Dr. Cywes v. Dr. Baptista, Jacksonville, FL (Long Post)

[Stacia Renee 0]

I have work, so I am unable to read you entire post but I got the gist and you are right, that is haw doctor cywes is. But I have been going to him every month since my surgery on march 26 2007 and I'll tell you he is always trying to find a way to most effeciantly help each individual and untill you start meeting with him frequently one on one, you probably wont be able to see this. He does come off as quite the jerk sometimes but he isn't. He trully is a good doctor. He makes a lot of statements based on sterio types but give him a chance, he does have a LOT of patients and for a lot of them, these things are the way they live their lifes. I've lost 123pds since my surgery and I owe a lot of credet to cywes because yes, i did the work, but i couldn't have done it without him. you just have to be tolerant and patient. hear what he says and take what you can from him. he's a good doctor, i recomend him.

-Stacia Brownlee

[christiek 0]

At the last group meeting I went to, one of the staff at (the new location) Jacksonville Weight Loss Ctr. mentioned that patients can choose which surgeon they prefer to perform their surgery. This normally wouldn't be an issue for me, since I was assigned Dr. Cywes (he's a pediatric surgeon, and since I'm only 18, anatomically speaking as a woman I'm still technically "not mature" until my mid-20's due to bone ossification, organ development, etc.) and I would usually just stick with him.

Unfortunately, the man gets on my ever-loving nerves.

At my first appointment with him, it seemed like he did a lot of talking, and wasn't really listening, and jumped to some weird conclusions from what I was saying. He also recommended that instead of going to be by myself and read or listen to music when I'm stressed, I yell at my mother when she and I disagree on something. I... have no idea what kind of home he was raised in, but I need a place to live for at least the next year or so.... It also almost felt like he was picking on me (to try and get me motivated, I'm sure, but it was still weird that he would pick on my clothes), but it also seemed like his speeches were rehearsed and the same for every patient, "standard-issue". Of course I told my sisters and they think his speeches ("I can only guarantee you will fail", "You can't make the choice to have a well-fitting tucked in shirt", "You can't cross your legs like this", etc.) are hysterical. At my second meeting with him he talked even longer and kind of gave a speech/lecture on the cultural evolution of eating habits and carb addiction (it also irritated me that he got some of the speech wrong, but that's because I'm a giant nerd and knew that stuff already) in addition to his regular speeches, but I wouldn't mind a long appointment if it seemed like he really listened and heard what his patients were saying at all. The irritating behaviors were all back, but with the addition of using individuals as examples in front of the group; which again wouldn't be bad if he wasn't jumping to these odd conclusions about everyone's responses to his questions/prompts and if he wasn't making examples out of the people he solo'd out. All in all the group meeting was 2 hours long. I would go into more depth, but it would just turn into a rant where I make a lot of jokes re: what happened that are really off-topic to what I'm trying to find out, here.

I'm in the weird position where I know what he is trying to say, and being able to glean that good information from the repetitive annoying crap, and why he is trying to say it in the way that he is. I also know that a different method of delivery would be more effective in the "piss you off to motivate you" plan, at least for me; but that doesn't stop him from pissing me off fruitlessly and it doesn't stop him from ruining my day by getting me so angry and, I feel, wasting my time.

But I've heard he's an excellent surgeon (I've also heard that he is decidedly not an excellent surgeon, but there's definitely far more praise than criticism), and there is the pediatrics thing to consider, as well as the fact that I know Dr. C doesn't mean to come across as mean, that it's just his way of speaking and presenting information, blah blah blah. It's still annoying. I once flunked a highschool biology class because I couldn't stand the teacher, and I got an A when I had to go to summer school and redo it and passed the college equivalency exam for Biology that same year. Biology itself is not the problem for me. I reeeeeeaaaally don't want to take that same risk unless I know Dr. C is the better surgeon, because there's really no summer school for f****ing up a surgical procedure. There is only sadness, misery, and despair; I'd rather not be a sad, sad toaster made of glass post-op.

Dr. Baptista on the other hand is a total unknown for me regarding surgical skill and demeanor in a one-on-one setting. That really freaks me out a little bit. If I'm going to use him for my surgery, I have to know what I'm getting into. At the informational meeting I went to before I started my appointments at Jax Weight Loss, Dr. B seemed much friendlier and made a lot more jokes, but he also talked about twice as much as Dr. C does. So much for not wasting time... There is also the benefit that I can actually understand Dr. B's accent better than Dr. C's Aussie one, which I guess other people have the opposite problem? It also seems like Dr. C has more stringent standards for pre-op weight and liver size than Dr. B has, though I can't really speak for that since I haven't met with Dr. Baptista.

Is there anybody with a specific recommendation or warning against one or both of these docs? I'd really appreciate the information, especially if anyone has experience with both men. Thanks!!

I can tell you this dr.Baptista is the very best and DR,CYWES is after the old mighty dollor,

[WeightOff 0]

You have it all wrong about Cywes. He is not about the mighty dollar at all. If you have fallen on hard times, he sees you and doesn't ask you to pay. He wants everyone to do well and is extremely passionate about it. I thought that Dr. Cywes trained Dr. Baptista. Cywes is the main surgeon in the practice and has the most indepth understanding of weight loss and addiction. Baptista just tries to follow Cywes. Their personalities are somewhat different. So if you want someone to smile at you and lie about how well you are doing, by all means see Dr. B., but if you are truly interested in being successful with your weight loss, Cywes is the only one. Don't mistake his manner for lacking in compassion. He cares more than anyone. thats why he wants you to do well. He also has a great team now and his aftercare program is awesome! I don't need to have a friendly session with my doctor, I need to be motivated. Losing 2 lbs per month ain't gonna cut it for me. I could do that without surgery. I thank g-d for Dr. Cywes and his staff. They are the best you can hope for.

Edited March 12, 2010 by WeightOff

[christiek 0]

everyone has there own opinion of things and I can tell you from personal experience that DR,cywes has a very poor attitude toward his patients, maybe you were an exception, many times I have been in the office when DR.B patients have came in because something had got stuck and dr,c would not see them while DR,B was in surgery now I witnessed this myself but now he is willing to see DR,B patients now that the 2 have split up. and his staff is awful dana for one will never call you back no matter how many times you leave her voice mail. however what ever makes you happy go for. I had lap-band in AUG of last year and I am now 7mos post and have lost over 50lbs and could not be more happy with DR,BAPTISTA

[TC4Wy 0]

Boy do I agree with the original poster! I had no choice but to have Dr. Cywes, since they broke up during the time I was getting approved. All the Nurses and people I talked to as well as online reviews praise Dr. C but his bedside manner stinks! I am sick of him not listening to me and lumping me in with his over 4,000 patients he constantly reminds me of. I have followed every rule of his to a T and not once cheated. As a matter of fact it has taken me longer to get on real foods than it should. I am having pain and he said it was what and how I eat. No exam, no nothing. I have immune system issues and he just wants to sit there and tell me how right he is. In the mean time I am miserable and 6 weeks out still drinking most of my meals and eating mushy food. I have lost the weight he wants but his "in your face" attitude does not motivate me and I dread going back to him. It just ticks me off! Not to mention my 3 hour wait on both my post op AND my first fill appointment. If he cares so much for his patients, why do we wait 3 hours to get in a room then another 30-45 for him to come in and accuse you of doing what you aren't supposed to? If I cheated, I'd admit it. My results and my word should be proof enough. His own staff and the nurses at the hospital talk about his crappy bedside manner. They say "he is an awesome surgeon but we are working on his bedside manner." I guess having a good surgeon is worth the doctor being a pain in the butt, but he and I are about to have it out if he doesn't start listening to me.

[WeightOff 0]

everyone has there own opinion of things and I can tell you from personal experience that DR,cywes has a very poor attitude toward his patients, maybe you were an exception, many times I have been in the office when DR.B patients have came in because something had got stuck and dr,c would not see them while DR,B was in surgery now I witnessed this myself but now he is willing to see DR,B patients now that the 2 have split up. and his staff is awful dana for one will never call you back no matter how many times you leave her voice mail. however what ever makes you happy go for. I had lap-band® in AUG of last year and I am now 7mos post and have lost over 50lbs and could not be more happy with DR,BAPTISTA

I don't think I was an exception because I work with about 6 people who all had surgery with Cywes and feel the same way. I don't know anything about the getting stuck stuff but I know that I can call Dr. Cywes anytime, day or night and he will help me. I didn't hear that they split up. I heard that Cywes asked him to leave and that the main reason was that his patients weren't doing well. I have been to support group and heard from Baptsita patients who have switched that they are losing more weight now in a few months than they ever did with Baptista so i think you are the exception.

[christiek 0]

I don't think I was an exception because I work with about 6 people who all had surgery with Cywes and feel the same way. I don't know anything about the getting stuck stuff but I know that I can call Dr. Cywes anytime, day or night and he will help me. I didn't hear that they split up. I heard that Cywes asked him to leave and that the main reason was that his patients weren't doing well. I have been to support group and heard from Baptsita patients who have switched that they are losing more weight now in a few months than they ever did with Baptista so i think you are the exception.

first off we all have opinions! 2nd if DR.C office is telling you what happen between the 2 doctors that is not right and whom ever is revealing this info should be talked to, all DR.B has said is he is no longer with that group and to be honest I could careless why! I feel very safe with DR.B AND I am happy bottom line. I don't judge ppl off of hear say so when I talk poorly of DR.C its because of what I have seen from him. I joined this group for support not trying to argue over what doctor is better.

[joyfulworshipper 0]

I've experienced both doctors. My surgery was done by Dr. Baptista, Oct. 08. You will not go wrong with either of these men. However, I've been a nurse for 35 years and I've notice that most patients do well when they like their doctor. (Under stress I eat more)

I was in that small precentage of patients who developed complications. I disliked being yelled at as if I'd done something wrong. ( there was a can of ensure on my tray unopened from the hospital's kitchen) The diet slip did say full liquid. My next encounter I was yelled at for having gone to a digestive disease doctor for a problem swollowing instead of to his office. Guess where the referral came from? Bedside manner aside you will be in good hands.

I have to add that Dr. Baptista spoke with each of my doctors from PCP to neurologist on several occassions. He read there notes and participated in my care until I was well enough to continue with my weight loss journey. Great care and real concern for me as a person. You know who gets my vote.

[nikki c 16]

Wow, some interesting opinions! I have not yet been banded (hoping for next month, 6/11). I had my consult with dr c's new partner, dr pinnar. If anyone on here has doubts about being able to handle dr c's mouth i encourage them to see dr pinnar. very comforting, involved, and listen well. spent and hour with me on my consult! I think they are the best surgeons here in jax, and their after care and before care is AMAZING. They have a whole team of caring, attentive individuals and I can go in ANYTIME just to talk to someone. They hold bi monthly support groups and can be reached at anytime. I've found that the doctors move around their schedules to get me in asap. LOVE LOVE LOVE them!

[LookatmeNow34 25]

Surprised of the comments.. Dr C is a truthful person most obese people dont like to hear the truth to why they are obese. If you are a person who can not accept the truth dont see Dr. C..... Yes Baptista is gone but can not provide the sevices as Dr. C because he dont have all the credentials (confirmed by insurance company) Nevertheless I believe both are good doctors... Pinnar love him... Dr.C stay booked so he can't be that bad...Took excellent care of me!!!

[Puttingmyselffirst 1]

I have nothing but great, positive things to say about Dr C. He did my surgery in Feb 2011. He is motivating, explains everything to me, and is more than willing to answer all my questions. I love the accountability he provides for me. After all, we are the ones in charge of our weightloss. In fact, he gave me his cell phone number after the surgery and told me to call if I had any issues.

By chance, I saw Dr Pinnar for my last fill. He also seems very informed and caring. He took a lot of time with me during my appointment. But that could have been because it took him 20 minutes to access my port---ouch!!!