James Davidson Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S.

I went to Dr. Davidson's informational seminar led by his program director, Chris on Jan. 20, 2004. After the seminar, you get to meet the Dr. We had a lot of people there that day so I did not get to spend as much time with the Dr. as I needed. I talked with Chris the next week and he suggested a second consultation. I went yesterday (Feb. 10) and I am so glad I did! Dr. Davidson is a very cut and dry guy (no warm fuzzies here) but he NEVER made me feel rushed, he answered all my questions, and in the end, I knew he was the right surgeon for me! He is highly respected among his peers and is Chief of Vascular Surgery at Presby hospital. He is very intelligent and a highly skilled surgeon. In my opinion, (based on my personal impression) his surgical competence is better than his bedside manner - which, by the way, is fine with me!

His staff is excellent! They were very professional and compassionate at the same time. Aftercare is a high priority with Dr. Davidson and he has hired the right staff to develop the structured aftercare program integrating nutrition and excercise. I am looking forward to working with them post-op! They totally take care of you in the insurance department too!

I love this Dr. He is very cut and dry. After you have the seminar with the program director, you will then meet Dr.Davidson. He will then make certain you know what the procedure is and all risks involved. He will ask you a few questions, I think, to get an idea of who you are. I felt like he does this to help us. He has a very structured aftercare program. It involves a program director, a nutritionalist and exercise. Originally, I was to have a different surgeon. I feel it was a true blessing to have found Dr. Davidson and the BSC Dallas program. The staff is phenominal. I can't say enough good things about my experience with this surgeon and staff.

MY SURGEON SEEMS TO BE VERY SINCERE AND TRULY WANTS TO HELP HIS PATIENTS THROUGH BARIATRIC SURGERY,HE IS VERY FRANK AND THOUROUGH,HIS OFFICE STAFF IS AWESOME! ALL OF THEM. I HAVE NOT FOUND ANYTHING ABOUT THEM THAT I DISLIKE...FUTURE PATIENTS SHOULD KNOW THAT THE INITIAL CONSULT LASTS ALL DAY AND THAT THERE IS A PROGRAM FEE IN ADDITION TO INS AND DEDUCTIBLE. HE IS VERY PRO-AFTERCARE.A VERY STRUCTUERED AFTERCARE. HE IS VERY UPFRONT ABOUT THE RISKS OF SURGERY. I RATE HIM A 9 ON A SCALE OF 1-10! SO FAR...STILL WAITING TO HAVE SURGERY...WILL UPDATE AFTER

Good Morning!!! I had my initial consult and seminar on April 1, 2003 with Dr. Davidson. Let me start by saying his staff is amazing and the program they are in the process of putting together sounds like it is very complete. Be prepared to spend a good 4 hours up there, as they are very interested in treating you as an individual not ushering you through like a herd of cattle. It can make for a long day though, and since I wasn't prepared for that it made me a little weary by days end, but it was worth it. The keep the group number small, so they can talk to everyone. The seminar was very informative, not only did it give you information about the surgery, but also about the follow-up required, other surgeries available (not necessarily by him), overview of what to expect, and an idea of what their program included. Next was the individual consults, where you got to meet the staff that would be taking care of your needs and the doctor. To give you an idea of what to expect so you have everything ready: First you entered the office and gave Linda your insurance card/drivers license. Second while you are waiting your turn, go ahead and fill out the True/False test that you were given in the seminar and your general health questionare. Third, you are brought in where your temp, blood pressure, height/weight, and picture are taken by the nurses which are amazingly sweet, funny, and make you feel at ease. Next you meet with the Dr, who will answer any questions you may have. Dr. Davidson is a very matter of fact person, but is very informative. He has a dry sense of humor, so I don't think everyone gets it. His knowledge though will put you at ease and never makes you feel stupid for asking questions. Last, you meet again with Linda who will set you up a tentative date and give you information on where to go from there. Chris, the program director who patiently guides you through this whole process is amazing. He will make you feel comfortable, answer questions, and will make you laugh. The only thing so far that was a little bit annoying was the wait during the day, there was a couple of times during the office visit that I was waiting on personal phone calls to finish and staff/doctor meetings. That being said though, I feel very comfortable with this group of people. You basically end up with a warm, fuzzy, feeling when you walk out the door.
I have to say I love Dr. D. After having the surgery, my opinion of him is even greater!! He is very much a very matter of fact person, but I have complete confidence in his abilities. He saw me both days in the hospital, made sure I was up and walking, and really knows how to make you start getting the most out of the surgery from day one!!!

During my first meeting with Dr. Davidson I found him to be very direct. He was business-like in his manner, asking few personal questions. He focused entirely on the details of the procedure and pre-op issues. He seemed to be very knowledgable and competent. I felt unrushed during the initial interview. Neither did I perceive he was trying to talk me into having the surgery. He candidly discussed all the negatives surrounding the proceedure as well as its positive effects. Dr. Davidson is not about the warm and fuzzies. He's not a hand holder. However, he does come across as compassionate and caring and extremely competent.

From what I have observed pre and post op, there is nothing I dislike about Dr. Davidson. He has shown genuine concern for my welfare and health, especially immediately post-op.

The office crew is great! They were a little slow in getting my paperwork to the insurance company for approval however. Once the approval came in they immediately contacted me. Linda was great in orchestrating all pre-op work-up. Diana and Chris have been great with their nutritional followup.

Dr. Davison has an extensive aftercare program that includes a three year, 24/7 followup with nutrion and an exercise regiment. He charges extra, about $1500.00 for nutritional and excercise program and followup, but the program is extensive, three years long and well worth the added expense.

I highly reccommend Dr. Davidson to anyone in the Dallas/N. Texas area who is considering a gastric bypass.

10-7-03
Initially, I was going to use Dr. Veninga, but found out he doesn’t see you until after approval. I did not feel comfortable with a Dr. seeing me for major surgery only after they got the OK to cut me open. I have chosen Dr. James Davidson. I have an appointment October 14. After that he will then write the letter of medical necessity. I am not wishy washy by any means, but I do feel that the Dr. who is requesting to do surgery on me, might want to see for himself if my condition is as difficult and serious as he is writing about. I will report how that meeting goes on the 14th, wish me luck.

I've decided against going to BTC. They aren't on my insurance plan and of course they don't do lap RNY, only open. I have a consultation with Dr. Davidson on 7/15/2003. More info later. I had my consult on the 15th. My first impression of Dr. Davidson is that he's busy. I really felt like he's going to do everything he can to get CIGNA to approve me. I would describe his office staff as VERY pleasant. There was no instance where I felt rushed or bothersome. (Unlike my experience with BTC). I think future patients should realize he's not a hugger...doesn't seem warm and fuzzy. He does have a sense of humor and came across to me as competent and focused and interested in making people's lives better thru this surgery. The program focuses heavily on their aftercare program with nutrition monitoring, exercise classes and offices visits over the span of 3 years post op. I'll rate my experience after surgery. Surgical competence vs bedside manner? For me surgical competence is of the utmost importance. I'm not very high maintenance, so his bedside manner won't have to be that great for me to be satisfied. POST-OP: I had and excellent experience with Dr. Davidson and would choose him to do my surgery again in a second. What I really like about him is he isn't fake and he isn't smarmy. I never feel like he's trying to talk me into doing something I don't want to do. Everything he says to me is clear and makes sense. I can't even say how much I appreciate that. He has an excellent office staff. I really like his nurse, Diana, she's really nice. They all respond quickly to any questions and no one there makes you feel like you're bothering them. Dr. Davidson's program does emphasize aftercare. I detailed their program in my profile. I would rate him an excellent surgeon overall and think his bedside manner and surgical competence were exactly right for me.

Dr. Davidson just started the Lap RNY surgery in 2002 so his waiting list is not long at all. If you want to get in and get this over and done with this is the man to go see. Do not underestimate his surgical skills though because he has been a surgeon for many years and is excellent. He is very concerned about the welfare of his patients. He is not much of an extrovert but needless to say he is thorough and a perfectionist. I'd rather have a perfectionist cut on me anyday.....chit chat is nice but not that important to me. The after care program is well thought out and you will never be left hanging here. My only complaint is you have to wait a long time too see the doctor. I try to bear in mind that the life of a surgeon is not as predictable as yours or myne and surgeries can take longer that expected but patience is not my greatest virtue. Dr Davidson does not rush in and out of follow up visits either ,so once you get to see him you feel a little justified at that point for the wait. (smile)

My first impression of Dr. Davidson was that he is an odd little bird but he was also straight forward and pleasant in his own way. He seems to be highly respected as a surgeon. His program seems to have been well designed and his staff members are very supportive. They all have their role in this and are great at it. I believe I will be in very good hands. One more thing, they are quick to respond to e-mail and calls, a definite A+ in my book.

I met Dr Davison on Tuesday June 24 and I also met his whole staff. He is a very straight foward man and he held back no punches, he told it as he saw it and I left feeling very confident about him and his program. Chris was very imformative at his consultation and he was very honest and very helpful in answering any questions any of us had. Over all his office staff was great Linda was very sweet as well as her daughter Diane, she kept assuring me that everything would be okay (I was so nervous). I think anyone considering wls should sit down and speak with him. His aftercare program sounds great, I think we all will need that aftercare after this life changing choice we have made. He did address the seriousness of this type of operation and went over step by step of how it will take place. He was straight foward, but pleasant.