AdventHealth Bariatric Surgery & Metabolic Medicine at Celebration Hospital

Excellent physician.

I was surfing and reading Dr. Dennis Smith's reviews and felt I had to provide my experience. I had my surgery in October, 2005. Fifteen years ago when I was 47. Dr. Smith and his staff were amazing. I was a self pay patient and did a lot of research searching for a doctor who performed the BPD/DS. Only a few doctors were performing this procedure, so I traveled the 8 hours to meet with Dr. Smith to discuss my options and surgery date. I lost over 190 lbs. Today my weight fluctuates between 10 and 20 lbs - depending upon my decision on avoid carbs. I do monitor my labs regularly and take the required supplements. It was a major adjustment, a lot of money, but so worth it. I wouldn't give anything for my new life. Thank you Dr. Smith and all those who work with you now and in the past.

After reading several other reviews about Dr. Smith, I felt the need to share my journey. I had my D/S surgery on June 18, 2014, after a two day stay in Hospital, I was discharged to go back to the motel as I traveled out of state to use Dr. Smith. I waited ten years to get my surgery, so I was really informed on this surgery, Dr. Smith was the best choice for me because of his experience with the D/S surgery.
Dr. Smith's has an excellent staff that was really helpful getting me through all my clearances. Dee and Julia, they Rock! Those ladies went the extra mile helping me! Upon leaving for my trip back home, Dr. Smith and Dee both expressed the fact that any problem at all, just call for their help.
I know that each person's experience is different, but I am so blessed to have had Dr. Smith do my surgery. I am only a few weeks post-op, but I have been told through out the whole process that my aftercare will be life long, as is the case with this surgery. I fell that his patient is really important to Dr. Smith.
Upon meeting Dr. Smith for the first time, I would advise you to ask questions. Our first meeting I was a little put off that I felt like, I was not being heard. As I traveled out of state, I saw Dr. Smith a week before my surgery to finalize everything. At this time, I had watched some of Dr. Smiths videos before our meeting and was more than glad I had. My fears were put to rest!
I liked the fact that the hosipital staff were very use to the ways of doing my tests at Wellstar, as Dr. Smith performs a lot of surgerys. The floor nurses knew exactly the ways to care for a baractric patient, as they informed me that all WLS patients come to that floor.
My overall opinion is this, Dr. Smith is a very good surgeron that cares about his patients after their surgery. God Bless!

Dr. Dennis Smith and all the people at Comprehensive Bariatric Services were excellent. They worked with me to get all my clearances done and scheduled my surgery at a time that worked best for me. I have had no issues post-op at 2 weeks out of surgery. I highly recommend this practice and this surgeon to anyone in the Metro Atlanta area.

This is strictly my experience and the opinions formed from that experience. I am sure Dr is an excellent surgeon.

The Drs office staff was unhelpful. Very difficult to get calls returned or emails read. Nutritionists' info was non-specific to DS and disappointing to me. Bariatric Co-ordinator kept telling me everything was "fine!" I told her the Dr had a reputation online of being a 'cherry picker," and she said, "So what? He CHOSE you!" ... that is, until he didn't.

The Dr. initially approved me, and then in 2 months fired me, after all clearances were in. He made the decision, IMHO, based solely, on my mental health diagnosis, and the "possibilities" it presented. The psych eval was totally at odds with what the psych said after the eval. I was completely compliant with meds and food program, 2010-2014, but Dr refused to speak to either my GP, who did 3 month follow ups for 4 years , or my psychiatrist, who can attest to my med and mood compliance for the past 4 years.

The worst thing is no one accepted my calls or bothered to tell me the decision. I waited for weeks and only got the info, when my wife went to the office. Then, Dr told her, and expected her to tell me. "No," she said, dialing the phone, "You tell him..."

Most of the reasons he gave, it appeared, were general and applied to ANYONE who might have complications. Very disappointing, but I am ready to get Back on Track without the DS or Resleeve!

What can you say about the man who gave you your life back?

I was sleeved by Dr. Smith on May 29, 2013. I was a self pay so I could afford to be choosy and really did my homework in regards to doctors that I might want to use. Dr. Smith won, hands down! Dr. Smith is so thorough and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Dr. Smith has always taken the time to talk with me about any concerns at each visit. His staff is equally amazing, always returning emails or phone calls with any information I might be seeking in a timely manner. After having been involved with several on line support groups for months now I can safely say that Dr. Smith's education, pre and post op is the best there is. It scares me when I meet someone who asks questions immediately after surgery that their surgeon and their staff should have taken the time to educate them about! I truly believe Dr. Smith cares about the outcome of each patient and he really enjoys what he does.

I was in and out of the hospital in 24 hours and had ZERO complications. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Smith and his staff. Highly recommend!

I am so impressed with Dr. Smith. He was extremely thorough in my workup so that by the time the office submitted my paperwork there was NOTHING that hadn't been documented. Dr. Smith has an excellent education department. He required 5 dietitian visits, probably about 8 hours total dietary education alone. Plus, at least 2 support group meetings, which also focused on diet and exercise. Dr. Smith expected me to take advantage of every opportunity he had to offer and he also expected me to do my homework.

When I had a few little complications in the hospital, Dr. Smith was quickly responsive and called in those specialists who could turn things around. I was supposed to have a 23-hour stay, but that went out the window within 12 hours. Dr. Smith did not try to push me out too soon, despite the fact that the hospital was SLAMMED at the time. He or his partner visited me twice a day and his dietitian and office staff visited me twice during the 4 days I was there.

I had a sleeve gastrectomy and I have to say, it was harder than I thought it would be. But despite the complications and the longer hospitalization, I am very pleased with the treatment I have received from Dr. Smith and his partner, Dr. Jean-Pierre.

Dr. Smith is not only caring, but I feel is one of the most competent doctors around. Through the whole process, I was provided with complete information about before, during and after. They give you the tools to make this work, but it would not be possible without the expertise of Dr. Smith. I would highly recommend him to anyone that is considering surgery because I feel that he is one of the best.

Have been dealing with Dr Smith's office since May 2011 and am scheduled to have my Vertical Sleeve Surgery on March 06, 2012. Have so far been impressed with the entire office process and their attention to detail. Dr Smith is a Chemical Engineer that went back to Medical School and his engineering personality definitely exudes itself in his disciplined approach to addressing and attending to his Patient's needs.

It has taken me a little longer than I initially anticipated to get to my surgery date - with a few minor hiccups along the wasy ie. medical clearances and insurance issues; but his office has helped me navigate through all these hurdles and NOW the surgery date is quickly approaching. Will deliver a post review hopefully in a few months ...

There is no better surgeon in Georgia. Trust me, I have gone to both of the DS surgeon's and he is the best hands down. Class act. Very patient, and always does what he says he will do. You can't beat that!