AdventHealth Med Group Bariatrics at Tampa Organization

Getting into see Dr. Murr for the first time took almost 7 months. The day of the appointment I was early but the appointments were running late. By the time I got in I was anxious and ready to battle to prove I really wanted the WLS but was surprised by how easy and pleasent the visit was. Dr. Murr sat down, offered to answer any questions I had, gave me his card and written instructions for the next step, and wished me a pleasant day. His staff seem comfortable with larger people and very professional. My only complaint was the small size of the chairs in the waiting area. (Small for obese people, not normal people.)

*Note: I recently went back for a 3 month post-op follow-up appointment and the chairs were now comfortable. Dr. Murr also gave his permission to start an on-line support group. It will be located on yahoo groups and titled as OSSG_Dr_Murr.

Dr. Michel Murr performed mine and my wife's surgery. RNY Open We both had complete confidence in his ability and follow-up care. He is straight forward and let's you know this surgery is no picnic and yes you can follow the post-op instructions and have alot of success or you can sabotage your own journey. My wife and I have alot of admiration for Dr. Murr and his staff and believe that he truly gave us a "gift"....

Dr. Murr removed my gallbladder in 7/2000. My surgery was done by laparoscope and I had no post-op complications. I had no idea at the time that he preformed bariatric surgery...but then again I weighed at least 25 pounds less at that time. I thought he was a very competent surgeon then and when I saw him recently my feelings have not changed. I am a RN at the hospital at which Dr. Murr practices, and when we encounter each other in the halls, etc, he is always pleasant. His office staff has also been very nice to me so far as well.

This is just my opinion and what happend to me directly:
I called to set a consult to discuss a RNY revision. I was sent paperwork to fill out and was told I needed a Upper GI prior to the visit. After getting the Upper GI I had an appointment set within 3 weeks.
I met Dr. Murr he was very professional and very no nonsense. He saw something on the GI and sent me for a scope. The scope revealed a failed prior gastric bypass. I was given a surgery date within 1 month of the scope. I had no complications.
TGH was ok but I didn't care for the 2 to a room. I hated my roommate (what a cry baby)
Dr. Murr does have a large group of residents and they check on you every am and pm. I think his staff is wonderful. I also loved Martha I hate playing phone tag so I always email her. I always get a response to my questions right away.
So far so good.

First impression of Dr. Murr was certainly positive although it took almost a year to get an appointment. He throughly explained the procedures and spent time to listen to my questions also. Finally met Martha Entel in person at the support group meeting and via e mail. She's great! Too bad there's only one of her to do all the paper work.

MY FIRST IMPRESSION OF DR MICHAEL MURR IS A POSITIVE ONE. HE UNDERSTANDS THE FEELING THAT I AM EXPERIENCING AND IS VERY SUPPORTIVE. HE ALSO DEPENDS ON THE FAMILY SUPPORT TO MAKE THE PROCEDURE A POSITIVE ONE. I PERSONALLY AM LACKING THE SUPPORT OF MY SPOUSE WHO THINKS THAT I SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOOSE AND MAINTAIN ON MY OWN. IT HAS BEEN A LIFE TIME BATTLE FROM ONE DIET TO ANOTHER. I LOST OVER 100 POUNDS ON THE MEDIFAST DIET BUT FAILED TO MAINTAIN THIS WEIGHT LOSS AND GAINED BACK THE 100 POUNDS PLUS ANOTHER 25 POUNDS WITHIN A YEARS TIME. DR MURR IS VERY BIG ON AFTER CARE AND HAS ADDRESSED HIS CONCERNS OF NO SPOUSAL SUPPORT. HE HAS EXPLAINED THE RISK OF THIS SURGERY AND THE LIFE STYLE CHANGE IT WILL BRING. I AM READY!!

I've returned the info packet that was mailed to me,on march 19th, also attended "his" support group meeting on April 22nd, and was told it would be sometime in sept. that I can have my first visit with DR. Murr. Martha said he has a very long list and to please be patient. I've already checked with my insurance and they've already approved me. Dec. 20th Well I finally had my first consultation with Dr. Murr on Monday Dec. 17th. I arrived at his office at 10:30, making sure I brought all the paper work and insurance card too. I also had a ten page questionaire that I had gotten from the OSSG group with me. After I was weighed in at 368# the nurse asked me to wait in this room. A few moments later his assistant Julie came in to familurize me with the procedure. I figured this would be the perfect time to pull out the questions. She was so helpful and answered every one of them and was impressed with my preparedness. When she finished, she told me the doctor would be in soon, which he was. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was very impressed. Everything was done in a very professional way. Dr. Murr explained exactly what he would be doing and what I need to know about the surgery. He told me what I need to do next in order to continue the process and gave me a time frame of an approximate surgery date of less than 2 months. Finally I feel like I'm really getting this done. When I left the office I was on cloud 9. Now it's up to me to get the evaluations done , then they'll submit the paper work to my insurance company. When they approve me then the doctor's office will contact me with the surgery date. I guess the only thing that botherd me is that it took nearly a year before I could get my first consultation with Dr. Murr. They say he's very busy, and does about 4 or 5 surgeries a week. Lucky for me I'm patient. All good things come in time and my time will come.

Dr Murr presented himself as very caring and professional. His reputation of being a great surgeon precedes him.
The risks of surgery are thoroughly covered
both by Dr.Murr,support group,Martha Entel,and Your Psychologist.
His staff is also very professional,but, not cold. It is so refreshing to enter a physicians office and not be treated slightly
different.

Dr. Murr seemed rather aloof at first, but I've come to see him as a caring human being (busy but caring!). Martha Entel is the bariatric coordinator and she's great - very helpful and always pleasant. There are other surgeons in the Tampa Bay area that do this kind of surgery, but Dr. Murr (Tampa General Hospital) has the reputation of being the best. Be prepared for a long wait for your first appt. I had to wait over 7 months, but it has been worth it. There is a structured support group that meets the last Tuesday of every month, except Nov. & Dec. and everyone is required to attend at least one meeting prior to surgery. I think it's really important to attend more than that. I go every month and have heard different people speak about their surgery. You have the opportunity to learn the good as well as the bad that can happen. There are always risks involved with surgery, especially for us fatties! Risks can be anything from an infection at the incision sight to DEATH (and it does happen). People need to be prepare to hear it all. To date, I have been happy with the process, though it does get frustrating at times. To me, surgical competence is more important that a good bedside manner. I have heard that the team that works with Dr. Murr all are very diligent in checking in with patients post-op and they have a good bedside manner.

My first visit with Dr Murr was July 9th, 2001. I was very impressed and comfortable with him. My husband went with me and Dr. Murr explained everything to us in great detail. He is extremely professional...one helluva dresser..and the looks aren't bad either!(LOL) I knew from the get go that it was going to take time..took 9 months for 1st appt. I've now had my psyche evaluation...nutritionist...and pulmonologist(sleep test). All went well. Will be attending support meeting this month and will then attempt to get 2nd appointment. Have had contact with Martha(his coordinator) through e-mail and she is wonderful. She is working on insurance. I will update after I get my next appointment. I would recommend Dr. Murr to anyone...he truly feels for his patients and makes sure you are aware of all risks involved.