Chester. Many surgeons are skilled, they have to be to be in the business, but what I was looking for was a program who was going to take care of me afterward. I emailed and talked with many UC post op patients, and I never heard one bad thing. I was going to have surgery with Dr. Gersin, who along with Dr. Selwyn are extremely skilled with High BMI lap RNY, which at 416 pounds I was wanting. I met with Dr. Gersin and he was friendly and patient, allowing me to ask whatever I wanted and not making me feel rushed. After 8 months and stuck in insurance hell, I finally got approval, which left me 6 weeks before end of 2004 to get a surgery date. The UC group suggested Dr. Selwyn or Dr. Gersin could take me into surgery. I knew thru my research that Dr. Selwyn worked right along side Dr. Gersin for surgery, so I knew I would be in excellent hands. I met Dr. Selwyn and I knew in my heart this surgeon was going to change my life!! My surgery went perfectly and my recovery was perfect. I experienced absolutely no pain whatsoever even right after surgery. Dr. Selwyn takes questions on my support group board and gives his personal email. to me, that shows character and a genuine sense of care. I would recommend UC Physicians Center for Surgical Weight Loss and all of their surgeons (I am trying not to be biased with the GREAT Dr. Selwyn) to absolutely anyone who would listen to me. I do have one complaint. I left a message for the dietician there and he never called me back, so that has been my only disappointment. But this is your personal opinion and you need to meet and ask questions of the surgeon. This is not something someone else should deciede for you. Also...anytime I have called the office for a question post operatively, Anne (the doc assistant) called me beck before the day ended. As far as the hospital, I had wonderful care, from registering until they wheeled me to my car. University Hospital in Cincinnati is a fantastic hospital. I cant say enough about the group...I really cant. I am 2 months post op---i feel wonderful and 60 pounds is gone forever!!! I wake up every morning and thank GOD for being lead to UC Physicians and Dr. Calvin Selwyn. Lisa Durbin [email protected] 12-15-04 416-356-?

I love when someone loves their surgeon. Everything you said is exactly how I feel about Dr.Curry at Deaconess in Cincinnati. I have lost 90lbs since July and only have 33 more to go. Keep up the good work and may we all love our wonderful Docs. Cindy

Theresa, I had my surgery with Dr. Gersin on 04/28/03 and I love everything about the UC group. They not only care about the surgery aspect, but you as a human being. I'm not trying to be biased, but I would highly recommend them to anyone! That's just my personal opinion. I couldn't have asked for a better staff to deal with! I wish you the best of luck in your search!

I had my surgery on 12/20/2004 with the WONDERFUL Dr Selwyn. The entire staff at his office is wonderful. I was stuck in an insurance nightmare for almost 2 years. I had originally planned to have my surgery with another surgeon, but had bad vibes at my initial consultation(this doc was not affiliated w/ UC) so I took the time to research other groups and was lead to UC. I had my first appt with them in early Dec. We found out it would be excluded by my insurance after Dec. 31. So the staff especially Pam, Anne and David worked to get me scheduled for all of the pretesting and stuff that needed to be done and got me scheduled for surgery . They are miracle workers. The surgery went well, the recovery went well also, I do have some nausea and vomiting, but Dr. Selwyn gave me some medication that helps. Their program is very thourough, their support group meetings are well worth attending, even past the mandatory 1 meeting. THey never rush you, snd most of all they are open and honest, Dr Selwyn openly shares his statistics and the pros and cons of the surgery. Nothing is sugar coated. I truly believe that the UC program may be the best, most comprehensive program in the area. Like Lisa said in an earlier post, this is my opinion, but you need to research it yourself, meet the Staff and go from there. You must find the program that works for you. I personally dont think you could go wrong with UC. Dr. Gersin and Dr Selwyn are equally skilled surgeons. I am so thankful that I was able to have the surgery. I have lost 44lbs, I am off all of my presurgery meds, and I feel wonderful and am looking forward to enjoying Kings Island this summer and riding rides with the kids. If I can be of any furthur assistance, please email me Sherri Swartz [email protected] lapryn 12/20/2004 Dr. Selwyn

Thanks everyone for your input--it sounds like a great program. I'm glad that you are all doing so well.

I absolutely LOVE my surgeons at UC! Trust me, I went through many surgeons before deciding on Dr. Gersin. One big seller for me was that I wanted it done lap, which you will find not every surgeon in this area does. I was privileged enough to have BOTH Dr. Gersin and Dr. Selwyn for my surgery. (Dr. S was finishing his fellowship) What the others have said about feeling totally cared for is so true. They helped with everything from getting insurance approval to answering any question you could possibly think of. And after surgery when I had some complications (specific to me and my body) they were there for me every step of the way. I had some bad pain in my side a few months after surgery and after all my other doctors passed me back and forth, with no help, I went back to Dr. Gersin and he was so patient and listened to me and was willing to do whatever it took to figure it out. (including exploratory surgery if it came to that) And he solved my problem in a week that others couldn't solve over months. I think one of the most important things is finding the right surgeon for you and a good program. They follow you for LIFE at UC. Even if you move, they'll help you find a surgeon wherever you go. Most family physicians just aren't experienced in the special needs of a post-op and just aren't knowledgeable enough to provide the level of care needed. I also think that their Physician Assistant Anne is incredible. She always responds promptly and answers any questions or helps you figure out what to do if you have any problems. And I loved being at University Hospital. My room was great (a suite really) and my mom was able to stay with me the whole time quite comfortably. It's also great that it's a teaching hospital and there is always someone around (interns and residents) to answer questions or solve problems. (No waiting for call backs from those daytime docs) If I had it to do allover again I would absolutely choose UC. I had surgery on July 12th of 2004 and at 7months out I have lost a little over 110lbs. Good luck with your search and if you have any more questions feel free to drop me an e-mail and I'd be happy to help.

The hospital has a special wing on the ninth floor with nurses and CNAs well trained to take care of us. In fact, I was at the support group meeting tonight in Mason and two nurses came to talk to us. They even did a home video to show us--gave a view of a room and talked about how they take care of us. I found them to be caring individuals that see working with bariatric patients as not just their job but that they truly want us to succeed. They even make sure they are up to date on exactly what our surgeons want us to have after surgery. The three surgeons that do the surgeries are excellent. I had Dr. Gersin and Dr. Selwyn. They were always been there for me and since I had a little problem after surgery, I know they did not leave the hospital until they knew I was stabilized. I sat next to a lady tonight at the meeting who had Dr. Fisher and she felt as strongly as I do about my surgeons.

Hi Theresa! You are doing well by finding out as much information as you can. I was very fortunate to have Dr Gersin and Dr Selwyn do my lap rny Oct. 27, 03. My experience with the hospital first off was wonderful. I too was at the meeting the other night and thanked the nurses that were there for all they did for myself and my family during that time. I tease with people that the private rooms were so nice, I felt like I was at the Hilton..hehe! The staff providing care for me were on top of things and very much cared about me as a person and helped out whenever possible. I was up and walking about 3-4 hours after surgery and they helped me there also. They did more than just health related things, it was like a cheerleading section. They always provided me with positive support and encouragement. I found out I was pregnant a few months AFTER my surgery (a BIG no-no may I add) and my surgeons AND ANNE stood behind me 100% and helped me with anything they were able to help with. My pregnancy was very tough but I have a beautiful, healthy little boy and I attribute that to all the care I received from both UC staff AND my high risk OB. Just this past December I had to have my gall bladder removed. Dr Selwyn performed that surgery and Dr Gersin did my post op. I can't say enough about this group of individuals who make up the team at UC. I look at them like they are my heros. Not only did they give me my life back but they follow me through it and enjoy it with me along the way. What a journey this has been!! If you are reading this, THANKS GUYS for all you have done for me, my family and my baby!!!!!