How'd you choose??

Hi all! I'm a newby, but I've been a "lurker" for a while now...as I have been contemplating surgery. I was just wondering...how did you decide which surgeon/hospital to use? I've called my insurance company and all three in the Nashville area (Baptist, Centennial, and Vanderbilt) are in-network for me. I've read so many good things about all of the docs and hosps--I don't know which one to go to! Thanks in advance for any responses. You all do not know how much support you are to those of us who are considering surgery or visiting OH for information on this decision.

Hi Rhonda! Welcome to the TN Board! I went to seminars hosted by the local hospitals which helped immensely. Good luck and keep us posted April

I also went to seminars at both Vandy and Centennial. I also talked to a lot of people on here about which hospital they went to. Both are great, I just ended up going with Vandy because of the surgens they have there. Good luck with everything!!!

I went to three seminars before I found the surgeon I felt comfortable with. You definitely want to make sure your surgeon has the skills to handle anything that may come up both during and after surgery. I think it's also important to feel like you can communicate with your surgeon since you will be having lifelong follow-up with them. Most surgeons are not known for their bedside manner. I feel like I got the best of both worlds. I have a highly skilled surgeon with a great bedside manner. Good luck in finding the right surgeon for you. Susan

Thanks for your responses!! It looks like I am on the right track--I have contacted Vandy about attending the March 2nd seminar there and I have already viewed Baptist's online seminar, but I think I want to go to one there "in person" too. The online seminar is great to show family/friends but it's not personal. I need to see a live body! Thanks again for your support and be watching for me--I'll get some pics/more info up someday. I hope to have surgery within this year--I am determined!

Let's see... I had gone to seminars at Southern Hills, Baptist, Centennial, and another one I can't remember. I researched it for several years before deciding I could not lose the weight on my own nor could I keep off the weight that I had lost. I reached my all time high and finally knew it was time to do something. You might go to several seminars at the same hospital, with all the different surgeons in order to choose the one you want. Plus you can also look up the doctors here on Obesity Help to see what others say about him/her. Do research on the doctor and make sure he/she has a good reputation. Good luck. There are some great ones at all the hospitals you mentioned. Vanderbilt also has good ones from what I hear.

DR .David Dyer and Centennial are tops... first rate , well experienced surgeon and hospital ( I have had 2 separate surgeries at Centennial & both with Dr Dyer, one was for my gall bladder)and it was top notch Heck I did not have any pain or gas or anything .took a shower the next morning before I left for home ..and I have been thru many, many surgeries in my lifetime) Dr Dyer was there to check on me at least twice a day and if there are any problems at all ..you can tell him ,he will certainly fix it! The aftercare and free support groups run both day & evenings and even on Saturdays are great also. Dr Dyer keeps a very close watch on you with your health .they do blood work every 12 weeks to make sure u r getting al your nutrients and every time you go for a check up there is a NUT and exercise therapist there to help you or if you need them, even on Saturdays, ... When you first meet him ,he is a little bit "professional" but he loosens up quickly and smiles & sometimes even laughs!. Their seminars are always free, they have a schedule there for seminars and the surgeons take turns, one week it might be Houston , one week Olsen, and one week Dyer talking at the seminar. I believe the aftercare and support is as important as the surgery as many things can go wrong after surgery, and I feel very lucky to have Dr dyer as my surgeon... I too went to a few seminars one at Baptist, one at Vandy, and then Centennial I do believe they are are good hospitals and is so hard I know, to make up your mind ... One more thing Dr Dyer gives you his home number where you can call him directly day or night and he will come in if there should EVER be an emergency. and to me that is very ,very special and I feel secure ,that puts Dr Dyer over the top!

I researched the surgery for two years before deciding on a hospital but since I couldn't get in to the seminar there for a while, I went to Centennial. I ended up loving Dr. Houston and felt great about the doctors and the program so I went with them. I have not regretted it, especially since the surgery comes with a lifetime of aftercare!

I would recommend going to all the seminars, they're free and it doesn't matter how many you go to. That way you get to meet the surgeons. I would recommend interviewing the surgeon just like you would any doctor. You will be placing your life in his hands so you want to make an educated choice. Good luck. Toni