Baptist vs. Centennial

Hello Tennessee Losers, I am Raquel, also known as Melodious1. I have recently started my WLS journey. I have completed a patient infomation package, chosen a surgeon, completed an Emmi online seminar and will attend the next WLS seminar at Baptist. I have heard, however, that Centennial is better than Baptist. I thought about switching, but I hate to do that since I already have the ball rolling. What do you think? My preferred surgeon is Dr. Albert Spaw, whom I hear, is excellent. Mel

Ultimately it's your decision, but Dr. Spaw was my surgeon 4 months ago and I have been very pleased. 

Dr. Spaw is also my surgeon and I am very pleased with him and his staff.  He is truly a, kind, experienced, loving, and Christian man,  it really shows in how he treats and cares for his patients.  His staff is equally as wonderful and therefore, I personally think you have made the best choice!!! However, as Pam stated it is your decision and you are the one that will be interacting with the Dr. and program for the rest of your life, so chose the best fit for you.  This is not like any other surgeries and you see your surgeon for a few follow-up appointments, this surgery requires continual follow-up for the rest of your life.   If you need any additional questions answered, you can also PM me and I would be more than willing to speak to you about my experience. Good Luck!!! Shelia

Here are a few things to consider.  I am saying this because: *I work at St. Thomas and Baptist is where I should have gone for maximum benefits.  Each time I go to Centennial, I have a whopping $1800 copay.  Baptist would be much cheaper.  Which one would be in your network?  Surgery is expensive if you should have complications.  Which, I did.  I have been in the hospital 5 times in one year, and I was only hospitalized once for a kidney stone IN MY LIFE.  So complications do happen and it can get costly. *Which surgeon "fits" you?  I believe that there is a doctor just for you, and you will know him when you hear him speak at the seminar.  I personally think Dr. Houston at Centennial is the bestest surgeon in the world.  But that is FOR ME!  I cannot speak for who is the bestest for YOU.  LOL.  I have heard wonderful and excellent things about Dr. Spaw as well.  But you must do your homework on where they went to school, how many surgeries they have done, what kinds of complications their patients have had, etc and make the best and wisest decision based on that info.  Good luck, as it is a hard process. One thing you will find here on the board.  We all are very passionate about our surgeons, and our type of procedures.  We dont talk up our favorites or divide among ourselves in groups of this hospital or that hospital, so to say Baptist vs Vanderbilt vs. Centennial vs. wherever USA... its just not something we are accustomed to, but best of luck. 

Raquel, I believe , as the others have said, that this is ultimately your choice.  I do think it is wise to research to make the right decision for you.  I think you should go to seminars for both sets of surgeons and hospitals.  I have heard absolutely nothing but great things about Dr Spaw. I think the only thing that I have heard where Centennial is better than Baptist is with the staff of the hospital.  I had my surgery done at Centennial by Dr Houston, his staff and the staff of Centennial hospital are the most caring set of people I have ever been taken care of by.  I have been hospitalized several times during my life and can say this was my best experience.  The follow up care at Centennial is awesome as well.  So just gather all the information you get here and make the right decision for yourself. Keep us updated on your progress and with any other questions you have. Darlene

Like Mel said, we are each very supportive of our surgeon and center. That said, I will tell you that I attended seminars at 3 other facilities before I went to the one at Baptist and left each with an uneasy feeling. I think I gave each program, facility and surgeon in Nashville a fair chance. When I met Dr. Spaw I knew immediately that I had found my surgeon and my program and have never looked back. Personally, I don't think you could be in any better hands than Dr. Spaw. At the time of my surgery, the clinic at Baptist was out of network for all insurance. Centennial would have been in network for me but I chose to pay the $2700 out of pocket to have the surgeon I felt was best for me. I have heard (and experienced) good and bad about the nursing care at both Centennial and Baptist. I believe there are excellent nurses and techs at both facilities and there are a few stinkers at each too. That's just the way it goes at any hospital. I have been an inpatient at Baptist several times over the years. I can tell you that the care I have received has always been excellent except for one nurse during my last hospitalization but the tech more than made up for that one person. Only you can know the best fit FOR YOU. The relationship with your surgeon is going to be lifelong so you want to make sure it is with someone with whom you feel comfortable. Susan

Thanks for all of your input. Of course, I know that the decision is mine. I was really asking more so based on the fact that there is so much paperwork and so many hoops one must jump through before being approved that it might be better to stick with the center where you first got the ball rolling.

Dr Spaw ROCKS! lol He is excellent!!  *ahem...looks around and grins..scoots out*