Question:
My surgeon cannot help me, can someone help?

My surgeon of choice in Panama City, Florida has informed me that he cannot perform WLS on me because the 2 local hospitals he uses,cannot accomodate someone of my size,which is 6'2" and 600+ pounds..I now have to find a hospital and surgeon who can help me,anyone have any suggestions...thanks    — David W. (posted on December 3, 2002)

December 2, 2002
Dr. Marema, Ft Lauderdale, Fl - Holy Cross hospital
   — faybay

December 2, 2002
My late husband was 660; he was going to have his done in Atlanta by Dr. Chapman. Who is one of the few that does people over 500 pounds; I would assume that since he accepts patients this large he also can accomodate them.
   — star .

December 3, 2002
I believe that Holmes Regional Medical Center in melbourne can help. Try contacting Dr. Tenewitz in melbourne, with Omni Health Care
   — smedley200

December 4, 2002
Hi David!! I am Jennifer White and I had surgery with Dr. Michael Hocking at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fl. Since Dr H is an employee of University of Florida, he is not a surgery mill, and often accepts patients that other docs wont. Shands hospital is a level 1 trama hospital, and uses the most modern equipement and trained staff. While I was there, the floor I was on had a special shower chair that was like a double wide PVC chair designed to hold up to 700 lbs. I used it to shower (with assistance from mom) twice while I was there. I know Dr H has had patients who are very large before, and there were no problems accomodating them in the hospital. You just have to know in advance, that you will probably wait a few months for a consult. Since he only does 2 surgeries per day, there is more of a wait!!! But he is soooooooo worth it!!! Good luck to you in your journey, and feel free to email me anytime.. PS we might be related... I am Jennifer White...
   — Jennifer W.

December 4, 2002
Dr. Robert Liem of West Palm Beach, FL operates out of J.F. Kennedy Hospital, where they have special equipment for people your size. Dr. Robert Marema, of Ft. Lauderdale, is another in south FL who has done surgery on many like yourself. Good luck!
   — Arlene S.

December 4, 2002
Dr. Carisquilla in Fort Lauderdale. Good luck in your journey. I know that Florida Medical Center can accomadate someone your size. The phone number for the office is 954-739-5531
   — Ilene M.