Dr. Davis Questions

[amandaid]

Hi all!
Have any of you had DS with Dr. Garth Davis in Houston, Texas?

My dad, who's 57 an on disability due to weight/diabetes-related issues, is looking to have the DS finally, as his co-morbidities are catching up with him. (I had mine 6 years ago with Dr. Marchesini in Brazil, loved him, love my DS! Wish Dad could go there, but they can't, and besides, he's on Medicare, so it should hopefully be mostly paid for.) Due to my mom's job, they can't get up to Denton to the other doctor that people on OH recommended. So, we would really like to find out actual information on Davis.

I've had a lot of people commenting on whether they like Davis or not, bedside manner, etc., but very little actual surgical/medical information. I was wondering if any of his former patients might be willing to share? If so, could you answer these questions for us?

Was your surgery open or lap?
How long did the surgery take?
Were there any complications?
What is your common channel length? How did he determine this?
What is your stomach size? How did he determine this?
How long did you stay in the hospital?
How were you treated in the hospital? Did you feel secure there? Did it seem to be a quality place?
How well-informed about the DS are he and his staff? Do they truly understand the difference post-op between RNY & DS?
How has the follow-up care been?
Have you had any post-op issues that weren't original surgical complications?
I've been told that he is a "bait and switch" doctor. Did you ever feel in danger that he might do an RNY on you instead of a DS?

Thank you so much in advance for anything you are willing to share with us!

:)Amanda in ID

[smokinstella]

Ok i just found this on the tlc website since I remember seeing that he was one of those big medicine doctors. He clearly states in this video that he does not like the DS and that he prefers the RNY and that is the main one he preforms.
tlc.discovery.com/videos/big-medicine-types-of-weight-loss-surgery.html
Just from that there is no way I would go to him for a DS.

Thats just my opinion tho.

[kyal]

I can't answer any of your questions directly but if you want to know more about him I suggest you check the TV show Big Medicine. He and his father were both on there performing weight loss surgery.

As I said I have no specifics but over the years they were on TV I never saw a mention of the DS. The closest they got If I remember rightly was a BPD for a patient having a revision. They are RNY and LapBand docs mostly but may do DS. I would do your research carefully and if in any doubt Denton might be the only option for your Dad.

Hope that helps some.
K

[Deleted]

I wouldn't use them. They are NOT enthusiastic about the DS. I realize your parents have travel issues, but there are ways around those issues. Someone else could go with your dad to DFW, for instance.

ETA: For example, I bet there are Stewart patients who would be happy to help out your dad. Hell, if schedules could be arranged and my expenses could be covered, *I* would help out your dad. They need to think outside the box here.

[sunday77]

I consulted with them. I had to FIGHT to even get them to agree to do the DS on me even though I was diabetic. I don't doubt they are skilled surgeons but it's only been a little over a year since they started doing the DS. I actually told them off because they were so anti-DS and I didn't want a Dr. doing a surgery on me that he didn't believe in.

You can read my review on the experience at the Other Site here: www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS/4299672/Well-the-Davis-Clinic-gets-a-big-fat-F-from-me/

[sherbearmama]

Feb 3, 2012 3:14:24 GMT -5 smokinstella said:

Ok i just found this on the tlc website since I remember seeing that he was one of those big medicine doctors. He clearly states in this video that he does not like the DS and that he prefers the RNY and that is the main one he preforms.
tlc.discovery.com/videos/big-medicine-types-of-weight-loss-surgery.html
Just from that there is no way I would go to him for a DS.

Thats just my opinion tho.

I love how he refers to the DS as, "the biliopancreatic diversion--also know as the Duodenal Switch". The two are different surgeries. There is the BPD, and there is the DS. Also, I love how he barely mentions the DS as one other option--but not one he prefers. Additionally, why didn't he mention the Sleeve? That is the preferred method of bariatric surgery with Kaiser--because it's really the least invasive (the won't do the lap band and if a patient insists, they send them to an outside doctor). I'd NEVER use him unless he's like my doctor who actually told me in private, that he really thought the DS was the best surgery but that Kaiser didn't like it.

I'd start looking for other options. If I were your dad, I want a surgeon who supports me and the procedure I want. It sounds like there are other options if you think outside the box. Best of luck!

[reinventingangela]

Of course he doesnt lilke the DS, he has to work a lot harder, be a lot more skilled/careful and take a lot more risks as a surgeon to do the surgery....Im sure he prefers the easier money

I personally would prefer a surgeon who is more concerned about whats right for me and my long term future than what is or isnt preferred/convenient for him

Ask yourself this...if you were hiring a house painter, would you hire the guy who was positive, enthusiastic and skilled for the job or the guy who tells you up front I dont agree with this paint choice and I prefer using other paint....now think...if attitude would sway your decision in something as simple as which painter to hire, it certainly ought to be a factor in choosing a surgeon

[smileyjamie]

Feb 3, 2012 1:24:09 GMT -5 amandaid said:

Hi all!
Have any of you had DS with Dr. Garth Davis in Houston, Texas?

My dad, who's 57 an on disability due to weight/diabetes-related issues, is looking to have the DS finally, as his co-morbidities are catching up with him. (I had mine 6 years ago with Dr. Marchesini in Brazil, loved him, love my DS! Wish Dad could go there, but they can't, and besides, he's on Medicare, so it should hopefully be mostly paid for.) Due to my mom's job, they can't get up to Denton to the other doctor that people on OH recommended. So, we would really like to find out actual information on Davis.

I've had a lot of people commenting on whether they like Davis or not, bedside manner, etc., but very little actual surgical/medical information. I was wondering if any of his former patients might be willing to share? If so, could you answer these questions for us?

Was your surgery open or lap?
How long did the surgery take?
Were there any complications?
What is your common channel length? How did he determine this?
What is your stomach size? How did he determine this?
How long did you stay in the hospital?
How were you treated in the hospital? Did you feel secure there? Did it seem to be a quality place?
How well-informed about the DS are he and his staff? Do they truly understand the difference post-op between RNY & DS?
How has the follow-up care been?
Have you had any post-op issues that weren't original surgical complications?
I've been told that he is a "bait and switch" doctor. Did you ever feel in danger that he might do an RNY on you instead of a DS?

Thank you so much in advance for anything you are willing to share with us!

:)Amanda in ID

I am in agreement with all of the replies here. There is some good advice given, sorry for the travel situation, but I am positive that can be overcome!!!!!! Definately look at a different surgeon, please.

[trxxyy]

Feb 3, 2012 22:47:20 GMT -5 smileyjamie said:

I am in agreement with all of the replies here. There is some good advice given, sorry for the travel situation, but I am positive that can be overcome!!!!!! Definately look at a different surgeon, please.

And if somebody overcame the obstacles it was you

[MsVee]

This surgery has the potential to alter your life in a very significant way. Given that don't you owe it to yourself to seek the best medical attention available to you? Traveling for surgery is not ideal but it is a much better alternative than settling for convenience based on location. After all you are gambling with your life. Given the high stakes don't you think you are worth the extra effort? We all have to decide what is ultimately in our best interest given budget constraints and family situations but please make sure you think this through.

MsVee