Thomas Brown Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

3/5/03 I have only gone to his siminar on WLS and found Dr. Brown knowledgable and pretty informal. His staff seem genuinelly concerned and helpful. I have an appointtment with him in a couple of weeks and will meet with him personally to get a more thorough impression. He is not in net work for any insurence company so all WLS patients will have out of network costs. 3/26/03
I have now met with Dr.Brown and his staff. as far as doctors go( I don't much care for them) He was fine for the first visit. I have nothing negative to say about him. He was open and friendly- very aproachable. As far as his whole office staff and atmosphere goes - it was awesome!!!! Everyone seemed like friends and made me feel so positive. Very few doctors offices that I have been to ever have given me the same feeling. In fact there has only been one other! I have definitly seen my share of doctors and delt with their staff too.
I left feeling informed of the positive as well as the negative aspects of Lap RNY. Dr.Brown has a very comprehensive program with support groups, nutrition classes, and medical evaluations.
7/7/03
I finally got approved and my surgerydate is set. I was disappointed with Dr. Browns office for delaying sending the surgery request to my doctor 30 days after they accepted me as a patient. My inital date was set 4 months away but they knew that CIGNA was a pain to deal with. Mary is a wonderful person but I feel that my approval would have been in time for my original date if they did not delay. I was also going away 2 weeks before the initial surgery date and because I was not persistant with calling Dr. Browns office no further action was taken with CIGNA at that time. A message was left, from Dr. Browns office, saying that CIGNA was going to deny me. When I returned home I continued facilitating the process with Kim (the newly hired person to deal with insurance) as well as with Cigna. The actual aproval came on the day I was originally scheduled for surgery. Dr.Browns office was nice enough to reschdule 1 week away so I would not have to continue to wait. I continue to believe that everyone at Dr.Browns office is professional and friendly. It feels like family or very good friends in that office but, I think they are a bit overwealmed with the volume of patients.

I say all this with a disclaimer attached because I have yet to go through the surgery…but my opinion of Dr. Brown as of now, is as follows:

I first met Dr. Brown and his staff at a seminar that he gave on Bariatric Surgery at the hospital where his offices are located (the same facility where he performs the operation). He had an interesting demeanor and he was clearly an intelligent and competent surgeon. During my first consult, it was nice to have some time with him to discuss my issues and questions. His staff is truly amazing. Anna, Shannon, Mary and Melinda all made me feel so welcome and comfortable. I left knowing that I had made the right decision to go with Dr. Brown. Other area doctors…(won’t mention any names) had quite impressive reviews and seemed to have a “following” of sorts. When I called their offices, they were rude and quickly told me how difficult it was to get in to see the Dr…how long the wait list was just for that appointment…and then they couldn’t get off the phone quickly enough…Mary at Dr. Brown’s office, on the other hand, was warm and funny and patient with me and my questions and although Dr. Brown’s office is just as busy she made a point to tell me they would work with me. I tend to place a lot of credence on first impressions and demeanor. Dr. Brown’s office came through for me and made me feel immediately at ease. If you are in the Denver area and considering this surgery…pay close attention to follow up care. I can’t say much about my experience so far, because my surgery date isn’t until June 3rd but from what I understand, Dr. Brown’s follow up is second to none. The fees are all wrapped into one lump sum and this covers all of your follow up appointments for like 5 years. They have Shannon, their nutritionist, who is a phenomenal resource..and she supposedly helps you maintain your nutrition levels and she says we can write her an email 24 hours a day with questions. They do nutrition classes and support groups and stuff like that, so I would say to anyone in the Denver area thinking of doing this…pay attention to that. The surgery itself seems like it would be the easy part compared to the mental challenges of trying to cope with the lifestyle modifications. Dr. Brown was very honest about the risks involved with the procedure…but I had researched it so much that I knew ahead of time what I was getting into. I decided a long time ago that the risks of staying obese would be far greater than the risks of the surgery. The benefits…and the amazing things that this surgery has done for people far outweigh the risks. I would say that overall, Dr. Brown and his staff hold a score of 10/10 for me so far…that is a score in progress and I’ll keep you guys up to date as the surgery date flies past me like a whirlwind.

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Just to update... Since I've had my surgery...(3 weeks Post OP)

I just cannot say enough about Dr. Brown and his staff. I could not have imagined anything this delightful. Dr. Brown is so increddibly kind and funny and although I know very little about the medical profession, I can honestly say that Dr. Brown has to be an amazingly gifted surgeon. Before the surgery I felt this ease and comfort with him (and his Surgical Assistant Anna--who I can't rave enough about). They are a remarkable team and I feel so blessed to have found them. Dr. Brown and Anna made me smile and laugh while I was still in the hospital and even throughout follow up appointments, they have been just wonderful. I could go on and on....Dr. Brown and his staff...couldn't rock any more than they do.

I felt Dr.Brown was truly professional. He took the time to answer ALL of my questions, and made me feel comfortable to have this surgery..I am having the RNY done and he felt that he can do it laperscopic.. which surprised me with my size..
His staff, was very courteous, with my size I walk slowly, and they walked with me at my pace,and did not try to rush me in walking.. Which was a trully nice for me for the first time..
ON the after care, it is trully talked about by everyone.. they even have saturday classes.. and ask me to bring my husband along ,, WOW this was very thoughtfull of them..as well they offer samples of protine and vitamens so it is helpfull to try something before buying it..
I recieved the feeling that Dr. Brown is going to have a great bedside manner, and just talking to him you can tell that he is all for helpping the obease poeple.. he looks you right in the eye when he talks to you, you know when talking to him you have ALL of his attention, he is consaturating on your questions..
I want others to know that Dr.Brown and his staff shows full conciderations to you!!
And you have their full attention !! they are a strong group. the Dr.And the staff are trully on the same page. you can feel the clicks.. It is SOOO nice there...

I decided to go with Dr. Thomas Brown cause it seemed to me that he is foremost a laproscopic surgeon and to me, this seems like a good thing. He doesn't take 'in network' insurance so I'm going the route where I pay 30% and my insurance (Cigna) pays the rest. Of course there is the 'customary and reasonable charges' of what they will pay and then there is the maximum out of pocket that I have to pay. All in all, it will be costly.
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I could have gone with Dr. Tillquist whom I need to cancel my end of January appt. with still, and maybe everything would have been covered, but I would have to wait so long. Then what happens if I don't like him. I already had a bad experience with his office staff not being very sensitive when I called to make the initial appt. The main thing is that they are extremely busy which in one sense is good - the word is out that they do a good job - in another sense - they don't have much time to spend with you -
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Dr. Brown seems very sure of himself, you know, cocky; this seems like a good thing to have in a surgeon. His office staff are very nice. I had my pre-op appt. with his nurse Anne and I was crying my eyes out, she was very understanding. I didn't want to cry but couldn't stop - you know how that goes sometimes.

Dr. Brown is a soft spoken man... his office is mostly women (Allll very helpful) everyone is very friendly in the office. They seem so respectful and allow their patients to walk in and out of the office with dignity.

1/5/03: I just reread this and realized I have not updated it at all. Well I have officially known Dr. Brown and his staff for 8 months or so. So I feel I should give you an update on them all. On a scale of 1-5 I would give them a 20! They are excellent. All of them. I would highly recommend this group for your consideration. The office staff, Mary and Melinda go above and beyond the call of duty to help you when ever you need it, Dr.Brown himself is just the coolest guy, very supportive, as is his assistant Anna, and then we have Kelly the dietician, she is awesome. Very encouraging, very uplifting, and really has great information and knowledge. Shannon is a new dietician that also works with the group but I have not had the priveledge of meeting her yet. I would imagine, knowing the folks in that office she is a great person as well.
I would highly recommend this group to anyone. The care and post op support is great!
Visit their web site at:
http://www.surgeryquest.com

6/20/02:
I met Dr. Brown yesterday. I am really impressed not only with him, but with his office staff as well. They are all a kind, considerate group that genuinely seem to like what they do. The office is warm and welcoming. Dr Brown was a very nice guy, explaining the procedure, and taking time to answer all my questions. I never felt he was in a hurry, or impatient with me during our appointment. He explained the procedure to my husband and me and then said “ok, ask me questions”. I was absolutely thrilled that the office staff and Dr. Brown were willing to put me in for a surgery date before I have even met with the psychologist, and before they have gotten my insurance approval.

Dr. Brown does all his surgeries with the laparoscope if possible. He stated that so far this year he has only had two cases where he had to do an open RNY.

All in all, so far I give this office a 5 on a 5 scale. They didn’t make me wait long for an appointment, didn’t make me wait long for a surgery date, and have been nothing but helpful and kind. I would definitely recommend them to others based on what I have experienced so far.

Have not met him yet. Doing pre-op visit in January.

IU met Dr. Brown in April of 2002 and was impressed with him from the beginning. I found him to be very helpful and informative. He took time to answer every question I had, and made sure I understood the answer. I also really liked everyone in his office. My first phone call was fielded by Mary who is the first reason I chose Dr. Brown. She has been wonderful, as has Melinda, Anna and Kelly.

My surgery was May 21, 2002. Everything went very well. I was able to have a lap and Dr. Brown took his time doing it. I feel he is very concientious. Dr. Brown's bedside manner was wonderful.

Any time I called Dr. Brown's office with questions, I got a phone call back as soon as possible. I feel aftercare is good with this office.

It is now December 2002 and I have lost 150 pounds. I feel wonderful! I think Dr. Brown has saved my life.

Dr. Brown's demeanor is somewhat laid back, and as I spoke with him, his passion for helping people was evident. He was very patient with my endless questions and gave me all of the information I asked of him. His staff is excellent (if overworked!) and his nurse practioner, Anna, is outstanding. I was initially drawn to him because of his wholistic approach - nutrition, psychological and physical components, with a huge emphasis on aftercare and support.

My first impression of Dr. Brown was that he was very laid back. took the time to answer all my questions. and he seemed very caring.
My impression never changed not even now I think Dr. Thomas Brown is the Best!!!
The office staff is all wonderful Mary, Melinda, Anna, and Kelly are all Great!!!!!
Nothing.
Dr. Brown and his staff will see to it that you recieve the best care available.
Dr Brown empahsizes aftercare as a must. He keeps track of you very close as well as his staff.
Yes he has a structured aftercare program.
Dr Brown and staff gave all risks that could happen, although the risks of staying that heavy certainly out weighed the risk of the surgery for me.
Dr Brown is totally #1 in my book!!!!!
Both Great!!!!!