AdventHealth Bariatric Surgery & Metabolic Medicine at Celebration Hospital

Dr. Smith was not available for the first contact I had with his office, instead the staff struggled with the video equipment and then presented a video authored by Dr. Smith. The information in the video was very informative, though in several spots the video did not match what was being said. From all accounts Dr. Smith is very good at his job as a surgeon, his staff however is quite lacking. One staff member explained to the assembled group that there was system in place where one could potentially go through all the tests and have surgery in 6 weeks a "fast track". However when I later contacted the insurance co-ordinator to follow the advice of the seminar and get all of my insurance worked out before hand she was very hostile and insisted it would be impossible to do things in such a short period of time and it sometimes took "8 months" for a patient to get through the process. When I attempted to explain I had been pre approved by both my primary and secondary insurance already and I was just trying to confirm what information was needed she simply continued to go around in circles never actually answering the question and claiming that there were 12 variations of the program I was enrolled in and that she would not assist me in determining which of these 12 I was with.

Unfortunately I have found that staff often reflect on their employer and having encountered such rude and inconsistent staff I have to recommend that anyone looking at Dr. Smith's practice save yourself the time of travel to the seminar and dealing with your insurance for him and simply seek another doctor.

Summary: Dr. Smith looks to be more than competent, but is sorely hindered by his office staff specifically his insurance department - Avoid.

What a joke. They called Friday to reschedule my appointment for today (Monday). I made the 2 hour drive and when I arrived, I was told that the ROSE procedure that I was there to discuss with the DR. and Dee was no longer performed. Between Friday and Monday they decided to not do this anymore???? To make matters worse, I was told the Dr. still wanted to meet with me to discuss my possible options. I was then told I would have to pay the $150 consult fee. I refused and then they offered to see me for $80. I refused! Then they agreed to see me for free, but if I chose to use them I would be billed for this visit. I waited for over 40 minutes with three people still in front of me - I decided to leave. I felt like I was dealing with a used car salesman. Bait and switch from a doctor!!! I will never use this doctor!

Dr. Dennis Smith is one of the best doctors, if not the best, I have ever met. He knows his stuff and makes sure that you know everything you need to know about the surgery and life after the surgery. He does not drop you after the surgery, but makes sure that you do lifetime follow-up. He comes to see you every day, some days twice. He does not use PAs or interns. He is the on-call doctor you will get if needed. He is completely and totally a hands on doctor. You can ask any question and he will answer it completely and honestly. He never makes you feel like he does not have time for you and takes his time. He does all procedures (sleeve, RNY, DS, lap band, ROSE) laparoscopic. His statistics are extremely lower than national averages. He makes sure to use every safety precaution to make sure there are no to minimal complications.

I have had a wonderful experience. My fears were addressed the hospital stay was easy. Tomorrow I will be two weeks post op and I've gone from 260 to 242, woohoo

I had my surgery 01/17/07. 4 years ago last week. I weigh 159 lbs. The day they wheeled me in the OR and put my butt on what felt like a 2x4 board at the time..I weighed 368. It has been at least 2 years since I have come to this site. Since then I have been hospitalized and my primary and hospital doctors all say that I must have had an excellent surgeon...I had RNY Lap. I have NEVER...I MEAN NEVER had any complications and no serious pain. I have no signs of scares on my stomach and I feel great. 4 years later and the highest I have weighed in over 2 years is 180 lbs and my normal/average weight is 165-170. I now live in Chicago but I would love to come back to GA just to see Dr. Smith and be a walking testiment to his work. I see myself everyday and I think I take my weightloss for granted. However, I have to admit that seeing me on the before and after made cry

He is absolutely the best!!!!

I would have to go and hunt down a staff member when we needed one, and if there was a technical problem with a machine the nurse would just walk away without informing us of what he was going to do, i didn't even know if he was planning on coming back. The dr's put him on a liquid diet and we didn't even know until the meal tray arrived, if felt like we were always the last to know, nothing was discussed, decisions were made and steps put into place before we even knew of it. And don't get me started on the washroom, the toilet is so close to the floor a kid would have no trouble using it, but put an adult over 6 feet on it and it's a hard fit and even harder to get up from. This hospital might have all the fancy dressings but when it comes to the rooms, washrooms and staff,,,, a definate negative. Wouldn't go here again if we had a choice.

Although Dr. Smith is not one to do a great deal of talking. The man knows his stuff. He was open to my concerns and made it extremely clear that he has my best interest at hand. If you're looking for a surgeon that is skilled and cares about his patients well being, please give his office a call. I foresee this being a lasting and rewarding relationship.

Dr. Smith is fantastic!! I liked the fact that Dr. Smith treats each person individually and does not run a \"patient factory.\" He reviews each persons case to determine if he can assist you and if you are serious about weight loss. rnDr. Smith visited me two to three times each day that I was in the hospital. Members of his staff also visited to verify my status and that I was following Dr. Smith's instructions. I stayed an extra day in the hospital because of the concern of my white count. Once Dr. Smith felt that it was not an infection, but my bodies reaction to the surgery, he permitted me to go home. rnI would definetly recomment Dr. Smith to everyone!!! And his office staff are always pleasant and treat each person as special.

I had my surgery on July 22, 2004 and all i can say about Dr Dennis Smith is what a God sent. This man really and truly care about his patients. I was in good care and very comfortable. I was Happy with everything from the surgery to the hospital over all. I would do it again with him..

Dr. Smith is an amazing surgeon. During my research I met with other surgeons and Dr. Smith was hands down my choice.

As we all know, the pre-op testing can result in a copious amount of doctor's visits. Every single provider I went to for clearances asked me what surgeon I was using, and when I said Dr. Smith, they had nothing but excellent things to say about him. I'm not kidding! EVERY single one. Even the ER doctor I went to post-op after an unfortunate accident with a stick blender and my finger had awesome things to say about Dr. Smith. It was very nice to have my choice of surgeon validated from every medical professional I saw along the way.

Dr. Smith can be a bit quiet but in a comforting way. Whenever I have had questions, he has always taken the time to make sure I understand his answer.

He has a great office staff, and they were a pleasure to work with. The program and education you receive as well as the aftercare is first class. I felt totally prepared and educated going in to surgery - both about all my options in regard to what surgery would be best for *me* as well as how to take care of myself post-op.

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Smith and his office. He's amazing!!