DFW TX Surgeon selection? (Dallas / Ft. Worth)

[newat52 1,612]

I'm headed in now. I'm scheduled for surgery in 2 hours. Woohoo!

Good luck and a speedy recovery!

Check in when you can!

[SKCUNNINGHAM 298]

I am a patient of Dr. Nicholson in Dallas. I think he is wonderful, so much that I have my testimonial on his website

My process for picking a surgeon was to find out the criteria my insurance used for approving surgeons. I was covered on four different insurance plans while I was qualifying for surgery (long story). All of the policies required a "Center of Excellence" surgeons, so I limited my list to those surgeons in the area.

Then I did research on what the risk factors are for the surgery and how to minimize them (I am a statistician, so forgive me for this approach). Two key things that can minimize the risk is 1) pick a surgeon that has done at least 50-100 of your surgery (sleeve) in the last 12 months. 2) pick a hospital that has supported surgeons performing your surgery (sleeve)at least 50-100 times in the last year. So I limited my selection to those doctors and hospitals. I was pushy getting this info - I didn't care how many bands and bypasses they had done - I wanted sleeve data.

Then I went an met my surgeon candidatess. Pick the one you have the best raport with that practices at the hospital you want. My selection was Nicholson. Have never regretted that decision one moment.

[Teenee Me 30]

My surgeon is Dr. Julio Rivera. He was awesome. My surgery was 2 weeks ago. He was highly recommended by my PCP. I didn't research any further because when I interviewed him I felt very confident about my decision. My surgery was at Baylor Hospital in Grapevine.

There's another surgeon at that office, Dr. Matin. I've also heard great things about him.

[4ALongerLife 329]

First, where are you in the metroplex? I would tell you the best way to find out who's best... get out to the support groups and ask. Ask what are the important questions that ppl would suggest if you interview the dr.s... then go interview the dr.s Interview the bariatric nurses at the hospitals - if you can. There are so many great dr's in DFW. You will find several options. So also ask about the hospitals where you get it done. I'd say get out on virtual sites but that can be just as scary, as can be in asking anyone... but don't be too frightened. You are going to hear great stories and not so great ones with anyone. I believe you will be led to the right person - and you will meet tons of ppl in the interim of this process and learn loads too. How exciting and nerve racking right? C'mon... you can do it! Best wishes... xx

[4ALongerLife 329]

I am a patient of Dr. Nicholson in Dallas. I think he is wonderful, so much that I have my testimonial on his website

My process for picking a surgeon was to find out the criteria my insurance used for approving surgeons. I was covered on four different insurance plans while I was qualifying for surgery (long story). All of the policies required a "Center of Excellence" surgeons, so I limited my list to those surgeons in the area.

Then I did research on what the risk factors are for the surgery and how to minimize them (I am a statistician, so forgive me for this approach). Two key things that can minimize the risk is 1) pick a surgeon that has done at least 50-100 of your surgery (sleeve) in the last 12 months. 2) pick a hospital that has supported surgeons performing your surgery (sleeve)at least 50-100 times in the last year. So I limited my selection to those doctors and hospitals. I was pushy getting this info - I didn't care how many bands and bypasses they had done - I wanted sleeve data.

Then I went an met my surgeon candidatess. Pick the one you have the best raport with that practices at the hospital you want. My selection was Nicholson. Have never regretted that decision one moment.

LOVE this answer personally!

[SassySenior 111]

t - You give engineers a bad name. I personally like engineers. The ones I've met are very intelligent, witty and helpful, even if its hard to translate to regular language. But you, you wasted my time. Like others in the forum, in the spirit of camaraderie, I thought you actually needed help, and I spent a lot of time crafting my reply with that in mind. Lesson learned.

Edited October 25, 2013 by SassySenior

[gamergirl 4,609]

t - You give engineers a bad name. I personally like engineers. The ones I've met are very intelligent' date=' witty and helpful, even if its hard to translate to regular language. But you, you wasted my time. Like others in the forum, in the spirit of camaraderie, I thought you actually needed help, and I spent a lot of time crafting my reply with that in mind. Lesson learned.[/quote']

Wow that's harsh. I thought she was very nice in her replies back to you and expressed her appreciation for what you shared.

[Better than dead 19]

First, where are you in the metroplex? I would tell you the best way to find out who's best... get out to the support groups and ask. Ask what are the important questions that ppl would suggest if you interview the dr.s... then go interview the dr.s Interview the bariatric nurses at the hospitals - if you can. There are so many great dr's in DFW. You will find several options. So also ask about the hospitals where you get it done. I'd say get out on virtual sites but that can be just as scary, as can be in asking anyone... but don't be too frightened. You are going to hear great stories and not so great ones with anyone. I believe you will be led to the right person - and you will meet tons of ppl in the interim of this process and learn loads too. How exciting and nerve racking right? C'mon... you can do it! Best wishes... xx

No, I am not in the metro. I am currently in a rural part of Mississippi (but this isn’t where I will be long term). I chose DFW because I am from there, have family in the area, and I believe they have some great surgeons for this procedure. I decided that it was more important to go with a highly experienced surgeon (lots of procedures under their belt) than stay local. Mexico is out for me.

My decision to do it in DFW makes it a little hard since I can’t make lots of visits for seminars and such. I find there is lots of great stories from people who like their Dr.

I think part of my problem is that I have too many choices.

Thanks for your input, great information! I am excited to make the decision and get the ball rolling.

[Better than dead 19]

t - You give engineers a bad name. I personally like engineers. The ones I've met are very intelligent, witty and helpful, even if its hard to translate to regular language. But you, you wasted my time. Like others in the forum, in the spirit of camaraderie, I thought you actually needed help, and I spent a lot of time crafting my reply with that in mind. Lesson learned.

Not sure what I did to receive such a negative comment. Hopefully you are the only that feels that way.

Thanks for your input given in the the thread nonetheless. I found it helpful and hopefully other reading did too.

[Better than dead 19]

Wow that's harsh. I thought she was very nice in her replies back to you and expressed her appreciation for what you shared.

I am glad to hear you say that, that was my intent. Thanks!

BTW, she is a he.

[VSG AJH 499]

My surgeon is Dr. Julio Rivera. He was awesome. My surgery was 2 weeks ago. He was highly recommended by my PCP. I didn't research any further because when I interviewed him I felt very confident about my decision. My surgery was at Baylor Hospital in Grapevine.

There's another surgeon at that office' date=' Dr. Matin. I've also heard great things about him.[/quote']

Dr. Rivera will be my surgeon, as well. I should be sleeved in November, and so far, I really like him and his office staff. I believe Dr. Matin is chief of surgery at Baylor Grapevine. I initially called to get in with him, but he was seriously booked out, and they told me it was because of his role as chief of surgery. I met with Rivera instead because I figured if you can't have chief of surgery (rush re: insurance), pick the partner he picked. I am actually very pleased with Rivera and looking forward to my sleeve.

[pjackson0523 158]

I went through True Results in Richardson and used Dr. Marsden. I loved him. Very personal and made both me and my hubby comfortable in my decision. The thing I love most is if I have a prob i call him personally, no nurse or answering service.

[gamergirl 4,609]

I am glad to hear you say that, that was my intent. Thanks!

BTW, she is a he.

oops Hi he! and welcome

[SassySenior 111]

Gamergirl - I knew it was a he. I probably would have been easier on a she. I'm glad you liked what he wrote. I didn't. It was deceptive to me to pretend to need a lot of info and not admit that you already had done a ton of research. I kind of felt like, he was saying well ... I already know that and a lot more. Especially, since I personally spent a lot of time locating the info on research I had done. Just be honest and not pretensive is my point. Don't play me. Don't pretend to be a "newbie" when you're not.

[No game 14,437]

Sassy I just read the whole exchange...

While I can't tell someone here outright that they are off their rocker (that would be rude)

I can say you are way off base in your assumptions about what transpired between you and the OP..