Oklahoma Surgery Bariatric Center

I liked him. He was nice and upfront. He talked to me about the surgery. (Even though I had already seen Dr. Pittman) He told me about pre-op and post-op care. All about the risks of surgery. Also, why I should go ahead with the surgery. First reason for us both is health (weight problems) such as being a diabetic, heart attacks, high blood pressure & etc. (all run high in my family) He told me I was doing this electivly. (I wasn't refered by another Dr. (other than Dr. Pittman) This was something I wanted on my own. I am not waiting to get fatter and more health problems. I was to take care of it soon. Dr. Johnson seemed to be willing/able to help me. He said they would check my insurance to see if they would approve it. Within, two weeks I got a call and said I was approved and ready to do my tests (clearance for surgery tests). I was excited. I am waiting for that and then they will set a surgery date. My insurance wouldn't approve a lapband that's why I am with Dr. Johnson. Dr. Pittman was my Dr. but, he only does the lapbands. So, I had to find another Dr. So, this whole process has taken me about a year now. Finally everything is falling into place. In a year I hope to be the size I want and looking good!!! Enjoying life the way everyone should. HEALTHY AND HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr McGee is a very nice man very down to earth answered all my questions plus a list from friends and family.Office staff very nice.

(Post-Op Opinion)Dr. Johnson is the type of Doctor you discover if you are a heck of a lucky person (which I am). He sets you at ease and I had an instant trust. Dr. Johnson took out my gall bladder last year and I knew I wanted him to do this surgery for me. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate him, he has given me the tool I need to have a quality life I feel I should have. When you trust someone with your life that is a very serious event and I must say, he is what I consider the best. I know if he tells me I am going to be fine, I will. I know this survey ask that you be honest in your opinion of your Doctor and all people cannot have a 100% perfect reviews. I can honestly tell you that I am 100% happy with my doctor, and I hate to say this, his staff is even better. Some of the nurses have been through this same situation and it is like an extended family. I think if I had advice to deliver about choosing a doctor, it is go with your gut feeling, what you are comfortable and happy in a doctor. Dr. Johnson really is supportive during after care, he is there for support group meetings and he is excellent. He is honest and tells the risk and is up front about the percentages of success and those that are not.

I have only met him once. I appreciated that I was seen for my initial visit very quickly. Everyone is really nice. I visited another local Dr. and really did not like being treated like a heard of animals or something. Dr. Pittman spent a lot of time with me going over things. I did not feel pressured. He seemed confident that things will go well. He does not have a whole lot of experience with this type surgery compared to other doctors but I felt better knowing that if I have complications, he will handle those and not refer me out.

I thought he was kind and emphathetic and he visted me at least twice a day.

Dr Pittman is a great surgeon. He has a good staff too, especially Karen. In all my research before my lapband surgery, I found only good things about Dr Pittman. He is well respected in the medical community as well as by his former patients. The only negative thing I ever heard about him was that he was a perfectionist, but I considered that a good thing with him doing my surgery.
Now three months after surgery, my impression of him has only strengthen.

He was very confident in this surgery and He answered all of my questions. I am still very confident in Dr. Johnson. He did a great job on my open RNY.

His office staff was a great help in the beginning trying to get approved. It still hasn't changed after surgery. They will take the time to answer any questions I have.

He is good as far as following up on postop patients.

He explained the risk of the surgery in detail. He made sure I knew the risk from the very beginning.

His surgical competence would have to be the best

Oh! Dr. Johnson is wonderful. I had researched the surgery for some time before going to him but, he is wonderul. Not, that this matters but he is also very very good looking! lol, I bet hes told this all the time. His office staff is wonderful and helpful. Overall, I have only good things to say about him and his staff. They have support meetings which he attends, I thought this was great.

My first impression of Dr J. Michael McGee wasnt from a patient's point of view but from a nurse's point of view having worked with him for 2 years. I know when I take care of his patients he can be reached anytime night or day. He "listens" to my concerns as well as his patients during their stay. His patients have done exceptionally well, whether bariatric or other. But what most impressed me is his concern at the bedside. He is knowledgeable, caring, and "calm" which is great for me if you knew my personality. I wouldnt have chosen anyone else to do the most important surgery of my life. I consider him a friend as well as a superior. He has promised to take great care of me and he has calmed all of my worst fears. I believe in his skill and confidence to get me through the most important year of my life. I would recommend him to anyone seeking experience and a gentle hand.

Intially I was referred to Dr. Gary Decker. The first available appt. was 6 weeks after I broached the subject with my PCP, Dr. Tom Mihelich. Dr. Decker as both informative and attentive to my questions and concerns. Somewhere along the line, Dr. Decker decided not to pursue bariatric surgeries. So another referral was made to Dr. Greg Pittman. Thankfully it did not take another 6 weeks to get in to him. He entered the examination room 35 minutes after my scheduled time. To his credit, he had reviewed my history and was prepared to deal with the specifics of my case. He addressed the surgery and its risks and outlined what consults were indicated. One in particular stood out. Because I had a previous DVT, a filter would implanted the day prior to surgery. As of this writing (16 May 2003), Dr. Pittman is attempting to get my RNY approved for now rather than waiting for the end of the 6 month period (nominally 31 July 2003). There seems to be a bit of a disjoint between declaring something to be "medically necessitated" yet requiring a 6 month wait to get it. Time will tell.

The Hillcrest Bariatric Center in Tulsa is a new practice to Oklahoma. They bend over backwards to help you with everything. They also try to get you scheduled as soon as possible so you dont have to wait and live with fear for months. I am going to visit with Dr. Johnson on Monday and I will tell all when I get back.

I met with Dr. Johnson and he is great. He has alot of confidence in what he does. He stayed and answered four pages of questions and never complained.

Dr. Johnson is the best. If you are searching for a surgeon, look no further. You will not be disappointed. He is not only very knowledgable but he is very personable and not to mention not that bad looking. (LOL)