George Woodman Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

Dear Dr. Woodman and Staff,

I wanted to let you know that I'm still losing weight 15 months after my lap band. This is without a doubt, the best thing I've ever done for myself. I'll be 51 years old in a couple of weeks, and for the first time since I was 18 years old, I'm not struggling with another "diet" or my weight!
I've noticed inches falling off - not to mention my clothes - on a weekly basis - this is the most sustainable weight loss method I've ever found.

When surgery for obesity was first developed in the early 90's, I considered it. But, at the time, my friend and doctor, Diane Long, advised against it. It was too new and too risky at the time for my particular situation. As I aged, I continued to gain weight. As a working mother, wife, and caring for an invalid mother - I was in a constant state of motion! Exercise was not something I wanted to do after working in the yard!! Or on weekends!

The risk of stroke runs high in my family, and after my husband's accidental death, and my mother's death three months later, I realized I HAD to do something...NOW! My 12 year old son was going to need his mother. That was in January, 2003.

By the fall of that year, my head and life were somewhat back in order, and again I talked to Diane to see what she thought about a Rue En Y for me. Instead, she recommended the Lap Band for my situation for many reasons. And, she highly recommended you and your team at Mid-South Bariatrics. I'm so glad she did!! I also had some lengthy conversations about it with my psychiatrist, Dolores DiGaetano, and she too gave it her blessing and recommended you and your team.

My surgery went without a hitch, and I followed all the instructions to the letter that you all give us before and after we have it done. The first few days are an adjustment period and are probably the most important as far as following instructions are concerned. Once the initial swelling goes away, the discomfort is minimal. After a week, I knew this was the right thing to do, and that this procedure would help me finally succeed and win the battle once and for all. It was very exciting! And, I'll add, it was MUCH EASIER than having a baby!!!!!!!!

You have always called the Lap Band a "Tool," and I've taken that mindset and learned to work with it and allow it to help me drop the pounds. I've dropped close to 80 lbs. now, and am playing golf (walking) nearly everyday. Some days, I play 36 holes (not walking) but the weather here in Fairhope is so great I walk at night.

My success and progress is reflected in my golf game...particularly after I've pounded a 285-yard drive down the middle! My satisfaction is enormous! I guess my ego is too! In a couple of weeks, I'm going to golf school to get my Pro Teaching Card. This is something I've always wanted to do, and now, I can. I don't believe my game would have come around to the level it is today or as quickly without the Lap Band. And, I can also tell you my confidence in my game, my life, my sense of self, and my abilities is also a direct result of my success with the Lap Band.

Earlier this year, my Pro and Trainer sent me to a Pilates Class. They have since moved me from that agony and torture to Yoga classes. I've quadrupled my flexibility in 10 weeks or so, my balance now rivals my days as a gymnast, and the Zen training has significantly reduced my stress levels. Cortisol control?? At any rate, my belly is firming up rapidly, but I still have the most comfortable seat in the house wherever I am!!! I feel sure my hips and legs will continue to shrink the more I lose.

I still have another 50 lbs. I want to lose, but the anxiety of the "rush" to lose it is gone. I know it will happen, and can work toward that goal with confidence and patience based on the success of the past 15 months. That's a good place to work from I think, and I can live with that.

Thank you for all you've done for me, and I hope to see you all in the next few months,
Mary Lu Duffy

My first impression from the seminar was a good one. He sounded like he knew what he was talking about. He seemed like if was up front on all subjects. When we first met, after insurance approved, he seemed a bit stand-offish. He is not your typical doctor that makes you feel all comfortable by holding your hand. He is very to the point & all about the surgery. I found that this characteristic was more comforting because I knew that eventhough he may be stand-offish, he knows what he is doing. He's a very good surgeon. His office staff is very freindly, but they won't hold your hand when it comes to getting all your nessessary documents. It's best to go to your fisrt appt. completely prepared & with all your paperwork.

Aftercare is very important. The staff makes sure that you are completely knowledgable about the procedure & the aftercare. I'm impressed because if you ever have any questions, everyone is willing to answer them. Even Dr. Woodman, he comes into his office very early to make sure & answer all his emails. He is concerned about his patients. I would recommend him to anyone. They take this surgery & the issue of obesity very serious & perform as such in a very supportive fashion.

My first impression of Dr. Woodman was that he was a bit cocky. Then at our 2nd one-on-one meeting, he changed. He became more cordial and appeared to even be understanding. He's very STRAIGHTFORWARD. Shoots straight from the hip, and you gotta love that :).

The staff at Dr. Woodman's office are great. Cyndy, Kelley, and Deb are all wonderful and informed folks.

He's a STICKLER for exercise before and IMMEDIATELY after surgery ("exercise is only limited by your soreness"). So, he expects you to be up and moving around quickly in order to achieve your results.

I'm getting somewhat excited now... STAY PRAYERFUL

I found Dr. Woodman to be a bit dry at the WLS seminar that I attended (10/07/2004); I also saw that he has a bit of a lighter side. I'll keep you updated after I get some one on one time with him.

His office staff is very professional. I Like Cyndy alot, she is very helpful. I'm following her instructions to the tee. My first meeting was with her. She knows her stuff. And she gave me good advice.

I met with Dr. Woodman today (01/03/2005), and he's not really easy to talk with.

Kelley is the Office Manager & she scheduled the surgery for me. She is a VERY busy person (and a Tim McGraw fan). You'll like her.

After my surgery, it's like Dr. Woodman is a different person, he's easier to talk with, and not at all like he seemed before.

He does have a good bedside manor, he is very frank, and soes not pull any punches, I like that.

I'll let you know more as my journey continues.

My first impression of him was a good one.He tells you like it is. He does not sugar coat anything for you.

Its about the same. I trust him a lot.He is a smart man, and is world renown.

His staff is great. They did all the work for me.Everything in his office is plus sized.chairs gown , and tables.

He kind of makes you feel stupid lol..

He wrote a book on all of the aftercare rules. It goes into great detail.

I was well informed about all of th risks.

Excellent

both great...... I had Lapband

When I first went to his seminar in August, 2004 I knew this was who I wanted to do my surgery. The office staff were pleasant and Cyndy was very helpfull in getting my insurance co. to approve the surgery. I was first turned down and a week later I was approved. They are very through with explaining the risks and very detailed about their procedures. My surgery is scheduled in 14 days, December 28th. I am getting very nervous about it but expect that is normal. I have talked to Dr. Woodman one time but he seems very dedicated to what he does and very concerned about his patients.

My first impression of him was that he was very arrogrant. But when i did met and speak with him in person it was much better. He was very pleasant and helpful. He did explain the good and the ugly of the surgery. He even pursuaded the hospital to do the surgery at an earlier date.
Thanks Dr. Woodman!

when first meeting Dr. Woodman you can see that he is all busniss but the more you see him the more you will like him he , he really cares about what he is doing and the people he is caring for , he has a wonderful office staff each one of them are willing to help you out when you need it and are very friendly . when you first meet with Dr. Woodman it is very cut and dry he tells you what he needs to say and he does ask if you have any questions but that is all, after surgery is when you can tell how much he cares about you and what he is doing , he has a very structured aftercare program and he expects you to go by it to the tee but this is for your care the diet is not always easy to stick to but if you do what he says you are the one who it helps,overall I would do this all again with him as my doctor I think I made the right choice.

Will meet with for the 1st time on April 29, at 9:30am. I will give an update after the appointment.

4/8/04 - Dr office called today to reschedule my appt now it is for the 20th at 11:45 am hurray it has been moved up. I am starting to get nevous.

I have only heard good things about Dr Alston from the women at work that have had him do the surgery.

7/15/04 - Having to change surgeons. Dr. Alston is having to retire and I have to choose a new surgeon. I will be changing to Dr Woodman who has worked with Dr. Alston.

8/11/04 - Have not met Dr Woodman yet hope to meet him soon, and get my date.

8/19/04 - Met with Dr Woodman for the first time today. He seems to be very nice. I have been in phone contact with his office since I found out about my other dr retiring the girls in his office are great. Got my date today also. Sept 15.

I like to think of Dr. Woodman as a coach. He is confident in his abilities, which is very reassuring, but does not indulge his patients. He tells you how to win this obesity game, gives you the tool to do it and expects you to play well and listen to him. I grew up playing sports so I like this approach. Some people may not, but I value surgical competence more that bedside manner. I'm certainly not saying he has a poor bedside manner, he doesn't, he just doesn't get all gushy. His staff is supportive and responsive. He has a very good aftercare booklet that nurses at the hospital wanted to get a copy of. His office emphasizes pre-op education as well as post-op education and support. I feel like I can call his office at anytime for answers to my questions. Overall I would highly recommend Dr. Woodman for anyone wanting to have the LapBand surgery.