I wanted this to be easier to find. I had to look around to find threads about this Center of Excellence. I have been schedualed for my first visit on Oct. 10 with Dr. Hirai. Share with us comments, complants and insights and smiles to what lurks behind those doors.

i sent ya a person message

Ok. Here are my two cents.. I was a RN at St. Francis in the ER until about a year ago. #1 Dr. Srikanth is a very nice person, very loving to his wife, and is very strict about the pre-op diet. #2 I went to his office about 9 months ago and was so upset by his office staff and the way they treated other hospital personal that I decided I could not use them. I spoke with his wife (office mgr) and let her know right away. She said they were working on it. #3 I had many of Dr. Oh's pts in the ER post-op with some type of issue. #4 I have only met Dr. Hirai once but he seemed very nice.

All that being said, I was just banded on Dec. 22nd with Dr. Neal in Olympia. Which costs quite a bit more than St. Francis surgeons and that is without an overnight stay. I think that says the most!!

I'm being banded Jan 20th with Dr Oh. I'm really happy with everything I've learned about him. While I was going through all the pre-op testing I talked to allot of the staff at St Francis. I heard how tough they can be, BUT almost always that was followed with "That's probably why his patients do so well"

Hang in there. It's worth it imo. :tongue2:

I am scheduled for dec 24th, Christmas Eve. I am really worried that I have not lost enough weight. I lost 20 lbs so far and the liquid diet starts on thursday.

I am so afraid I will not lose the 30 that I am supposed to. Last time I spoke to Dr. Oh he yelled at me for not losing weight and said, "I'm not kidding, I will cancel your surgery." I cried right there in his office. Now I am so sick with worry over not losing enough weight that last night I almost had a break down.

Everyone says he is not very nice, but he is very good.

I work for an insurance company, and I see A LOT of complications due to banding from the St Francis Surgery Center. A LOT of claims. They have a higher complication rate than say the Northwest Weight Loss Center does in Everett. I have never seen a complication due to the band from that center. I would do some more homework and perhaps make that drive to Everett.

I had my banding done by Dr Michaelson on 12/3/09, and so far it has been wonderful. The staff has been more than willing to help and answer questions. The nice thing about NorthWest Weight Loss Center, is almost EVERYONE in their office has a band and give such great encouragement.

Please RECONSIDER your location.

I was banded by Dr Oh Feb 2008. I too was told he was had to get along with and I actually found that we got along really well. He is strict about losing the weight before surgery. But just do your best. Once you by day 3 its cake. My weight loss hasnt been as fast as some, but Im done 70lbs in 10 months. Im happy with it. My goal is only 1lb a week and I meet that and more. Dont upset yourself it will all work out :sneaky: Youre starting down the road to a WONDERFUL experience. I feel so much better and Im really just getting going. Best of luck to you :thumbup:

After a one month whirl wind of tests (things move quickly when your private pay) and a 2 week liquid only diet tomorrow is the day! (May 11). Already down 25 pounds and ready for the next 25!!:biggrin: I hope I can sleep tonight! My surgeons will be Dr. Oh and Dr. Hirai