Question:
Surgeon in NE Ohio doing Lap RNY?

I am wondering if anyone knows of a surgeon doing lap RNY in northeast Ohio (Akron or Cleveland area). I am looking for someone who isn't going to make me go to seminars, etc. I have no problem with a psychologist or nutritionalist (since I already see one). I also don't want to wait months for a consult or surgery. Any ideas. I know there are surgeons out there that do the surgery and are not part of any "bariatric center".    — lindadougherty (posted on January 5, 2003)

January 4, 2003
I know just like every one of us you have now decided your doing this and want to have it done next week if not sooner. Sadly you will not like this but its a opinion of mine a bit of a wait between now and your surgery is a good thing. Seminars, support group meetings, pre op tests all take time. But they arent a waste of time. The educate the new patient, and waiting weeds out the non dedicated. Waiting also motivates the person, and that helps a lot right after surgery, in those early rough days. Surgeons require stuff because they have found it helps their patients. I dont count those charging mega $ for program fees, thats just greed. Attending a couple of meetings is a good thing. The better educated you are the better you will do after surgery. Now you might find a general surgeon to do this, but a specialized bariatric one is likely a better choice. For example a surgeon whos nurses have had the RNY reeally helps if you have a problem, since they have been thru it. I would suggest my surgeon in pittsburgh, he is great but not what your looking for:( I do suggest you watch this video, its in real player and buyt a book or two about WLS. Hey and good luck, thje RNY and loss was the best experience of my entire life.<P>http://www.upmc.edu/obesitysurgery/monthlySupportGroup.htm
   — bob-haller

January 5, 2003
I live in Cleveland and had Lap RNY done by Dr. Fred Brody at Cleveland Clinic. He will not guarantee that he can do a successful lap if your BMI is over 50 (mine was 52). I believe there is a doc also at University named Dr. Hallowell that also does lap. With the clinic you will need to see endocrinology, then nutrition and psych then meet with the surgeon to schedule surgery. I'm going to estimate that it will be a 6 month wait which is actually not bad in this area. However I've heard that the Clinic is adding another surgeon in June. Bob's right by the way, you do want to take enough time to know what you're getting yourself into. Cleveland Clinic has not proven themselves (my opinion) to be very knowledgeable about pre and post op care and since my surgery in June of last year have had 4 support group meetings. Feel free to drop me an email at [email protected] if you have any other questions! Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

January 5, 2003
hi i had my surgery done at st vincient charity hosiptal the docs there are grreat. they did hire a dr that does nothing but the band his name is dr. ben there number is 216-592-2801 they will want you to go to the siminar they are very educational and then go for your consultation i had to wait 4 mos after for surgery i asked to be put on the waiting list in case anyone cancel my original surgery was for july 1 ended up with may 3 and i was very in a hurry to. hope all goes well for you write me if you would like rosemary
   — ROSEMARY A.