I had my surgery on 12/19 at the Dean Bariatric Clinic in Madison, WI. My surgeon is Dr. Huepenbecker (they call him "Hoops" for short! ) The thing I like best about Dean Bariatric is that you are required to go through a "program" in order to have surgery. I've noticed a few people on-line here who had virtually no pre- or post-op support and I simply can't imagine what that would be like. Here are some of the elements of my program:

Pre-op:

Meet with program coordinator

Meet with nutritionist

Meet with psychologist (take psychological test)

The "team" then meets and reviews my file for surgery approval or recommendations

Required attendance at a lap-band support group

Meet with surgeon and program coordinator again

Post-op:

Lap-band support group

2-week and 4-week post meetings with nutritionist, monthly meetings after that

2-week post meeting with surgeon

This is all I have scheduled right now but I know that I'll be having an ongoing 3-month post-op relationship with my surgeon and, like, a 12-month relationship with my nutritionist.

I highly recommend this program. I really feel like I've been given every tool necessary to make the most of the band.

Huepenbecker was my surgeon in September as well, and I really like him. He's very no-nonsense - gets you in and out quickly, but if you have questions, he will answer them for you.

I had my first fill in November, and it was a 15 minute visit with no pain and plenty of laughter.

Dean has been very good to me. I highly recommend them as well.