Question:
I am a bit torn about which doctor to select. Any advice would be appreciated.

After reviewing the surgeries, I am really liking the concept of the Gastric reduction (removing the stomach) with the duodenal switch. I like the idea of a normally functioning stomach, without the "hardware" being left inside. However,in my area, one doc (Bruce MacPherson MD) is so busy he gives the first consultation free, but does it in groups. Well, I don't want to talk about my stuff in front of others. I offered to pay for an appointment, and was chastized by his office staff as trying to do something "out of protocol", and therefore making the doctor "nervous". He sounds like a control freak and I question his availability after surgery. Personally, I don't do well with that much rigidity. (don't confuse that with non-compliance, I am a very conpliant patient when I understand the whys and wherefores). The other who does it is brand spanking new, (Mustafa Hares, MD). My other choice is BTC which is an hour away, and the actual hospital is some "community hospital", about 3 hours away from my family and friends, without an ICU, and physicians who seem to do only RNY's, but whose patient care reps seem to have the best success rate for getting approvals without making it seem like a terrible struggle. (I can't stand professionals who complain about the complexities of their job to the people they are supposed to be serving). I also worry that the distance with be a barrier to following up with a support group, which is pretty important. There are a couple of other docs, but the program is done in a hospital I wouldn't take my mother-in-law to. (I should mention I have been a Medical Case Manager for the past 18 years, so I am familiar with the various hospitals.) Maybe I am just too "customer-oriented", and I am pretty sure I am not making this stuff up as a way to avoid having to make a decision... Here is my plan: I am going to interview all of the docs, then make a cost/payoff chart, pray, then choose. Does that sound like the right approach? Is there anything else I should be asking or concerned about?    — merri B. (posted on March 7, 2000)

March 6, 2000
Merri, I know it is out of state but in terms of a great, understanding doc you could not ask for more! You can check him out at www.clos.net
   — [Anonymous]

March 6, 2000
merri, I had my rny @ Addison Community Hospital in aug, 1999. I did terrific. The staff is very competent. If there is a problem, they have a helicopter pad and can transport you immediately to an appropriate facility. When I first saw the facility, I admit, I continued driving for approximately a mile. I then decided I had driven 7 hr to get there and might as well check out the facility. I was impressed. I am a nurse and I was more than please with the excellant care I recieved from my physician and the hospital staff. Good Luck.
   — bobbie F.

March 6, 2000
I live in minnesota where there are four bariatric surgeons. I went to each of their consultations (the free meetings in groups). I was told that this is so a person does not waste their time asking questions already covered in their meeting, no-one would allow me to come in for a one-on-one first. After seeing all four surgeons, i picked two. i checked with the association of bariatric surgeons to see who was listed, i also checked with the board of medicine. In this site i pulled up all the peers in my area to see who they chose and what their opinions were about the different doctors. So... i guess my suggestion in choosing a surgeon would be to make sure they perform the particular surgery you want (i could only find one out of four who perform the surgery i wanted), check to see how long they will want you in the hospital, find out what it is you need to do first to get your surgery scheduled(i have to lose 15 pounds to have the surgery scheduled), and make sure that you like the hospital and the surgeon's staff. I know this is alot to check out but this is a major surgery. (i decided against one surgeons office because his staff was very rude anytime i would call to ask questions).Good luck.
   — twenc

March 7, 2000
Merri: If you are not comfortable being herded in and out like a cow then switch doctors. The Bariatric Treatment Centers in Ann Arbor Michigan and Grove City Ohio are excellent. Your consultations are one-on-one and they really care about you as a person. When I had my surgery, people came from as far as Florida because they are rated the best in the country. So - do what your consceince tells you to. If it doesn't feel right, then it isn't. Good Luck!
   — [Anonymous]

March 7, 2000
Merri, It sounds like your plan is perfect! Make a list of what is important to you, and look for the Dr/hospital that offers the most of what is on your list. Prayer also helped me tremendously in making my choice and the peace I had after making it. Good Luck!
   — M B.

March 7, 2000
I would definately go to the group information sesssion. Many questions you already have will probably be answered right away, and answers to questions you didn't know you had. I wouldn't be put off by a group meeting, many doctors offer these sessions and they can be a great opportunity for you, too. You may meet other people who have valuable information to share, opinions on other doctors, and the group support to start to develop a network of weight loss buddies. You will see the doctor as he relates to people and I'd bet the meeting will also give you a feel for the whole program that is offered. A lot of times health support and office personnel are also at these meetings and can give insight into other areas of WLS . Lastly, don't limit yourself and be discerning. Go prepared with a list of questions written out that are of general interest to you and gauge the manner of response and also the sensibility of the answers. Listen to everything, not just what you want to hear. Good luck.
   — Fran B.