Is anyone out there from Kentucky?

[hollynn 0]

Be wary of Dr. Shina. He has a terrible bedside manner and has done some crazy things. My friend had, well attempted to have lap-band with him a few months ago, and he started surgery and quit without doing the band. This is the third case I have heard of him not doing the surgery. One a rumor from obesityhelp website, but the other two I know are fact from nurses on the 7th floor at his hospital. The 7th floor is where all the patients go. It is very nice there with private rooms. I don't know much about it, but Baptist hospital is now doing these surgeries and it is by far the nicest hospital in town, but the program is very new.

I am a big fan of Dr. Geller who is also at Suburban hospital, but I also like Dr. Allen and Dr. Tanner at the downtown hospital. Most of my friends who had the band surgery with Shina quit seeing him and switched docs for their fills and they couldn't be happier, some went to Allen and some to Geller.

I know Geller was the first to do the band at that hospital about 5 years and Shina started about 1-1.5 years ago. He seems to prefer doing gastric bypasses. There is some story about why he took so long to do the bands, something like the company didn't want him doing them. I know this sounds crazy, but check with him and see what he says. I have worked with his patients before in the hospital.

Holly

[regnur617 2]

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

[Glammaw 15]

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!

[phenry 0]

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!

[Glammaw 15]

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.

[regnur617 2]

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

[amygibson82 12]

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!

[LadyMaggie 145]

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