Newbie looking for opinions Dr. Spaw Dr. Houston

I need advice from anyone on which surgeon or hospital that most people like best. I have decided that I am definitely ready to go forward with the DS. I have been to the seminars at Vanderbilt, Baptist and Centennial.  Vanderbilt is out as they do not perform the DS, but I am torn between Baptist and Centennial (Dr. Spaw and Dr. Houston). My PCP has rights at both hospitals, both are only about 10-15 minutes away from my home and both seem to have very good reputations. This is just such a big, life changing decision that I want to be sure that I am making the correct choice. If anyone is willing to share their  thoughts or experiences with either of these two surgeons I would greatly appreciate it.

Since you've already been to a seminar at Centennial, why not go to one at Baptist?  Both Dr. Spaw and Dr. Houston are highly regarded by their patients.  I understand that Dr. Spaw only does the DS open while Dr. Houston does it laparoscopically, if that mattters to you.  If your insurance lets you go to either place, it's worth investigating both places.  I have the utmost respect for Dr. Houston, but I also realize that the relationship between patient and surgeon is too important not to take into consideration.  You're right that this is a big decision.  Your PCP may also have some advice as well.

Best wishes for you no matter what you decide.

Hi Stephanie!

You are choosing between two excellent surgeons!  I don't think you could go wrong either way.  I personally chose Dr. Spaw.  He did my RNY in 2007 and it has forever changed my life.  We have a wonderful support group led by Paula Duncan (who is also WLS patient.) I knew when I met Dr. Spaw that he was the right person to do my surgery.  We clicked.

If I were you, I would go to a seminar at Baptist as well as Centennial.  Meet both surgeons and then make a decision.  You will know after you meet them both.  They are both wonderful so at this point I would say it is a matter of personal choice.

Good luck!
Freddie

Since you say you have already been to the seminars at Baptist and Centennial, I am guessing you have also met both doctors?? If you haven't, I would recommend attanding another seminar led specifically by the doctor you want to meet. See what kind of feel or connection you get.

I knew as soon as I met Dr. Spaw that he was my surgeon. I had been to 3 other seminars before that - one at Skyline, which I RAN from; and 2 at Centennial. While Dr. Houston is a highly skilled surgeon, Dr. Spaw has much more experience with the DS.

In addition, I would recommend attending at least one support group meeting at each center in question. A good support group is important for long term success.

Personally, I love Paula at Baptist. The support group meetings are informative, fun and never boring or dull.

From my understanding, they are both fine surgeons.  My experience is with Dr. Houston.  My PCP directed me to him in 2006 for lap band surgery and I have been very pleased with his skill, knowledge, and professionalism.

The band was my choice and I have not done well with it.  On Monday, I will be having the DS done by Dr. Houston. The surgery will be laproscopic unless the need arises for open.   His staff is prompt and professional.

He is scheduled to lead the seminar at Centennial this Saturday morning if you want the chance to discuss anything with him.

Mary

I agree with what everyone has said.  Both Dr. Spaw and Dr. Houston are wonderful surgeons, I too was torn between the two of them.   I went with Dr. Houston because while he had not done that many DS's he did it lap and I really wanted it lap if it all possible.    I also hear that CMC is starting a DS specific support group soon so they are seriously interested in doing the DS and ensuring anyone who has the DS with them is sucessful.     I hope Jenn or Dennie chim in because they had the DS with Dr. Spaw and can give you more info on having the DS with Dr. Spaw. 

Thank you all so much for your responses. I have been to both seminars but have not met with either surgeon one on one yet. I am meeting with Dr. Spaw next week and am in the process of making an appointment to meet with Dr. Houston. I was not aware that Dr. Spaw only performed the DS  as an open surgery, I would prefer for it to be laproscopic. I am a little concerned about Dr. Houston being new to the DS but his reputation seems to be outstanding. Hopefully after meeting each of them it will be easier to decide.

Dr. Houston is my surgeon and I'm crazy about him as a surgeon. He has changed my life.

My friend Susan O had Dr. Spaw she may be along soon. If my memory serves me correctly you have to have a bmi of ,I think 50 or so.

I'm sure both are great surgeons. Good luck!!

Hi,
As Ronda said, they are both good surgeons.  Of course I am a little partial to Dr. Spaw.  I am 14 months out from my DS & have had a text book perfect surgery & recovery.  I know at the time of my surgery he would only do the DS on 50 BMI or higher & only did it open, but things change.  Please check with his office to see if this info is still correct.  Which ever way you decide to go, hold on, as you are in for a wonderful ride with the DS.

Susan O'

Sounds like you have done a great job of narrowing your choice down to two excellent surgeons.  I would make sure that you meet with both Dr. Spaw & Dr. Houston...then, I would look at the aftercare program and see which one appeals to you. 

Dr. Houston is my surgeon & I couldn't be happier with my choice, as well as the aftercare & Centennial--so, I definitely have first hand knowledge of their program...I am exactly 5 months out & have had excellent results from my RNY w/Dr. H.....Five months and three days ago I weighed 293 pounds and this morning I weighed 188....(a loss of 105 pounds in 5 months)...I have about 30 pounds to my goal...

Dr. Spaw's credentials are excellent, as well. One thing that, even at Centennial, I noticed differed between surgeons was certain specifics that were "allowed" after surgery....for instance, I talked to one of the other surgeons on call shortly after my surgery when I was having trouble getting fluids/protein in (as most of us do) and was told that my fluid is the most important, and then protein.  However, Dr. Houston actually told me the next day to get my protein in first...(of course, at that point your protein is fluid, so, that does make sense)...Dr. Houston also isn't opposed to continuing with protein powders/shakes, etc. after 3 weeks---his philosophy w/me was that if I needed to supplement w/a shake to get my 60-80gm of protein in each day, then do it.  I have done that & been successful with it.

Either way...congrats on this life-changing choice & your dedication to making the right choice!  Micheala.