Prisma Health Wt Management Ctr Columbia Bariatric Center

I found out about Dr. Gooden through my mother's sister-in-law. She had her RNY Gastric Bypass done by him in 2001 and he came highly recommended. I was hoping to find a surgeon closer to home (Augusta is a little over an hour away), but the one main group of doctors in Lexington, S.C. that perform the GBP have gotten greedy and charge outrageous excees fees in addition to their surgeon fees. To date, those doctors have lost my business and the business of many others. I plan to go to their support group meetings though. (lol)

My first impression of Dr. Gooden was that he looked rough. I guess that's because he hadn't shaven that day. Anyway, he was pleasant and explained the procedure, although I had already done a lot of research prior. As other posters who have had consultations with him can attest, he does try to scare you about the surgery and he makes sure that you understand the risks involved. It took a while for him to see me, but that was to get the "quick" patients over with so that he could spend all the time needed to explain everything and for me to ask questions. He gave me over an hour of his time which is very uncommon when you go see a doctor these days.

Dr. Gooden is definitely not in the business to just do gastric-bypass surgery, and that's good. He seems to get genuine satisfaction from his work. If I had to give my best overall first impression of his would be that he's your typical country doctor. The only shortfall that I could mention is that his office does not have much in the way of an organized after-care program that other WLS surgeons have.

October 2003: Well, after all this time, I have decided to change surgeons. Although Dr. Gooden is a highly qualified surgeon, my family talked me into finding a local surgeon here in Columbia. Therefore, I am going with Dr. Dalton Prickett. I have yet to meet Dr. Prickett. I met his counterpart, Dr. Tribble at a seminar in September. I was probably the most easiest patient to deal with because I came in already pre-approved. I have my appointment with Dr. Prickett on Oct 29th, so I'll update again once I meet him.

November 5, 2003:

I had my appointment with Dr. Prickett on Oct. 29th. He was nice, but the meeting was somewhat brief. I already knew the routine, risks, etc., so no need to go over it all again. My mom attended this appointment with me. She liked Dr. Prickett because he says that he cares for his patients and made a nice comment about how much he cared for his mom.

I had my gastric bypass on June 14,2002. My surgeons were Dr. Ben Tribble and Dr. Dalton Prickett. I have been very happy with my results and care that I have recieved from Surgical Associates. My surgery was done at Baptist Medical Center. My start weight in 2002 was 324 pounds and I am 4'11. As of August 2003 I currently am at 180 pounds and have about 40 more pounds to lose to reach my goal! My health has greatly increased and I am currently off most of the medications I was on prior to my surgery. I no longer suffer from the co-morbidities I did prior to my gastric by-pass. I am very active in the support groups and educational seminars at Baptist as I feel this is a life changing experience that requires a life time of dedication and effort. The surgeons were great about giving me the knowledge I needed in order to understand the risk and benefits of the surgery. I am so pleased to have them as my surgeons and would recommend them to anyone who is looking into this surgery. It's a major step to take and it is so very important to have a great relationship with your surgeon as you will be committed to a lifetime change and relationship with them that will require a committment not only with yourself but your surgeons as well.

The first time I ever saw Dr. Prickett was at one of his seminars. So I must admit, I wasn't sure if he truley had his heart in what he was doing or if it was for the money. (I'm suspicious that way! lol) That all quickly changed after my first appointment with him. I could tell that he truley wanted to help obese people. His staff was very supportive, although you are taken in a room and told that whatever insurance does not cover is due upfront before surgery. I thought that they would at least offer some sort of payment plan. This was my only concern. What if my part is over $500? I'm a single parent, I may not be able to do this. But...let's hope. Anyway, that's the only negative I have. His bedside manner was exceptional, he was warm, caring and responsive. He made SURE I understood all risks and then assured me that if I did have complications, he would be there to take care of me. I feel safe putting my life in this man's hands.

Wanda

I have an appointment with Drs. Tribble and Prickett on April 3, 2003. I have already been disappointed twice in the past so I am not excited our of fear that I will not be approved again. I am going to go and see what happens.

Very sweet person, good bedside manner. Excellent reputation for general abdominal surgery. Relatively new (1 year) to lap gastric bypass surgery, but has good track record.

Surgery went great, but I had a LOT of pain afterwards for a week. Very disappointed with nursing staff at Palmetto Baptist...did not keep up with my needs very well.

Needed a dilatation 3 weeks post-op with a gastroenterologist. Dr. Prickett was quick to act on my symptoms and very concerned.

Overall excellent impression of this surgeon.

I feel surgical competence is slightly more important than bedside manner. However, every doctor should strive to not only educate his/her patient, but to soothe as well.