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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2014 7:42:29 GMT -5
Hi, my names Robert, been lurking in the shadows for a few weeks reading everyone’s good info and posts and have a question or two. I am looking at getting the DS done in the Houston area and would like some good or bad recommendations for a surgeon. I tried to look under the search feature and found a little bit, but, figured I’d ask away.
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Post by west4thavenue on Aug 14, 2014 8:18:19 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2014 10:31:27 GMT -5
Thxs Monica for the reply and the info. Just to expound a little: I have already seen a Dr. Bonnor and Dr. Ferrari and am scheduled to see a Dr. Sherman Yu at TLC (Texas Laparoscopic Surgeons) on the 28th, Dr. Wilson on the 27th and am awaiting an appointment with Dr. Tony Primomo. I really liked Dr. Bonnor, seemed very highly skilled, but he’s not in my preferred provider List. Dr. Ferrari spent the whole visit telling me that I didn’t need the DS and should elect for the VSG. I am 55 and weigh 360, 5’11 and have been at this weight for over 35 years. For the last 20+ years, I have only eaten 800-1200 calories per day. For the last TEN years, its only 500-600 per day. For the life of me, (literally), I cannot see how the VSG would help someone like me? I DON’T have an OVER eating problem. I have an absorption problem, i.e., I absorb everything and store it as fat. And, I am relatively active, have a very busy job where I walk a couple miles a day, so I’m not a sedentary person. So again, I have no clue how the VSG would benefit me??? Maybe I’m missing something? Thxs in advance everyone for the help! I have already learned so much by reading these posts!!!
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Post by west4thavenue on Aug 14, 2014 11:34:03 GMT -5
Robert, please listen to me. The surgeons you are seeing do not do the DS procedure. They are all going to try to get you to opt for something different. Bait and switch happens! Do not try to get this surgery done by anyone who hasn't performed it before. Please go see Dr. Wilson in Houston or Dr. Ayoola in Denton. Dr. A. did my surgery and he is wonderful.
Your reasons for wanting the DS are sound and valid. I have been where you are. Lots of us have. My system got so wacky that I could actually gain 3 - 6 pounds a day eating as little as you are eating now! You will not get a metabolic reset with any other weight loss surgery like you will with the DS.
Read through the posts of all the people here who have had to have their failed WLS revised to the DS. Please do not continue to see surgeons who cannot and will not provide what you want and need. You are wasting your valuable time and taking a risk that they will promise you one thing and deliver another.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2014 12:19:20 GMT -5
Monica, you said it all!
Robs477, Take her advice, choose a real DS surgeon. One with a track record. If a surgeon trys to persuade you NOT to have a DS, Go somewhere else. You definitely need the DS advantage. Good Choice!!
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Post by bboop on Aug 14, 2014 18:33:47 GMT -5
Eric Wilson is a DS surgeon. He was and I guess still is the Chief of Surgery at Hermann Hospital in Houston. I had a resleeve to my DS several years ago and he did it. I had absolutely no problems.
His nutritionist is worthless but like most of us you will have to see her, it's part of the drill. He also sent me to a therapist...cost me $250 and for the life of me I don't know why he had me do that. I just went along in order to get the resleeve. Wish I had balked at that one but it's done and I don't really care anymore.
The staff at Hermann were excellent. I live outside Austin and I came home on the plane in three days. I was up and walking on day two. The only complaint I had was the bumpy ride from the OR to my hospital room...I just remembered that...but it sure didn't hurt me.
I had to have a CatScan recently and my tummy is still smaller than usual. My original surgery was in Minnesota and I still malabsorb - I think I have a 75 mm CC.
Wilson can be pretty straight forward and that's ok with me. He did what I paid him to do and I've been fine. I think there's somebody else on here that used Wilson and I hope she will chime in. Oh yeah, you can't talk to him by phone...at least I never was able to. Actually I don't think I ever needed to. Be sure to ask him if and how to get in touch for emergencies...I didn't but I think you should since you live closer to Houston. I knew if I had a real emergency I would be going to Austin for help.
I wish you the best and it sounds like you have the right idea by seeking the DS. Keep asking questions and read up on all aspects of this surgery and life afterwards. Welcome to the forum.
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Post by goodkel on Aug 14, 2014 22:01:00 GMT -5
Rob, a surgeon who does not do the DS will not recommend it for you, will probably try to discredit it so you'll buy what he is selling.
These are the known, experienced DS surgeons in TX:
Erik Wilson, MD Email: Erik.B.Wilson@uth.tmc.edu
UT Houston 6700 West Loop South, Ste 500 Bellaire, TX 77401 Phone: 713-892-5500 Fax: 713-871-0071
Folohan Ayoola, MD (855) 576-9782 info@weightlosssurgeon.com
Frisco Office 5680 Frisco Square Blvd Suite 2500 Frisco, Texas 75034
Denton Office 3321 Colorado Blvd Denton, Texas 76210 Phone (855) 576-9782
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Post by Joanne on Aug 15, 2014 7:05:03 GMT -5
Chiming in to echo what everyone else said. The DS isn't a widely done surgery. It takes a long time for a surgeon to learn how to do it, and it's not financially favorable for most of them to invest the time.
The list of "vetted" DS surgeons has been compiled with years of input, and is updated to stay current. These are the only surgeons you should consider for a DS.
If you go to a non-vetted DS surgeon, one of these scenarios is bound to happen:
1 - He will initially entertain your request for the DS, but then come up with reasons why you shouldn't have it and push another surgery type on you. We refer to this as "bait and DONT switch". I think this is what is happening with the surgeon reccommending the sleeve for you.
2- He will recommend another type of surgery and call it 'DS like" or a 'custom DS" or something like that. This will most likely be something called a SADI (Single Anastomosis Duoedenal Switch or Loop DS) or an E-RNY, Extended RNY. Do not settle for this if you want the DS.
3 - He might just attempt to do the DS on you. If you go to an inexperienced surgeon you risk your outcome. Not just for safety, but also for results. The DS isn't a one size fit all surgery. There is customization and synergy in stomach size, limb lengths, etc. The experienced DS surgeons know how to do this. The lesser experienced ones, if they actually attempt and succeed at the surgery, are more likely to leave you with an inferior result such as not enough weight loss, or even too much.
This stuff is really important to understand. Bariatric Centers of Excellence, the best gastric bypass doctor in the world, etc - all those things - are meaningless in the decision. The biggest factor that matters is an expereinced DS surgeon, who you will find on the vetted list.
Also one more thing - the doctors that dont do the DS can do a good job of talking you out of it for all the wrong reasons. Of course you need to know what you're signing up for, but to get a balanced view it is imperative that you speak to an experienced DS surgeon, and people living with the DS.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2014 7:38:47 GMT -5
Thxs everyone for the help. Your posts re-affirm everything I was suspecting. One surgeon even said…..”I will do the DS, BUT, if I get in there and see problems like a fatty liver etc, I will have to do just the sleeve part of it”…After reading your posts, I think this is just a more “Sophisticated” version of the “Bait and Switch”…pretty slick really!!!... F@*ing money grabbing ASSHOLES!!!!!!! I am going to tell the surgeon I select, that its DS or nothing. Close me back up if you can’t do it and as I read one other poster comment, AND…I have my Lawyer on speed dial..LOL!!
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Post by Joanne on Aug 15, 2014 7:52:07 GMT -5
Thxs everyone for the help. Your posts re-affirm everything I was suspecting. One surgeon even said…..”I will do the DS, BUT, if I get in there and see problems like a fatty liver etc, I will have to do just the sleeve part of it”…After reading your posts, I think this is just a more “Sophisticated” version of the “Bait and Switch”…pretty slick really!!!... F@*ing money grabbing ASSHOLES!!!!!!! I am going to tell the surgeon I select, that its DS or nothing. Close me back up if you can’t do it and as I read one other poster comment, AND…I have my Lawyer on speed dial..LOL!! Glad to hear this! I think many of them tell you the truth according to their own capabilities. But just because one surgeon can't safely operate around a fatty liver, etc, doesnt mean another one can't. So, for example, a surgeon telling you they encountered a problem and wasn't able to complete the surgery is probably telling you the truth, and putting your safety first, of course - but I think the big error on their part comes from not disclosing something like "just because "I" cant safely do this, doesnt mean someone else cant". I work in healthcare and think it's very rare for a clinician to admit something like that, which isn't fair to patients.
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Post by west4thavenue on Aug 15, 2014 8:14:59 GMT -5
Thxs everyone for the help. Your posts re-affirm everything I was suspecting. One surgeon even said…..”I will do the DS, BUT, if I get in there and see problems like a fatty liver etc, I will have to do just the sleeve part of it”…After reading your posts, I think this is just a more “Sophisticated” version of the “Bait and Switch”…pretty slick really!!!... F@*ing money grabbing ASSHOLES!!!!!!! I am going to tell the surgeon I select, that its DS or nothing. Close me back up if you can’t do it and as I read one other poster comment, AND…I have my Lawyer on speed dial..LOL!! Stick with Dr. Wilson in Houston or Dr. Ayoola. Chances are you have some degree of fatty liver or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. This is very common among MO people, so this is simply an excuse for a non-DS surgeon to do whatever procedure they want to do. When you sign your consent before surgery, make sure it reads DS only and no substitute procedures.
Also, ask the surgeon about having your gall bladder removed. It is a very good idea, as rapid weight loss causes gall stones. I know Dr. Ayoola always removes them during a DS procedure.
Good luck to you, Robert. Please let us know what happens with you.
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Post by spop620 on Aug 16, 2014 20:19:25 GMT -5
Robs477 My surgeon was Dr. Yu. He is wonderful and does do the DS. He and his partner Dr. Scarborough are both excellent surgeons and their staff is wonderful as well. He'll tell you about all your options and then he'll listen to you and ask what you feel you need that will work best for you. I've met lots of others on other sites and groups that have used him as well. Definitely visit him and give him a chance.
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Post by goodkel on Aug 17, 2014 22:50:19 GMT -5
Robs477 My surgeon was Dr. Yu. He is wonderful and does do the DS. He and his partner Dr. Scarborough are both excellent surgeons and their staff is wonderful as well. He'll tell you about all your options and then he'll listen to you and ask what you feel you need that will work best for you. I've met lots of others on other sites and groups that have used him as well. Definitely visit him and give him a chance. Can you please post the contact info for Dr.Yu and Dr. Scarborough? Thank you!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2014 8:55:41 GMT -5
Here's the info. I have my appointment on 8/28 to see Dr. Yu.
Texas Laparoscopic Consultants 1200 Binz St., Suite 950 Houston, TX 77004 Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm Phone: (713) 493-7700
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2014 9:58:43 GMT -5
UPDATE: I am SO flippin frustrated!! I apologize for the following long email, but you guys need to know my situation so you can give me your esteemed advice. After yesterday’s FOURTH visit, to FOUR different alleged DS Doctors in Houston (that advertise doing the DS) that I’ve been to and their pitch to me has all been the same: ”I don’t think you need the DS and would benefit more from the VSG”….and then when I say I am interested in DS only because I am a SUPER absorber , their pre-planned well-rehearsed and thought out scripted back-up response is…..”If we do decide to do the DS, I like to do it in two different stages….first we do the VSG part, you lose 40-50 lbs and then we come back 5-6 months later and do the 2nd stage”…….I swear to god, I am so upset!!!!!!!!! I have read from ALL you guys on FOUR forum sites I’ve been reading from about this “Bait and switch” and I am NOT going to accept that. For me it’s DS or nothing. Here is my short story and WHY I am saying that. I am 56, 5’11” and weigh 360. My highest weight was 390 and that’s what I go to when I eat ONLT 1500-2000 calories a day. For the last TEN yrs or so, I have to limit myself to about 500-800 calories a day…IF I go over that I GAIN WEIGHT!!! AND NO Dr. F***ing believes me! That is why the VSG alone will not work for me; I would still super absorb everything. And, even IF I did agree, by the time “stage 2” rolls around, at 50 lbs. less and I would NO LONGER QUALIFY FOR INSURANCE as you ALL know, AND THEY KNOW THAT TOO, They are all just GODAMN SCAMMERS!!!!!!!!!!! So? WT Hell do I do?? I am running out of options and Surgeons to go to??? How do I assure DS or nothing??? Will they sign an agreement? When I tell them one stage or nothing, They also all say “ I won’t know until I get in there if I can do it or not, might not have enough room, fatty liver etc” Cant I just say….OK…. then if you need more room, just OPEN ME UP! I would rather have open surgery than wake up to find out I only got the VSG!!! I have been living like this for 40 years and don’t want another failed pipe dream hoping another diet or something else will work. I Know my body and from experience that the DS is my only hope and I just can’t seem to flipping get to first base, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE help me, I feel I’m running out of time and options, not to mention all the time off work, forms to fill out and monies spent going to all these Drs. THANK YOU ON ADVANCE for your time! Rob
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Post by west4thavenue on Aug 29, 2014 13:14:29 GMT -5
Rob, believe me when I say I understand where you are. I didn't think any of the other surgeries would work for me in the long term, either, because my metabolism was so whack. It no longer mattered that I was eating only a little. My weight just took off and I was clearly a passenger in that car, not the driver.
First, know that you do sign a pre-surgical release. You can establish the understanding with you surgeon that you want the DS and will not accept an alternative surgery, then you can have that stated clearly on your release form. This subject has come up often on the board, so it is not unheard of for you to do so.
One of the most respected DS surgeons in the country, A. Keshishian, known affectionately as "Dr. K.", published a study in 2005 as follows:
Obes Surg. 2005 Nov-Dec;15(10):1418-23.
Duodenal switch has no detrimental effects on hepatic function and improves hepatic steatohepatitis after 6 months.
Keshishian A1, Zahriya K, Willes EB.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common histological finding on liver biopsy in morbidly obese patients. The condition, although benign, can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. We investigated the effect of the duodenal switch (DS) operation on hepatic function and architecture, specifically hepatic steatosis and NASH.
METHODS:
Between November 1999 and June 2004, 697 DS operations were performed for the treatment of morbid obesity. A Tru-Cut needle liver biopsy was routinely performed during the DS operation. Liver function tests were drawn preoperatively for AST and ALT, and again postoperatively at 6, 12 and 18 months and yearly thereafter. Repeat Tru-Cut liver biopsy was performed on all patients (n = 78) who underwent a second intra-abdominal operation for any indication > or = 6 months postoperatively. The pathologist evaluated the 2 sets of liver biopsies in a blinded fashion. The hepatic adipose tissue content and the degree of hepatitis were compared in these patients.
RESULTS:
A transient worsening of the AST (13% of the baseline value, P<.02) and ALT ( 130-160% of the baseline value, P<.0001) levels was found at 6 months after the DS operation. Normal levels were achieved by 12 months postoperatively. A progressive improvement of about 3 grades in severity of NASH and a 60% improvement in hepatic steatosis, were seen by 3 years after the DS operation.
CONCLUSION:
DS improves both hepatic steatosis and its resulting inflammation. No detrimental effects on hepatic function were noted after 6 months.
PMID: 16354521 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Please note that there are always exceptions. Our own Prettygirlbounce (Lisa) has had quite a battle with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis since her DS surgery. As I told you before, many MO people have fatty liver when we go in for surgery, including me. If you have adhesions from past procedures, it is possible that a surgeon may have some limited access. However, there are surgeons who have to deal with the adhesions when they are performing a DS.
In any case, I wouldn't want to find myself in an O.R. with a reluctant surgeon. Many of us have traveled to have the DS surgery performed. It may be necessary that you do, too. The good thing about this is that you can probably arrange for a phone consultation with a surgeon before you make the trip.
I strongly suggest you contact Dr. Ayoola. I had multiple co-morbidities when I went in for surgery, including a history of multiple heart attacks. He knew that. The cardiologist okayed me. Dr. A was willing to take the risk with me. He was trained by the late Daryl Stewart, also very well respected. It took me a long time to find the right surgeon and get an "OK to go".
Robert, don't give up.
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Post by goodkel on Aug 29, 2014 13:50:06 GMT -5
Rob, have you contacted either of these surgeons?
Erik Wilson, MD Email: Erik.B.Wilson@uth.tmc.edu
UT Houston 6700 West Loop South, Ste 500 Bellaire, TX 77401 Phone: 713-892-5500 Fax: 713-871-0071
Folohan Ayoola, MD (855) 576-9782 info@weightlosssurgeon.com
Frisco Office 5680 Frisco Square Blvd Suite 2500 Frisco, Texas 75034
Denton Office 3321 Colorado Blvd Denton, Texas 76210 Phone (855) 576-9782
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2014 16:38:32 GMT -5
UPDATE: With more details.. I am SO flippin frustrated!! I apologize for the following long email, but you guys need to know my situation so you can give me your esteemed advice. After yesterday’s FOURTH visit, to FOUR different alleged DS Doctors in Houston (that advertise doing the DS) that I’ve been to and their pitch to me has all been the same: ”I don’t think you need the DS and would benefit more from the VSG”….and then when I say I am interested in DS only because I am a SUPER absorber , their pre-planned well-rehearsed and thought out scripted back-up response is…..”If we do decide to do the DS, I like to do it in two different stages….first we do the VSG part, you lose 40-50 lbs and then we come back 5-6 months later and do the 2nd stage”…….I swear to god, I am so upset!!!!!!!!! I have read from ALL you guys on FOUR forum sites I’ve been reading from about this “Bait and switch” and I am NOT going to accept that. For me it’s DS or nothing. Here is my short story and WHY I am saying that. I am 56, 5’11” and weigh 360. My highest weight was 390 and that’s what I go to when I eat ONLT 1500-2000 calories a day. For the last TEN yrs or so, I have to limit myself to about 500-800 calories a day…IF I go over that I GAIN WEIGHT!!! AND NO Dr. F***ing believes me! That is why the VSG alone will not work for me; I would still super absorb everything. And, even IF I did agree, by the time “stage 2” rolls around, at 50 lbs. less and I would NO LONGER QUALIFY FOR INSURANCE as you ALL know, AND THEY KNOW THAT TOO, They are all just GODAMN SCAMMERS!!!!!!!!!!! So? WT Hell do I do? ? I am running out of options and Surgeons to go to??? How do I assure DS or nothing??? Will they sign an agreement? When I tell them one stage or nothing, They also all say “ I won’t know until I get in there if I can do it or not, might not have enough room, fatty liver etc” Cant I just say….OK…. then if you need more room, just OPEN ME UP! I would rather have open surgery than wake up to find out I only got the VSG!!! I have been living like this for 40 years and don’t want another failed pipe dream hoping another diet or something else will work. I Know my body and from experience that the DS is my only hope and I just can’t seem to flipping get to first base, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE help me, I feel I’m running out of time and options, not to mention all the time off work, forms to fill out and monies spent going to all these Drs. THANK YOU ON ADVANCE for your time! Rob
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Post by goodkel on Aug 29, 2014 23:24:34 GMT -5
Rob, have you contacted either of these surgeons? Erik Wilson, MDEmail: Erik.B.Wilson@uth.tmc.edu UT Houston 6700 West Loop South, Ste 500 Bellaire, TX 77401 Phone: 713-892-5500 Fax: 713-871-0071 Folohan Ayoola, MD(855) 576-9782 info@weightlosssurgeon.com Frisco Office 5680 Frisco Square Blvd Suite 2500 Frisco, Texas 75034 Denton Office 3321 Colorado Blvd Denton, Texas 76210 Phone (855) 576-9782 I'm quoting myself because you didn't answer my question. These are known DS surgeons who won't "bait and don't switch" on you. You need to consult with them. Many DS surgeons have experience with patients who must travel to them and you should be able to consult with them by email or over the phone.
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Post by bboop on Aug 30, 2014 9:37:29 GMT -5
Have you called Erik Wilson in Houston? You never answered my question.
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Post by goodkel on Aug 30, 2014 11:20:37 GMT -5
Robert, if you are just pulling surgeons out of a phone book that say they do the DS, you are wasting your time.
If you insist on following that course instead of contacting the known DS surgeons we have given you, at least call them first and ask them how many complete DS surgeries they have done in the last year and ask for references from that group. Do this before you make another appointment. If they won't provide this, hang up and don't waste any more of your time with them.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2014 12:13:51 GMT -5
SO SORRY for the delayed response and the double post which I'm having problems deleting?.....Anyway I have NOT actually seen Dr. TODD Wilson (the other Dr. Wilson and associate of Dr. Eric Wilson) for my appointment yet, that is in 10 days, BUT, I did talk to him briefly after their mandatory pre-visit seminar last Thurs and I asked him why he didn’t discuss the BPD-DS and why he actually said in the seminar that he wasn’t going to talk about it. His response to me was how dangerous it is and how I would most likely benefit better from the VSG etc, so that discouraged me, but, not yet had the actual appointment where I will go in to more detail. Hopefully when 1 on 1 he will agree for the DS. I also called his office on Friday and spoke with one of their assistants and she assured me that most of the time both Dr.’s perform the DS together and that we will discuss more in my visit. And, NO, I am NOT just going down the phone book. I am trying as best I can to find a qualified DS surgeon in a “Bariatric Center of Excellence” (which my insurance requires) and also in Houston and have almost exhausted all my options. More and more it looks like Dr. Ayoola in Dallas may be my only option. I have wasted several weeks, time off work, monies spent and have fallen prey to these “Bait and Switchers” whom all claim to do the DS n their website’s and when calling to verify before going to see them…so, yes, not real happy right now. I can’t imagine tough the position I would be in without obtaining the knowledge and help I have received from you experts, so, THANK YOU and please don’t give up on me, I am still learning and evolving as I go.
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Post by goodkel on Aug 30, 2014 13:43:28 GMT -5
SO SORRY for the delayed response and the double post which I'm having problems deleting?.....Anyway I have NOT actually seen Dr. TODD Wilson (the other Dr. Wilson and associate of Dr. Eric Wilson) for my appointment yet, that is in 10 days, BUT, I did talk to him briefly after their mandatory pre-visit seminar last Thurs and I asked him why he didn’t discuss the BPD-DS and why he actually said in the seminar that he wasn’t going to talk about it. His response to me was how dangerous it is and how I would most likely benefit better from the VSG etc, so that discouraged me, but, not yet had the actual appointment where I will go in to more detail. Hopefully when 1 on 1 he will agree for the DS. I also called his office on Friday and spoke with one of their assistants and she assured me that most of the time both Dr.’s perform the DS together and that we will discuss more in my visit. And, NO, I am NOT just going down the phone book. I am trying as best I can to find a qualified DS surgeon in a “Bariatric Center of Excellence” (which my insurance requires) and also in Houston and have almost exhausted all my options. More and more it looks like Dr. Ayoola in Dallas may be my only option. I have wasted several weeks, time off work, monies spent and have fallen prey to these “Bait and Switchers” whom all claim to do the DS n their website’s and when calling to verify before going to see them…so, yes, not real happy right now. I can’t imagine tough the position I would be in without obtaining the knowledge and help I have received from you experts, so, THANK YOU and please don’t give up on me, I am still learning and evolving as I go. I deleted those extra posts. There was a glitch in the server yesterday that requested you try reposting again in a few minutes. In the meantime, when it came back online, it had posted the original attempt and all subsequent attempts. I am deleting the duplicates as I come across them. I have never heard of TODD Wilson. I would not spend a dime or any of my time consulting with him in person unless he agrees and understands prior to making the appointment that the DS is the ONLY option you will consider. No ifs, ands, or buts. Be sure he knows that you are paying for consultation in preparation for a DS and you will pay for nothing else. That should cut things to the chase. Dr. Eric Wilson has been a renowned DS surgeon for a long time. He recently dropped the ball on one of his patients who was having a post-op surgical complication (a leak). I was hoping that that was an anomaly, but if he is training someone new, maybe he is thinking of retiring and is just not as focused as he was previously. Meanwhile, to save time, I would go ahead and begin communicating with Dr. Ayoola and/or his office. Do not even mention your other consultations. Just contact him as if he is the first surgeon you have considered. You don't want to give him the impression that they had medical reasons for turning you down for a DS. That would put you at a disadvantage from the very start. We won't give up on you. *Knock wood* that it won't be necessary, but if you do end up needing to travel out of state, we'll show you how to convince the insurance company to pay for it. You will get your DS.
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Post by bboop on Aug 30, 2014 18:06:13 GMT -5
Todd is Eric's associate...I don't think Eric is near retirement age...he's very busy but as I've said before - I know he will do the full DS. Maybe you should see him first and see what he says. PLEASE don't settle for a VSG.
Best of luck to you.
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Post by goodkel on Aug 30, 2014 22:21:47 GMT -5
Todd is Eric's associate...I don't think Eric is near retirement age...he's very busy but as I've said before - I know he will do the full DS. Maybe you should see him first and see what he says. PLEASE don't settle for a VSG. Best of luck to you. Good to know. Maybe the only problem is Todd. Perhaps Robert should call and make the appointment with Eric. He's been given the runaround enough and, if Todd has such a negative viewpoint of the DS, Robert's time will be wasted consulting with him. Best to make the appointment with the surgeon who has proven himself to be an experienced DS surgeon. Eric.
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Post by bboop on Aug 31, 2014 17:33:37 GMT -5
Absolutely, call and reschedule your appointment with Erick Wilson, not Todd. Todd is a nice guy, very competent but I don't know if he does the full DS. Eric does...see Eric.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2014 18:10:27 GMT -5
Thx for the advice. I will be calling first thing Tues morning to switch my appointment to Dr. Eric and if that falls through, it looks like I'm off to go see Dr. Ayoola in Dallas. Actually, I'm going to do this concurrently and call them this week and talk to someone in his staff to discuss the logistics, 1st visit etc., just so I have my back-up plan launched. Also, yes, I agree 100%...I will only stay focused on the medical and not go in to my frustrations of late. That would be of no benefit.
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Post by west4thavenue on Aug 31, 2014 19:16:20 GMT -5
Thx for the advice. I will be calling first thing Tues morning to switch my appointment to Dr. Eric and if that falls through, it looks like I'm off to go see Dr. Ayoola in Dallas. Actually, I'm going to do this concurrently and call them this week and talk to someone in his staff to discuss the logistics, 1st visit etc., just so I have my back-up plan launched. Also, yes, I agree 100%...I will only stay focused on the medical and not go in to my frustrations of late. That would be of no benefit. Wonderful! I can't wait to hear how this goes for you.
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Post by teachermomolp on Sept 4, 2014 10:11:07 GMT -5
I'm late to the game but ERIK is the DS surgeon. It's so confusing that they are in the same office. ERIK made me prove I knew what the DS was AND he tried to steer me away from it, I think because it is a big surgery. I had late complications and am not happy with the after-care I have received...BUT...Dr. ERIK Wilson is a rock star. he's kind, honest, and very skilled. I have this board for the rest... Call ERIK Wilson and be prepared to wait. It's worth it.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2014 9:13:04 GMT -5
Update: Any info or opinions on Dr. Felix Spiegel ?? This past weekend, I actually went to a local DS support group, Houston Area DS’rs (HADS), meeting luncheon and this Dr. had done 3 or 4 of the people there. I never did consider him before because he has so many mixed reviews. All the people were in agreement that he has little bed-side manner and his staff is rude (which is beginning to sound like the norm), but that he is a “Damn good Cutter”…as they put it..LOL. and been doing the DS for many years with good success???They all said the same thing as I do, I don’t have to like the guy and I don’t care if he is an A$$hole, but just need a good experienced DS surgeon.
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