Looking for surgeon/hospital in NSW

Hi I just had my first appointment with Dr Kuzinkovas last Friday , as I'm looking into having my 10 year old band removed and would like gastic bypass instead . I found Dr Kuzinkovas to be very easy to talk to and explained my options in a way I totally clearly understood . Wonderful man looking forward to seeing him again in October ( waiting for my 12 months to pass on health fund ) :( wish it was already up .

RaniL wrote:

Can I ask who your surgeon is Helga?
Rani

Sure... my surgeon is Dr Roy Brancatisano for the Institute of Weight control. He is private (I'm not sure if he dose public as well) Its a full service clinic with dieticians, therapists, etc. They are very good at what they do, great bed side manner also.

Hi Rani Whereabouts in Victoria are you?

Hi Rani

I thought I might add my surgeon for your consideration as well. I was sleeved by Dr Craig Taylor from the O Clinic in Crows Nest. My operation was done at the Sydney Adventist Hospital. He also operates at the Mater (which is just down the street from his rooms) and he also operates at Concord Hospital which is public. He also has his own team of registrars at Concord.

Dr Taylor is very up to date with bariatric surgery and specialises in band and sleeve. He has to date a zero leak record. He is also very strict with his patients post op care prevent leaks.

His website is www.oclinic.com.au

There is some good info there.

Dr Talbot performed my surgery at St George Private Hospital, about 5 years ago. At that time, he was very experienced - when many others were just starting out doing sleeves. He was recommended to me by someone online, and we spoke on the phone so I could ask her a million questions, and one of the things she told me was that she was an RN and had checked into things that 'normal' people aren't able to. One of them was ongoing training, and she was very impressed that he did a lot of that.

I found him very easy to talk to - he answered every one of my questions (and I had a LOT of questions), and demonstrated a good understanding of weight loss issues. Because I've moved states - twice - since about a year out, I haven't kept in touch.

Good luck choosing your surgeon and hospital (St George public is very close, in case of emergency that the private hospital couldn't handle).

Thank you so much. Yes, Dr Talbot was my first choice in Sydney. As my BMI is 'only' 34 (the day I had my band removed) I will probably be declined a VSG 'until' my BMI increases. Sadly, I know from my past history there is no way I can sustain my weight and it just goes up. My weight has increased with the band even with the repeated vomiting and problems. I KNOW my weight will only increase and with every kg I feel more puffed and less physically able. I just want to be taken seriously by a surgeon who has some understanding of weight issues. A new band seems pointless as the last two didn't work (and I want to do some remote area travel for work in the future and don't fee safe with a band in remote areas).
I will try to get another apt with another surgeon while i am in VIctoria (to save another trip and $$)

Thanks for sharing your info and ideas..

Rani

Hi Ranil, Just to let you know St. George private, is where I had my sleeve done. They are very expierenced there, and are trying to get accrediation for centre of excellence. My surgeon was Dr. Kusinkovas, or his partner Dr. Talbot. they have both been doing this surgery for a long time now. They also have dietician, and physic. for all pre and after care. Total cost $3900ap plus aniestec? $1800. some back from medicare.hope this helps. jules

Can I ask who your surgeon is Helga?

I have an apt with a surgeon in VIctoria in March. I will be sure to ask those questions but also go for a second opinion.
Thanks so much for your info.

Rani

I'm not really up on the best surgeon, but the things a nurse who had the surgery told me to look out for was that they staple and stitch once the sleeve is done to minimize the chance of leaking.

I went back to my surgeon who did my band 6 years ago and I interviewed him as I didn't want to pick a surgeon without being 100% sure. One of the first things he told me was he staples and stitches. I was so happy with his response to everything and because my band hasn't worked I didn't pay anything for my band removal and the sleeve surgery is like half the price because he believes in helping those who didn't have the option for sleeving back then.

He said to me, if this was your first surgery I wouldn't even recommend the band for you. It's different for each individual.

I personally prefer the Private sector, the hospitals are nicer, the service was great, really impressed and I have spent lots of time in hospitals over the last 3 years so I can really tell the difference. I think as long as your happy with the doctor you will be right. Good luck picking a doctor/ hospital!

Who is the most prominent WLS in NSW or Vic? I want to see someone with the most about of experience in VSG as research demonstrates that surgeons who have performed more than 500 surgeries as less likely to have complications.

Also, would you recommend a private or public hospital (I have health insurance)
I am an RN and have worked in both sectors and know that the public system is by far preferable with medical care if something goes wrong but is not necessarily as 'comfortable and pleasant' as a private.
I would like to know of a hospital that regularly treats major WLS patients and has good experience.