Has anyone on here had their procedure done with this surgeon? If so, what did you think? Would you recommend him?

Lap Band, Gastric Bypass & Sleeve | Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery - Longview Texas, Shreveport Louisiana - Surgical Specialist

I have a friend that wishes she had used him. I think her dr. in East Texas doesn't have a good bedside manner.

I went to Mexico....

I went to Dr. Merriman for a preop consultation. I liked the doctor ok but he did not have much bedside manner. He was very knowledgeable though. However I did not feel his Staff was very cordial. And I wanted to look around just to be for sure. I ended up going with Dr. James Davidson in Dallas but i wont have surgery until december. So far the experience has been so much better when I call I don't feel like a burden I don't feel Like I'm rushed. They really want to help. I don't have anything bad to say about that Merriman but I did feel very rushed and I did feel he was annoyed with my numerous questions. I live in the middle so it's the same distance either way. Also as I researched I could not find much info about Dr. Merriman there was nothing negative but there just wasn't much and in the sleeves he has only done in the hundreds as opposed to the other doctors who have done in the thousands those were my reasons for choosing Dr. James Davidson I wish you the best of luck in whatever choice you make

Thanks for the input.

I'm still trying to figure out if this is something that I am even going to do. I'm dipping my toes in the Water.

I had my surgery with Dr.Merriman. His demeanor is a bit arrogant in some minds but i feel it is confidence not arrogant. I feel he is completely truthful about the process and he walked me thru what I would go thru. I would rather someone be honest and upfront than have a great bedside manner and not really care. Answered every question I had and I would use him again times 10. He is very big on follow up of his patients for the long term, something very few surgeons do. Once you have the surgery you don't see them anymore. This is not the case. He also has a private Facebook support group for all his post surgery patients. Everyone loves him. He is the best bariatric surgeon in the ArklaTex.

Side Bar....I'm from Marshall, TX. Just wanted to give my fellow neighbors here a big shout out & have faith in your journey.

I didn't use Dr. Merriman but researched about him. I think the comments about his bedside manner seems to be the most compliant. I used Dr. Norwood and have been very pleased with him. They also emphasize follow-up. I'm 12 wks out I see the nurse practitioner monthly who happens to be his wife. It's not a lot of staff but pleasant and efficient . I live out of town so I don't get to go to the support group like I want too . He is also a Bliss doctor since I was self pay. Just make sure you are comfortable with your choice.

What is a bliss doctor?

A bliss doctor is covered which means you are covered for most complications that may come with surgery. It's insurance. I have three year coverage. Dr Norwood is awesome.

I used Dr. Todd McCarty at Lakewood Weight Loss and Wellness in Dallas. He is a very good Doctor. Very caring, compassionate and takes his time in getting to know you. Is also a nationalist and is really good with setting diets. He put me on a 1,000 calorie a day diet three months before my sleeve and just from that and walking 8 miles a day I lost 58lbs. I am now two weeks out from surgery and going for my first post opp appointment this Friday.

I finally called today and signed up to go to a group meeting this week. I'm terrified. I have high anxiety already and this decision is really weighing on me (no pun intended LOL!) I just dont know if I am brave enough to pull the trigger on something like this...its such a huge huge life changing decision. I'm scared about complications and I'm scared that I'll have this massive regret after it's been done...months later...and wonder why the hell I did it.

I went to Dr. Merriman for a preop consultation. I liked the doctor ok but he did not have much bedside manner. He was very knowledgeable though. However I did not feel his Staff was very cordial. And I wanted to look around just to be for sure. I ended up going with Dr. James Davidson in Dallas but i wont have surgery until december. So far the experience has been so much better when I call I don't feel like a burden I don't feel Like I'm rushed. They really want to help. I don't have anything bad to say about that Merriman but I did feel very rushed and I did feel he was annoyed with my numerous questions. I live in the middle so it's the same distance either way. Also as I researched I could not find much info about Dr. Merriman there was nothing negative but there just wasn't much and in the sleeves he has only done in the hundreds as opposed to the other doctors who have done in the thousands those were my reasons for choosing Dr. James Davidson I wish you the best of luck in whatever choice you make

I will be using Dr. Davidson, we live almost 200 miles away but he's done over 1000 sleeves and I liked his staff as well.

I used Dr. Todd McCarty at Lakewood Weight Loss and Wellness in Dallas. He is a very good Doctor. Very caring, compassionate and takes his time in getting to know you. Is also a nationalist and is really good with setting diets. He put me on a 1,000 calorie a day diet three months before my sleeve and just from that and walking 8 miles a day I lost 58lbs. I am now two weeks out from surgery and going for my first post opp appointment this Friday.

What do you mean by a nationalist?