Dr David Kim Colleyville

[Getting There 198]

As I mentioned previously, the surgeon's have a reason they standardize on a particular Protein Powder. Yes, the Bari Essentials is more expensive than some of the other Protein powders out there - I haven't done a comparison, but are the nutrients other than Protein similar? There IS a difference between protein powders that are intended as Meal Replacements (which is what we are doing pre-op for 1-3 weeks, depending) and those that are intended to SUPPLEMENT a diet that includes "real" food.

With what Dr Kim makes, does anyone REALLY think that the few dollars he makes from a couple of tubs of protein powder per patient is such a driving force for him? I highly doubt it. (the price he changes is the exact same as what I can buy it for on-line - and I don't have to pay shipping). I think that he has had patients use the product with successful results and by standardizing on this product, he can be assured of the nutrients, calories, etc. that we are getting pre-surgery.

Of all things to be concerned about pre-surgery, this was the last thing I even thought about questioning.

[kymbo 14]

People spoke up in my last meeting that it was crazy they had to buy special shakes and the nutritionist got antsy and she gave us the option. My thought is' date=' I am already dropping a ton on this process and his special powder is proven to have good results in the pre-op phase so why not just do it. I like my brand of powder way better then his, but I can easily justify spending another 160ish to pretty much guarantee my liver will shrink and my surgery should be routine. Maybe I drank the kool-aid and am funneling more to Dr. Kim, but Dr. Kim has amazing stats for successful operations and this is my life were playing with. As far as I am concerned my life is worth a whole lot more then 200 extra dollars to me! <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Were u there on 10/2? I was one of 2 that spoke up. I had already purchased my powder elsewhere (Jay Robb whey 25g protien. 0 sugar. 1 carb.) A good friend had Lap Band with Dr Kim last year. She advised that I would not be required to buy Bariessentials. How's ur pre-op going? I can't complain. However, I did "imprint" on a coworkers chicken nugget the other day. Just like Jacob in 'Twillight'. Not joking. I'm not hungry at all....it's the cravings that I am struggling with.

[funkeechiggen 135]

As far as I am concerned my life is worth a whole lot more then $200 extra dollars to me!

Amen to that!

[fattymcfatterson 107]

Wow. Some of you are really bent out of shape because I made the decision to not buy a product I could not stand to drink. I felt it was in my best interest to choose a pre-op diet I felt I could adhere to. My liver was perfect and my surgery and recovery flawless and painless. I am not saying anything negative about Dr. Kim, I am sharing my opinion. I personally am on a budget. Why pay all that money for something I couldn't drink? NOt to mention that the office staff was very hard to get ahold of. It wasn't until JUne that I changed and it for many reasons it WAS the best decision for me. I hope you all make the best decisions for you and have the success and joy that i do even without BARIESSENTIALS....

[Ijam75 102]

Wow. Some of you are really bent out of shape because I made the decision to not buy a product I could not stand to drink. I felt it was in my best interest to choose a pre-op diet I felt I could adhere to. My liver was perfect and my surgery and recovery flawless and painless. I am not saying anything negative about Dr. Kim, I am sharing my opinion. I personally am on a budget. Why pay all that money for something I couldn't drink? NOt to mention that the office staff was very hard to get ahold of. It wasn't until JUne that I changed and it for many reasons it WAS the best decision for me. I hope you all make the best decisions for you and have the success and joy that i do even without BARIESSENTIALS....

Who got really bent out of shape?

[funkeechiggen 135]

I am not saying anything negative about Dr. Kim, I am sharing my opinion.

And no one is saying anything negative about you or to you... we're sharing our opinions!

[kymbo 14]

I don't see anyone bent outta shape. Your opinion just appears to be in the minority. I only see people expressing their opinion. I'm using Dr Kim. I'm NOT being "forced" to buy his shakes. I know others that weren't forced either.

Best wishes and continued success to you and EVERYONE regardless of the surgeon and Protein shake of choice!

[Donny 270]

Yes, I was at the 10/2 meeting!

And to fattymcfatterson I did not mean to offend or come across harsh if any of that was directed my way. All I was trying to express is for me, the powders are worth it. I almost said no to his powders because I agree with everyone else here and I too have two 3lb tubs of my own powders sitting in my kitchen right now. But when they said strongly "recommended" I said "Ok!"

[melinda48 37]

I started with Dr. Kim but couldn't get past being forced to buy certain shakes for pre-op. I heard about Dr. Cribbins (Plano Presby is where I had surgery) and his pre-op being fat free vegetarian. My experience with Dr. Cribbins and his staff has been AMAZING. He I had surgery Friday and he came to see me sat and sunday. He is very easy to talk to and I will say it again: NO PAIN WHATSOEVER!!!!!!!

I am using Dr. Cribbins too. I have heard nothing but good about him. I have a surgery date of Nov. 2nd

[BabyHuey 44]

I had my sleeve done by Dr. Kim on 9/10. I had consultations with 3 other surgeons before deciding on Dr. Kim. He has more experience than anyone else I could find - and his staff is fantastic! I also had a hernia repair done at the same time. Because I was self-pay, I didn't have to jump through many of the pre-surgery hoops. So didn't have EDG pre-surgery. But I understand most overweight adults have hernias......

Dr. Kim's personality is VERY reserved. You'll find that you won't really interact with him much; you'll mostly deal with his staff. Everytime I have called to ask yet another question, whoever I speak with is patient and takes all the time I need to discuss whatever. I chose Dr. Kim based on his skills - not because I expected to become best buddies.

I am VERY pleased with my choice and I'm SO happy I did this.

I am self pay too and didn't have to jump through hoops. For my local doctors, I had to attend meetings at the office for 6 months before they would send the file to the insurance company. That wasn't uncommon in my area. I'm in the state of Maryland but having it done in Dallas to be close to my mom for recovery. The office staff is what really made the deciding factor for me. I can call and email as many times as I need to and I never feel rushed and always get the answers I need. I had a horrible experience trying to get it done with my insurance a few years back. I was denied twice and just didn't have the fight in me anymore. I gave up for a few years, and while I was back home visiting my mom, she mentioned Dr Kim. I looked into it and what can I say? They had me at "Hello!" :-)

[ksue 2]

I love Dr David Kim! I live in Florida and flew out to Texas to have my surgery with Dr Kim. I am a self pay and I have absolutely no regrets. I feel that Dr Kim was an excellent surgeon. I've never been sick since my surgery and I've never had any problems at all. My surgery date was Feb 13. I'm 20 years old and have lost 50 lbs and I'm about to start nursing school in Jan. I'm the healthiest I've been ever. So basically I'm saying I love Dr Kim!! Lol