Question:
Clayton, Popoola, Fobi, LePort, Callery, how do you choose?

I live in So. CA. there are so many doctors to choose from. I would really like to hear from those who have had surgery by any of these or Dr. Fobi. Please give me all the info you wish you had going into your surgery. Thank you!    — Kristi T. (posted on August 30, 2002)

August 30, 2002
Hi, I highly recommend Dr. LaPort - I had surgery Feb. of 2000 - open with gallbladder removed. The hospital Fountain Valley Regional was excellent, and staff was very suportive. He did not use staples on me - some type of tape covered the incision. No nose tube, and all the pain medication that I needed. Also, I told him, being a diabetic, that the thought of not being able to rinse out my mouth after surgery, (not swallow) was causing me to panic. He allowed me to rinse when necessary. He went out of his way to make me feel special.
   — connie m

August 30, 2002
Dr Fobi did my Fobi pouch 4/49/01. I have lost 140# and I had no complications. He was recommended by a co-worker who had the surgery as well as her daughter. All with no complications. I did wuite a bit of research as well as reading all of the info that Dr Fobi provided. I think you being comfortable with the Dr and finding out just as much as you can about the surgery is most important. Find out about the Dr.'s complication rate, how long he's been doing this surgery and his followup care. There is such a wide variety of Dr's and their requirements, it makes sense to find one that you trust. Dr. Fobi is great. He uses the hospital just across the parking lot from his office and they are great. They have a whole wing just for WLS surgical patients. Large beds, gowns and they know what to expect after surgery. I had great nurses which means a lot when you need them. Good luck in your journey! I would do it again in a minute and I highly recommend Dr Fobi. Just as a side light, he will do a tummy tuck at the same time as WLS, you just have to pay a little extra upfront. Check it out, it's the best.
   — Janice B.

August 30, 2002
I had Dr. Ellner at Alvardo. She was wonderful. My surgery was 6/20/02. I had no complications and am feeling great. Everyone at the office was wonderful and Alvardo Hsp had a whole floor of all WLS patients, so the nurses were great there too.
   — Debbie K.

August 30, 2002
Hi there. I went with Dr. Nazarian in Beverly Hills CA. He was wonderful, Open RNY in February 2002, no complications from the surgery. Did develop a staph infection, but that was just a fluke! He also took my gallbladder at the same time. I have a 3 inch incision that looks great, very competent and great staff. Received insurance approval in less than 24 hours. The Program Director, Rick Mark, is an absolute genius working with insurance companies, never had to submit a list of diets or anything like that.
   — Rosario T.

August 30, 2002
ALSO, forgot to tell you that I contact his office in January 2002 and was scheduled for the surgery in February 2002. The are QUICK about scheduling, they don't like to make people wait around at all. He's a very quiet man, but he is so thorough. You must meet w/him 3 times to make certain that you understand the surgery and everything involved, I'm glad he didn't that and didn't just jump into things@
   — Rosario T.

August 30, 2002
Hi! I had surgery with Dr. Fobi August 29th 2001. My 1 year re-birthday was yesterday. Anyway I highly recommend dr. fobi and his staff for wls. They are very busy but always seem to make time for you. The other thing is the hospital he does the surgery at is accoss the parking lot of his office. Thats good being that if you had any problems while your in the hospital (GOD FORBID) he is right there. I started out at 240 and today weigh 130. I have had no complications whats so ever. Feel free to write me if you have any questions. You can also check out his website at WWW.CSTOBESITY.com There is a great question and answers page there with over 100 questions. Good info.
   — Yvonne C.