Hey Yall!

Any one out there from Kentucky? I had to change Dr's because I couldn't afford the Dr's Fee so I changed Dr's today to Dr Mark Shina. Does anyone know him? I want to know everything.

~Carmille

Sorry, I don't know that Dr. Argotte did mine, but moved to Illinois without notice.

I had surgery by Dr. Shina in 11/2008 and have lost about 40 pounds. He has NO bedside manner. I have a fill appt coming up though and I am going. How did your friend switch for fills? I have had no problems with my band and he is an excellent surgeon. I wish he were more understanding regarding giving up carbs and how hard that is. I can't eat bread anyway now, so that helps. I have friends who really like him. I think he is a good surgeon, but maybe not the most caring when it comes to follow up. I am sure you will be happy with the surgery. He talks to you the morning of surgery and gives you a chance to back out or change surgeons. Hope this helps! Good luck with your surgery!

From what I have researched, it sounds like he is a capable surgeon. That is what matters most to me at this point. A smile and gentle nature can feel reassuring, but even smiling docs can botch a surgery, so....I am hoping my surgery goes well. Did you stay in the hospital "all things"...geeezzz...I hate calling you all things...but you didn't leave a name!!! LOL!

I did stay overnight at Suburban. They were wonderful and I had no problems. I did get up and walk as much as possible to get rid of the gas. You have an xray before you leave the hospital and have some liquids. You have no fill in your band in the beginning. You wait 8 weeks for a fill and 8 weeks between fills. But, you will get there. I have had 2 fills and scheduled for my third soon. You will do great. Changed my user name to Glammaw.

I am from KY, but don't know Dr. Shina. Sorry. I know Dr. Swain

Dr. Tanner was my surgeon and he was just awesome. He was polite, informative, and most of all reassuring. Suburban is a wonderful hospital and the staff there are very attentive to your needs!

Dr. Gellar presented the seminar that I attended and I knew right then and there I did not want him to be my surgeon. He comes across as very arrogant and I find it sad that he us promoting weight loss surgery and is overweight himself!

Good luck in whoever you choose!

I agree that Norton Bariatric Center AND Suburban Hospital are AWESOME! My physician was Dr. Jeff Allen. I have no complaints at all.