Dr Carson Liu- Los Angeles anyone??

di1138 · July 30, 2008

I am in the process of scheduling surgery with Dr Liu. Anyone have any experiences with him? Thanks

Diane

lindsaylee74 · July 30, 2008

There seems to be a variance depending on whether you see him through O-band or his own practice. I had originally planned to do my surgery with him because he's got such great PR, but my experience with his office--phone calls never returned, or returned a week later, weak help with insurance--turned me off, as well as what seemed like a pretty casual attitude toward pre-op testing and information. The doctor I finally went with had me get cardio clearance, pulmonary clearance, h. pylori test, etc. etc. Liu only did a blood test.

Nice guy, but if I can't get him on the phone BEFORE surgery, I didn't have much comfort about getting him on the phone if there was a problem.

di1138 · July 31, 2008

There seems to be a variance depending on whether you see him through O-band or his own practice. I had originally planned to do my surgery with him because he's got such great PR, but my experience with his office--phone calls never returned, or returned a week later, weak help with insurance--turned me off, as well as what seemed like a pretty casual attitude toward pre-op testing and information. The doctor I finally went with had me get cardio clearance, pulmonary clearance, h. pylori test, etc. etc. Liu only did a blood test.
Nice guy, but if I can't get him on the phone BEFORE surgery, I didn't have much comfort about getting him on the phone if there was a problem.

Thanks. I went through California Baratric and they were fantastic with helping me with the insurance end. I can't speak to what his pretesting requirement are yet however I had just had a work up from my cardiologist and took him all my recent records. Thanks for your input.

TravelLady48 · August 5, 2008

Hi Dane: So have you decided stick with Dr. Liu? I have have had many of my pre-test with another surgeon, but am not too thrilled with him, so I'm looking for another surgeon. Does Dr. Liu or his nutritionist give you guidelines to follow for a pre-op diet?

I would be very interested to know more about him, and I am planning on attending his seminar soon.

Anne

di1138 · August 5, 2008

Hi Dane: So have you decided stick with Dr. Liu? I have have had many of my pre-test with another surgeon, but am not too thrilled with him, so I'm looking for another surgeon. Does Dr. Liu or his nutritionist give you guidelines to follow for a pre-op diet?
I would be very interested to know more about him, and I am planning on attending his seminar soon.

Anne

Hi Anne, I am scheduled for surgery on Aug 22 with him. I really liked him since he took his time and did not rush me. He does not have much of a pre Op liquid diet, only 3-7 days. He does encourage you to do the 7. The nutritionist I spoke to was just okay. I was not impressed with her. She didnt give me a good answer regarding Protein intake. I will speak to him in detail about all the diets from liquids to food, at the preop appointment. The day I was there I spoke to a woman in the waiting room who was one month out and almost 45 lbs lighter! She was very happy with him. Good luck!

Diane

Twin Oak Gal · April 28, 2009

Hello: I had lap band surgery with Dr Carson Liu in March of 2005 and did not have a good experience, first off I almost died of a pulmanary embolism in both lungs, which Dr Liu blamed on my taking birth control pills when his staff never even asked if I was taking them and then when I called to find out if I could continue to take them I was told it was ok. So I was still in the hospital when I crashed sent to ICU - recovered then got a macular hemmorage in my eye - and more complications from there. Biggest issue is I did not lose any weight! I could never get the band to be in a place where it worked - I was either throwing everything up or could eat whatever I wanted. I recently had a Colonoscopy and the Dr told me the band was placed too high and that is probably why it never worked for me. Dr Liu is a competent surgeon, however if your surgery is not successful my experience was that he is not interested in helping you.

di1138 · April 28, 2009

Hello: I had lap band surgery with Dr Carson Liu in March of 2005 and did not have a good experience, first off I almost died of a pulmanary embolism in both lungs, which Dr Liu blamed on my taking birth control pills when his staff never even asked if I was taking them and then when I called to find out if I could continue to take them I was told it was ok. So I was still in the hospital when I crashed sent to ICU - recovered then got a macular hemmorage in my eye - and more complications from there. Biggest issue is I did not lose any weight! I could never get the band to be in a place where it worked - I was either throwing everything up or could eat whatever I wanted. I recently had a Colonoscopy and the Dr told me the band was placed too high and that is probably why it never worked for me. Dr Liu is a competent surgeon, however if your surgery is not successful my experience was that he is not interested in helping you.

This was an old post of mine and I must say my experience with him was fantastic. I am sorry to hear you went through what you did. I find every time I have gone to his office and even at the surgery center I was asked many times what meds I am taking. He also hit my sweet spot on my first fill. Off course we all know that losing with the band is not just being filled correctly, we also have to follow the "rules". The day of surgery and the day after he called me at home to see how I was doing. I never feel rushed in his office. He always takes his time and answers all questions. I would highly recommend him to anyone. Getting the band was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I hope you are well now.