Surgeon Picking?

Surgeon Picking?   So seems like everyone has a surgeon in mind when joining OH. What made you choose the Surgeon you had or will have? How did the WLS journey lead you to him/her?

I was actually referred to my WL Surgeon through my family doctor.  I also asked around to see if anyone had heard anything about him.  I would research some of the doctors in your area and sometimes you'll be able to find past patients and they will be honest with you!  Good Luck!

I am originall from Springfield, IL. I now live about 20 minutes outside of St. Louis because I'm going to school down here (approx. 1.5 hours from "home").

I had three choices on where to go for surgery. Springfield's bariatric program was barely evident, and the surgeons weren't up to my standards. Clinton, IL has a bariatric center, but it's in a small town. My buddy went there and loved his surgeon, so I did consider it more seriously than Springfield.

I live 20 minutes from Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. I decided to go with them. Washington University School of Medicine is on site. My surgeon is a teacher, nationally qualified, and upon meeting him, a really good guy. Lots of experience, very thorough, and great at answering my questions. My anesthesiologist is also a professor. Very cool and competent.

I decided that Barnes was the way to go. Dr. Eagon explained that by having the surgery here, if a complication arose, I would be able to have a specialist on hand for just about anything. Peace of mind for me.

It's also fun to "play" with the med students, since it is a teaching facility. They're so cute. Like little lost rabbits, just trying to learn so much. Throw em something unexpected, and watch them process it. It's great.

I didn't really "research". I just picked a good hospital. Good hospitals have good staff. That's why they're good. I met Dr. Eagon and his staff, and just knew it was a good fit.

I had seen dr. davis on discovery health I had watched him perform these surgiers over and over and saw how sussfull they where. He was not my first chose actuly I had picked another dr. because I was going to have lap band. Then I found out the dr. wasnt covered by my insurance. So my mom told me to go to dr. Davis siminar. I just lucked out Garth was teaching the siminar and not is dad. I realy liked his goofy personality and how calm he makes you feel. And when you go to his office you dont feel like you are there for a dr.s visit you feel like you just went to visit some friends. His office staff is very nice as well. I am glad I chose dr. Davis.

Only place in the state that takes my insurance, that's why I chose Dr. Brown. :)

But after having met with him I really liked him and his staff. He has also been featured on Discovery Health, so it turned out to be a good thing. 

I guess I'll know how good he is come March 24th when it all happens

I was going to a diet center, to complete the 6 month sup diet.  When I was speaking to one of the NPs, I asked her who she would recommend.  She gave me 2 names and said, these are the doctors I would want if it were me or my family.  My MIL works in a hospital and when I told her I was going to do this she asked me not to go to hospital B, she works at hospital A.  Her reasoning was that she hears inside horror stories.  So I chose hospital A and the Doctor that went with it.  (In all honesty the patients who went to hospital B were all more than thrilled with the care so I don't think it would have mattered)

What made me decide to stick with him was I met him at the seminar and I really liked him.  I do sometimes wish I went with the other doctor, only because I probably would have had my surgery months ago if I did.  His protocol is a little different and a little more timely.  My doc would not let you do all the testing until you are preapproved for surgery.

 There are only about 5 or 6 surgeons in the state that perform WLS. I was referred by my family doctor to one of the three that work out of the clinic I visited.   I got an appoinment with my surgeon and liked him so that's who I chose.  I also was impressed with the entire team from the CNP, Nutritionists, to even the scheduling lady....they were all working with me on this and I appreciated that most of all.  

~Emily~

I was originally denied through a different surgeon.  I went to the orginal one based on someone I knew and their results.  I chose my actual surgeon based on his demeanor, history, skill, and way he talked to me.  In the consult I was 100% sure I wanted him and followed through with his requirements.  The new insurance approved me an I was on his table in two weeks :)