"I can’t say enough nice things about the Centennial Center for the Treatment of Obesity and Dr. Hugh Houston. The program there has guided me through this process step by step. I am not sure how anyone can complete all of the requirements without someone helping guide them.
My primary care physician, Dr. David Edwards a very caringly, referred me. Shortly after my referral and attended an informational session. The session was very informative, covered all of the WLS options offered, described the procedures and the pros and cons of each. This session was lead by one of the surgeons who was able to answer everyone’s questions. There was also office staff on hand to answer questions about insurance and payment options and to describe the overall process not just the surgical procedures. It was extra nice that some of the staff had also had WLS so they provided a personal insight.
So I began my research and scheduled an appointment with Dr. Houston. I selected Dr. Houston because of the particular surgery I was interested in and many good things I had heard about him from others. I was very impressed from the first minute I met Dr. Houston. He stopped by the room I was waiting and introduced himself then let me know that he needed to run across the street to the hospital to check on a patient and would be back in about 20 minutes. He said if I didn’t have time to wait I could reschedule (I had time and a book so I didn’t mind waiting). I was very impressed the he took the top to stop in personally rather than sending in a member of the office staff or worse yet just leaving me sitting there. He returned in about 30 minutes and apologized for the delay. I thought he might be in a hurry so he could get back on track, but I didn’t feel rushed at all. He proceeded to discuss each of the surgery options the pros and cons and possible complications. Once he was finished he asked which surgery I was interested in. I had the list narrowed down to two procedures and he thought one of my choices was probably a good option but thought the other one might not be such a good option and he proceeded to explain why. We finally settled on a procedure and he asked me to try to lose 40lbs before my surgery.
So in made my way through the 3 month program required by my insurance. Again I can’t say enough about this program. It was very helpful. Especially the psychologist led support group sessions and just the general support to make sure that I was on track to meet all of my insurance requirements. After three months I went back to meet with Dr. Houston. I have lost about 32 of the 40 pounds he had requested I lose. I was afraid he might be disappointed because I didn’t lose the entire 40 and certainly didn’t expect a complement because several people have told me he rarely gives complements. I was surprised when he looked at my chart and was very complementary of my weight loss. He tone then became more serious. He told me that he had some concerns about the procedure I had selected and proceeded to explain why. He was recommending a less aggressive approach based on some over all concerns he had about the procedure and based on my weight loss during the past 3 months. He thought I might not need the more aggressive surgery. It was my understanding that this was supposed to be a 15 appointment, but it was more than double that as we discussed his recommendation and my feelings about that. He said he would do the procedure we originally planned on if I wanted but he strongly advised me to have a different procedure. During this exchange it was very clear how much he cares about his patients and wants to make sure they do well and receive the procedure that is best suited to their needs. I am 100% comfortable with Dr. Houston performing my procedure and I was touched by his support and concern.
My surgery has been scheduled!
"
"I can’t say enough nice things about the Centennial Center for the Treatment of Obesity and Dr. Hugh Houston. The program there has guided me through this process step by step. I am not sure how anyone can complete all of the requirements without someone helping guide them.
My primary care physician, Dr. David Edwards a very caringly, referred me. Shortly after my referral and attended an informational session. The session was very informative, covered all of the WLS options offered, described the procedures and the pros and cons of each. This session was lead by one of the surgeons who was able to answer everyone’s questions. There was also office staff on hand to answer questions about insurance and payment options and to describe the overall process not just the surgical procedures. It was extra nice that some of the staff had also had WLS so they provided a personal insight.
So I began my research and scheduled an appointment with Dr. Houston. I selected Dr. Houston because of the particular surgery I was interested in and many good things I had heard about him from others. I was very impressed from the first minute I met Dr. Houston. He stopped by the room I was waiting and introduced himself then let me know that he needed to run across the street to the hospital to check on a patient and would be back in about 20 minutes. He said if I didn’t have time to wait I could reschedule (I had time and a book so I didn’t mind waiting). I was very impressed the he took the top to stop in personally rather than sending in a member of the office staff or worse yet just leaving me sitting there. He returned in about 30 minutes and apologized for the delay. I thought he might be in a hurry so he could get back on track, but I didn’t feel rushed at all. He proceeded to discuss each of the surgery options the pros and cons and possible complications. Once he was finished he asked which surgery I was interested in. I had the list narrowed down to two procedures and he thought one of my choices was probably a good option but thought the other one might not be such a good option and he proceeded to explain why. We finally settled on a procedure and he asked me to try to lose 40lbs before my surgery.
So in made my way through the 3 month program required by my insurance. Again I can’t say enough about this program. It was very helpful. Especially the psychologist led support group sessions and just the general support to make sure that I was on track to meet all of my insurance requirements. After three months I went back to meet with Dr. Houston. I have lost about 32 of the 40 pounds he had requested I lose. I was afraid he might be disappointed because I didn’t lose the entire 40 and certainly didn’t expect a complement because several people have told me he rarely gives complements. I was surprised when he looked at my chart and was very complementary of my weight loss. He tone then became more serious. He told me that he had some concerns about the procedure I had selected and proceeded to explain why. He was recommending a less aggressive approach based on some over all concerns he had about the procedure and based on my weight loss during the past 3 months. He thought I might not need the more aggressive surgery. It was my understanding that this was supposed to be a 15 appointment, but it was more than double that as we discussed his recommendation and my feelings about that. He said he would do the procedure we originally planned on if I wanted but he strongly advised me to have a different procedure. During this exchange it was very clear how much he cares about his patients and wants to make sure they do well and receive the procedure that is best suited to their needs. I am 100% comfortable with Dr. Houston performing my procedure and I was touched by his support and concern.
My surgery has been scheduled!
"
