Jeffrey Allen Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Dr. Allen did my surgery almost 12 years ago. I had the full gastric bypass. Dr Allen left an 18 x 26 laporatomy sponge inside of me, which then eroded into my small bowel and encapsulated. This required removal of a portion of the small bowel and a resection. His reason, I was to fat to find it. Of course the paper work on the sponge count was altered, first marked incorrect and then changed to correct. It was of course incorrect as the sponge was inside of me. He later told me that someone must have removed the sponge from the OR prior to the count. This is a lie, nothing is removed from the OR until the final count is correct.

As a result of the sponge being left behind, I subsequently had to have two hernia repairs, the first one had to be completed to remove the sponge... this was only 8 months into recovery and too soon, a mesh could not be used due to the great possibility of infection. despite all precautions a wound infection did develop and I was in the surgeon's office every week, twice a week, for 6 weeks. Different anti-biotics until the culture came back.

After my surgery I found out he performed the surgery on another young lady who died as a result of complications from the surgery. Dr. Allen is the last person I would have perform bariatric surgery.

Aftercare, I was not given any dietary instructions, just told to eat small amounts once he had released me, 3 weeks after the surgery, to solid foods. I was not told what foods to avoid, to start with no guidance. I have maintained my weight loss over these years and stay within about 5lbs of the final weight.


Find another doctor!

While I find Jeff Allen charming as a person, I feel completely misled in regard to my LapBand. You see, I was one of the first people to get it ten years ago. There was no data about it at that time and I had to go on the word of Dr. Allen that it was the wave of the future. I had originally wanted a bypass, but he said the band was better for someone so young. How wrong he was.

I lost weight at a steady pace for about two years, but that's when things started to feel tight and I couldn't swallow. I started to regurgitate at night. I notified Dr. Allen who simply said that the band was too tight so he removed water. Things did not improve -- actually they got worse. I felt like everytime I tried to tell him that he either ignored the symptoms or just took water out of the band. I moved to a bigger city for two years, but did not gain any weight.

And the fills! When I was going faithfully each patient was given a 15-minute time slot for a fill (I was told this by his staff). That's why if you had questions it was so hard to catch his attention. It kind of felt like a cattle ranch. Now, I don't know how he does fills now, but for me he would push on my stomach until he felt the port and then would estimate where to stick the needle. Believe me, it was not pleasant. It should be noted here that my port is located at about my pantline. Some people have it right under the rib cage and I have scars there, but I guess it wouldn't work.

Although I no longer get fills, my new surgeon actually numbs his patients and uses and x-ray machine so that he hits the port the first time - every time.

About 5 years ago I gained most of my weight back. I became heavily reliant on bad foods because I could actually swallow them. Even a gym membership and a personal trainer couldn't keep the weight off. I was devastated. I was in pain all the time, everytime I slept food would shoot from my nose and mouth, and to top it all off, I was still fat.

I moved to a larger city about a year ago and it took me 6-months to find a surgeon who would even think of taking out my band. Apparently surgeons want you to go to your originating surgeon. Well, I found one who is great and we're in the planning stages of a conversion from a LapBand to a bypass. Finally again I'm hopeful.

Things have been really tough for me here. The reguritation has increased to the point where I have to sleep in a chair. I visited a gastroenterologist and after scoping me twice this year she said the band must be removed. She said the ulcers in my throat and upper stomach were severe. She said I had a severe case of "dyspagia" or a hard time swallowing. She also said I have "uncontrollable reflux." While meds can sometimes keep the burning down, there's no hope for me if I keep the band.

So what does all this mean as far as Dr. Allen? I feel like I ruined my life because I wasn't diligent enough to stand up to him. I feel like he pushed a new surgery on me without adequate data. I also felt that he became very disappointed in me when I did not lose weight fast enough or when my symptoms began. I was so young. My parents were so naive. We made the initial mistake in not educating ourselves, not really Dr. Allen. But he facilitated that mistake. And for that, kind folks, I will always hold him responsible.

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome! CANNOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT MY DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL!

First impression was great! Very personable and wanted my input on the type of Band I would want. Great about making sure you are ready for surgery and ensuring you have a full cardiac and pulmonary clearance done before surgery. The Bariatric program his office is associated with has lifetime availability and aftercare before, during, and after surgery. Excited to have the surgery soon - I feel like I have been waiting for awhile.

Dr. Allen is the best of the best! He is very personable and makes you feel comfortable. I highly recommend him.

Dr. Allen is a great surgeon! Everything has been close to perfect with my surgery and recovery. Everyone in his office seem to be eager to help and are very friendly. They are truly there to help you and look out for you.

I HAVE HAD SURGERY ON THE 16TH OF MAY LAST YR AND HAVE LOST 62 LBS SO FOR. DR. ALLEN IS A WONDERFUL DR.I STARTED OUT AT 287 AND DOWN TO 225.

I was recommended to Dr. Allen by a local surgeon, as far as his skills he is the best! I wish that he would take alittle more time with me, I kinda feel rushed when I go in for my follow ups... but I guess if everything is going along as normal then there really isn't any need for small talk.rnrnHis office staff, well they are pleasant when you are there. I have not had much luck getting them to return phone calls. Hopefully they will do something to help this issue. rnI know this is an extremely busy office, but they should be staffed well enough to return phone calls.

He seems like a kind man and was very knowledgeable about all of the procedures and the risks of each one. The center there does stress aftercare at one of their programs at the pavilion. There is a 300.00 non-refundable fee the first time you go there. I did have quite a bit of trouble with them (the staff) being motivated to get me through the process but if you just keep calling them and your insurance company it pays off.

I am very happy with Dr. Allen. He has always been very pleasent to me and has a reassuring personality. I do wish that the support group would meet more than once a month. I would recommend him and the team that he works with to others without hesitation.