AdventHealth Med Group Bariatrics at Tampa Organization

Originally, I was referred to Dr Murr by previous patients who were friends, who had very positive experiences with him. I liked how organized the process of preparing and qualifying for surgery was through his office, and I appreciated the unlimited access to his coordinator throughout the months before insurance approval. I immediately felt comfortable with Dr Murr, who was professional, but relaxed. I appreciated his directness about the risks and considerations of WLS. He answered all of my questions and openly discussed his history with patients who didnt fare as well as the success stories. He emphasised the importance of supportive care during my hospital stay as well as the weeks after surgery. He was very detailed in his description of the actualy surgery and the permanent changes that would result. His staff was professional, although there was a considerable wait even though I arrived for my appointment on time.
More update once I have surgery. Shouldnt be long now.

My first impression was that he was professional and qualified. This impression has not changed. He is well respected in the field and was the right choice for my surgery. His staff was a bit disorganized at first. However, they are making great strides in this area to get things stabilized. The person now in charge of coordinating surgeries is much better skilled.

The aftercare support is adaquate. I would encourage more contact after patient goes home. But since I had no problems things went fine.

I would definetly encourage others to choose this surgeon.

My first impression was calling the office and speaking with Susan. She was very kind and informative. I explained that I hade approved and scheduled with a doctor but the hopital had halted all surgeries for review. She told me about the upcoming seminar and support group meetings and that these were mandatory as part of the program. I went along withanother patient to both of these meetings. They were both very informative. The support group have us in small circles with different post-op patients comming to us . Qustions and answers were very fre flowing. This is a great way to lean the good and the bad. As far as meeting Dr. Murr, his assistant and others, made me feel very foryunate to be there. I feel that I am in great hands and just can't wait to have the surgery performed.

I thought at first glance that he didn't look very friendly. But that did not last long! I found him friendly, likable, serious, concerned. Most of all he was good ablut paying attention to detail. I absolutely love him as a person and respect him as a surgeon. The office staff at the Tampa WISH Ceter is friendly, knowledgable, and go out of their way to make you compfortable.
The most important thing for aftercare is the education that you get pre-op and that you understand that this is a life change. They don't like to have you experience surprises. All the risks are explained in depth, the diet is practiced before surgery, they have a toll free number for questions. Everyone seems to take an interest in the person and the support person before, during and after surgery.
Overall on a scale from 1-10 he and the office staff are off the charts! At least 15! (Contrary to the next question--I am NOT exagerating..The WISH Center for me was this good!)

I had read several profiles that said Dr. Murr was not a very warm person. I had a totally different impression of him. He was very warm, kind, and humorous. He made sure that my father and husband and I understood the procedure and it's possible complications. He seems very knowledgeable in his field. Dr. Murr presented himself in a very professional manner which left a very good impression.

I first saw Dr Dietrick at a WISH center seminar. He was informative and answered questions with thought, he didn't seem bored or rehearsed. While not a jovial or smiley type, after my 1st initial appt with him and about 45 minutes of one on one questions and conversation, I felt like he would perform a good RNY for/in/on me, lol.

The staff at the Tampa center was nice. The medical assistant who helped with the urine, EKG and pulmonary tests was tops, and made you feel comfortable. The other professionals came to your assigned office room thru out the day, and were friendly, and if prodded, nice. Maybe I was just in a coma after having so much to learn and listen to and I was the boring one, lol.

Future patients.. They, especially Dr Dietrick can and will answer all doubts, concerns and give you reading or support. The initial appt will leave you a bit overwhelmed but after I came home and took my time reading and organizing what I needed to do, I realized just how much they want the WLS to suceed. For 8 weeks prior to the coveted 2nd appt, you have to follow a practise diet and exercise regime to fit you and your needs.( ex: I have very limited mobility and the exercise physiologist and I brainstormed what I can do to increase my movement) This is the stage I am in now and it is w o r k!

There are monthly support meetings and aftercare appointments also. This 8 week 'training' is making me feel more prepared to have a good outcome.

The risks are talked about and a weight loss book for morbidly obese persons is given to read also. It has the good, the bad and the sucess.
***** ***** ***** *****

At the last pre-op appointment, Dr. Dietrick will look you flat in the eye and ask you if you are prepared for this. The good and the bad. I don't think he can be fooled. This center is a compilation of the best of the best. It is not rushed and only the best outcome is what you and they want.

Overall, at this stage I give the WISH center an 8. More to come as I get going. They may end up being a 10, I just have not completed much yet.

* * * * *

July 23, 2004 Nothing less than a 10. These folks, especially Dr. Dietrick are THE best. No hugs or mushy stuff but competence and success and care!

I had read stuff about him before and also heard he is very thorough on introducing to his to be patients all the good, bad and ugly. My impression was that I thought he was nice.


Impression is still the same.



Office is nice.



He's not in America enough...well right now he isn't.

?
Does emphasize what aftercare says to do.
and has a very good aftercare program.
His person that represents him in the first meeting is very good. lets you speak to post ops, good and not so good ones. and very infomative about the whole thing.
also you get very good physical and psychological testing and your therapist must recommend that you are ready mentally.

Of course surgical competence and bedside manner are best. He is very nice. some of his assistants need to stay and watch him a little better, if you know what I mean.

Monday 7/19 was my appointment with Dr. Murr, met his assist first, he seemed alittle nervous explained and drew picture of procedure. Dr.Murr came in asked if I had any questions, upfront about risks, complications etc, it was his first day back from vacation and office was busy, they also worked me in to see him.

I am a 21 year old college student at Florida State University and hit my all time high weight of 287 lbs. in the winter of 2001. I decided to get the Lap-band procedure in Kentucky by Dr. Jeffery Allen on December 27, 2001. He was extremely nice and seemed to really care about the well being of his patients. Sadly, I found that the lap-band procedure was not extremely successful for me losing a total of 27 lbs. in 18 months. Don't get me wrong, this surgery can be very successful as it was for some of my family members. Around the spring of 2003 I decided to look into the Roux-en-Y procedure despite my families concerns. I researched on the internet and came up with a list of surgeons that I wanted to look into and narrowed my list down to Dr. Michel Murr at Tampa General Hospital. I went by myself without my families knowledge to my first appointment to meet with Dr. Murr and discuss the possibility of getting yet another surgery which would require the removal of my lap-band. I found Dr. Murr to be extremely knowledgable and interested in what I had to say. He went over all the benefits and risks with me including the possibility of not being able to recieve a 2nd laproscopic surgery. At the time I was completely close minded to getting an "open" RNY due to the scar it would leave. His staff was very friendly and genuinely cared about the patients. If there was any negative it would be the long process I had to go through to be qualified as a patient. I see its importance now and appreciate it that Dr. Murr did not let me jump into this surgery without fully understanding how it would impact my life. Needless to say I let my family know about my plans for surgery and with some convincing they agreed that surgery was what I needed. I brought my parents to the support groups that were required before I could have surgery and that eased alot of worries.They are now my biggest supporters and I appreciate so much having my family help me throught this. After my 2nd appeal letter with Aetna HMO, I was cleared for surgery after about 6 months and got an appointment for my surgery on December 17, 2003. The morning I went into surgery was pretty scary. By then I had built a relationship with Dr. Murr, his assistant Jose and all of his staff which was very comforting. The morning of surgery I weighed in at 255 lbs. Surgery was over before I new it and I was amazed how well I was treated. It was actually a great experience. Don't get me wrong.....I was in alot of pain, but I feel I had the best care possible. Turned out I had to have an open RNY due to scar tissue from my first surgery but the scar is really not that bad. I would like to believe that Dr. Murr is really the best doctor for bariatric procedures. He made me feel completely comfortable and that I was in good hands. I owe him so much! Now, only 6 months later I weigh 155 lbs. a total difference of 100 lbs. I feel like a completely different person and I owe it all to my amazing experience with Dr. Murr and his staff. I would recommend surgery to anyone who is mentally prepared to change their life for the better. I did not have one negative experince through this and am all around a happier and healthier person. On a 1-10 scale I give Dr. Michel Murr a 10+.