Steven Simper Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

10/30/02 - I'm now officially a 'post-op' patient of Dr. Simper's so I thought I'd update this again. Dr. Simper didn't spend a lot of time with me in the hospital, but he did check in everyday and see how I was doing. And, of course, the most important part . . . I can't say enough good things about his surgical skills. The surgery went great, without a hitch. My surgery (Lap RNY) lasted just about 2 hours, and I was out of recovery and in my hospital room only 45 minutes after that. I've had very, very, very little pain, and only mild discomfort . . . I can't not even put into words how shocked I am at how great I feel!

10/07/02 - I have the pre-surgical orientation at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians today -- from what I understand this is a 2 hour or so meeting where they talk about lifestyle changes, restrictions, the chewing thing, no gulping water, weight loss expectations, recovery time, I think you also weigh in and measure or something like that. I'm really excited about it!

10/04/02 - Well, I met Dr. Simper yesterday, and I really did like him. I found that I really trust him, and I feel super comfortable about having the surgery Lap now. The office staff was really nice, and I especially liked Gwen, the lady who schedules the surgeries . . . she was so cheerful and funny. I'm feeling so good about my decision to do this! I liked how confident Simper was about the Lap surgery . . . he said "If you ask me which one's best, I'd say Lap . . . if you asked Dr. Halverson, he'd say open. And we're both right, you want your surgeon to be doing the surgery he's most confident in and comfortable with." So, anyway, it will be Lap surgery, and I'm really happy about that!


9/17/02 - I haven't met with Dr. Simper yet, but I've been to the "Surgical Solutions" orientation meeting, and dealt a little with his staff. The staff seems genuinely helpful and compassionate, but really hard to get information from in a timely matter. Everyone I've talked to there seems really nice, but it's hard to get a person on the phone who can actually help answer your questions. I know they're REALLY busy, but it seems to be compounded by the fact they're a little disorganized or something . . . they had my paperwork for exactly 5 weeks before anything was turned into my insurance company . . . and all my insurance company requires is a phone call to start the approval process! Anyway, besides the time issues, the Rocky Mountain Associate Physicians seems like a great place to get the surgery done. After care (and pre-care for that matter) seem really thorough and well planned . . . and I've heard nothing but good about all the doctors there. I'll update this when I get further along.

I went in and met my surgeon for the first time. He was very nice, he spend plenty of time with me, answered all my questions and put my mind at ease. I was very happy with him, as well as his office staff

I chose Dr. Simper based on a photograph and a written profile. He had kind eyes and a cool mustache. He seemed very Down-Home-ish, and I have had previous good experiences with sweet, homey Doc's, so I chose him. I couldn't have been more right! He was amazing. I could go on and on and on about how knowlegable and kind he is. The office requires a $500.00 program fee for the Bariatric Support Center next door. This is even if your insurance pays 100% for the surgery. The reason it is beyond what the insurance pays is because it isn't medical aftercare, it's LIFE aftercare.

First impression is that he is competent, and responsive to questions, particularly those I had as to how to minimize the risks of leaks (be in the best possible condition, with plenty of protein, try not to gain more weight). Office staff is great. Aftercare at the Bariatric Support Center seems to be extremely well organized, and I plan to participate in every bit of it, as I know that influences the outcome.

I am now 1 month post-op. I can't say enough good about Dr. Simper. I've recovered with no complications. We were told to expect the lap RNY to take 3 hours, but it was done in two. His post-op visits to my room were lightning fast, but he spent considerably more time on my discharge day, advising me not to push advancing the diet, but to give myself plenty of time to heal. He also said that the difference between just enough food and too much is half a bite. THAT is TRUE.

If I had this to do over again (thank G-d I don't!), I'd choose Dr. Simper again.

I met with Dr. Simper for my pre op appointment. I felt that he was very thorough and spent quite a bit of time with me. He was patient and sincerely wanted to know what questions I had. He seemed very confident and I like that.

I have found that knowing who to contact about what at Rocky Mountain Physicians is chanllenging and for the most part it has been difficult getting in touch about insurance issues etc. However Gwen how does the scheduling has been so great to work with. I appreicate her more than I can say.

Pre op education and after care support programs are mandatory with the surgeons at Rocky Mountian and I think that is so important and probably helps their clients be successful aat losing and keeping the weight off. They have a very structured program.

On surgery day, I had to ask for Dr. Simper to see me before surgery. He wasn't even going to talk with me first. Then the two times I say him in the hospital, he was extremely brief with me, about 30 seconds the first time and just long enough to pull my drainage tube out the second time. I wasn't very impressed with his lack of interest in me. When I called to schedule my two week check up, they couldn't get me in until almost a month after my surgery. All I can say is it is a good thing I am doing well.

He knew what to say! Didnt have any problems answering questions.



The staff was very comforting, had related experiences.




Yes. Went through after care thoroughly.

Yes.

He put it blunt, but in english.

1 out of 10 9.5 ( still dont know him very well)

He was Good, although i probobly spoke to him for a total of an hour. I was from out of town, so my stuff was a little more difficult to coordinate. Things went well. I was not too scared. I stayed at St. Mark;s hospital, and my room was tiny. He visited me every morning i was in there. (4 days). He really really pushed to get me going and OUT of the hospital. He also pushed me to not be on lots of meds and to move move move. I think hes good, id recommend him.
Thanks Kim REndon

Haven't met with him yet.
2-21-02 Met with Dr. Simper for the 1st time. He explained everything and made time for my questions. Aftercare is a BIG deal with Rocky Mountain Assoc. Physicians. They are big into pre-op education as well. I have a meeting to go to 3-8-02 which really goes into great details of aftercare, nutrition, exercise, etc.I would rate him at least an 8 or 9!
The worse thing I can say about him is he's not very chatty, friendly, but not much into conversation. He is however a wonderful surgeon and I would recommend him to everyone.

2/6/02 I havent decided between two doctors yet. One is in town, but will cost me more because the hospital is out of network. The other is out of town but the hospital is in network.I have an appointment with one so far.After meeting with both and getting more specific information on actual costs, I will make my decision,2/21/02see my comments for update. dr simper will be doing my surgery.
3/7/02I am now one week post op. I met my dr the day before surgery and loved him. He was just serious enough to give me confidence but not stern enough to be standoffish. Just right! I had lots of questions, which he answered all. He talked me out of open rny for lap rny and that was a very good thing. So far my recovery has been flawless. He treats his office staff and the hospital staff well as evidenced by the rapport they have with him.His office staff is very caring and give you all the warm fuzzies you need. He has a very structured and extensive aftercare program and people from the support groups visited me in the hospital on two different occasions. He treats patients from all over the country, in fact all four pts. who had surgery the same day as me were from out of the area. He is very attentive to out of state pts and their special needs. His surgical group is the longest running surgical group for wls in the u.s. Overall grade:A + and two thumbs up.

I will meet him the day before surgery. Has anyone out there met him?