Question:
Has anyone has a WLS performed by Dr. James Weber?

Trying to choose a surgeon. I was looking into Dr. Oh from Federal Way but, my primary physician has referred me to Dr. Weber. Any information, good or bad, would be much appreciated. Thanks!    — Kari S. (posted on April 17, 2002)

April 16, 2002
Trust your doc on this one, Dr. Weber is the BEST. I know a ton of people that used him and have the same opinion. He is now doing closer to a medial surgery and from what I understand, is transecting as well. If you do choose Dr. Weber, I would recommend using Stevens Hosital rather than Ballard Swedish if your insurance gives you the choice. Dr. Weber's post-op routine is a little harder than most docs, but his patients have awesome results very fast. Good luck and let us know who you choose. Also don't be put off by Dr. Weber's office staff, they are very busy and sometimes can appear to be "short" with you, but they are really good people also.
   — Jeanese M.

April 16, 2002
Kari, I cant say anything about Dr Weber, havent any experience with him.. I also have United Health Care insurance, and I recently had my third surgery within 14 months.. My surgeon in Ga wasnt able or either willing to acknowledge that I was having some serious problems that were related to the two surgeries that he performed.. However, Dr Oh was kind enough and willing to go the extra mile to undo the damages that had been done in my previous surgeries.. I owe my life to Dr Oh because I was dying before this last surgery due to the complications that I had.. and they were rare complications.. Dr Oh is a wonderful surgeon and he really knows his stuff.. you cant do better . I wish you great success with whichever doc you choose. Hugs,
   — Gina Landers

April 17, 2002
Kari,<p>I used Dr. Weber after lots of research into our local surgeons. I've been very, very pleased with him, though I have been frustrated with his office staff a little bit once or twice. In my experience with doctor's offices, that's honestly kind of to be expected with a busy and popular doctor.<p>Please check into the malpractice status of any surgeon you consider using. Washington state makes that easy on their website; http://www.wa.gov has the information. Dr. Oh might himself be a good surgeon, but he was trained by Dr. Fox, who has had his medical license suspended a number of times because of some of his WLS practices. (This is a verifiable fact, AMOS moderators, not libel). Dr. Oh does a very distal procedure that some consider extreme because of the nutritional deficiencies that result.<p>I strongly encourage you to check out our Western Washington support group, Evergreen Morbid Obesity Surgery Support (EMOSS). We meet every two weeks in the greater Seattle area, and we have a thriving online group at http:\\groups.yahoo.com\group\EMOSS. There you will find many patients of each of the local surgeons, and good general information and support.<br>Seven months post-op today, down 132 pounds (310 to 178), down 93 inches, down 24 BMI points (54 to 30), and down 9 clothing sizes (32 to 14)! Am I a WLS success? YOU BET! Would I do it all over again? EVERY YEAR if necessary!
   — Julia M.

April 17, 2002
Kari, I forgot to add, feel free to email me directly: [email protected]
   — Julia M.