Dr. Callery vs. Dr. Mueller :confused: - ThinnerTimes

Bypassingme619 · 03-08-2005, 08:57 PM

Ok I have a delema. When I started this process with my insurance company I was being refered to Dr. Callery because at the time Dr. Mueller was not doing the gastric bypass surgeries and my insurance was contrated with Dr. Callery. So now that I have won my battle and finally have a yes I want to go to Dr. Mueller. I have been to the Sharp seminar and even attended one of the Sharp support groups. I am a sharp employee as well. So I would like to go to Dr. Mueller instead of Dr. Callery.

Has anyone been in this situation? If so what channels would I have to go through or what are the odds even that you guys think they would allow me to switch Doctors?

I have Sharp Health Plan(HMO) and Dr. Mueller is an Sharp Doctor. Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Blueyz · 03-08-2005, 09:22 PM

I am sorry, but I am biased. I just love Dr. Callery. He is very intelligent and is very good at what he does. He has a passion for his job. I was referred to Alvarado and Scripps and I chose Dr. Callery. I really don't know what you should do. All I know is Dr. Callery is great and I am so thankful I chose him. He gave me new life.

Dara · 03-08-2005, 10:35 PM

I'm sorry, but I can't really give you much objective input. Although I attended a Sharp seminar in early 2002, I can't remember either surgeon's name and, frankly, I was not overly impressed. However, I could have been influenced by the fact that I was not ready for the surgery at that point.

When I finally made the decision to go ahead with surgery in the fall of 2003, I was referred to Dr. Callery by my medical group, SCMG. I have to say that I was totally impressed by Dr. Callery. His seminar was educational, forthright, honest and completely down-to-earth. There was no "hard sell" at all.

I have never regretted my decision or Dr. Callery as my surgeon. I have been so blessed with his expertise and care--I have had no complications whatsoever. I would put my life in Dr. Callery's hands in a heartbeat.

Of course, you must make your own decision. However, I feel that you cannot find a better surgeon than Dr. Callery. Good luck with your search.

watergirl · 03-09-2005, 06:15 AM

I did three years worth of research on Doctors and I feel I could not have choosen a better doctor than Dr. Callery.

I'm sure your doctor is fine, just check their statistics/history. Do your homework so that you are comfortable with your decision.

bridgetgirl · 03-09-2005, 08:21 AM

I did research for 5 years! I interviewed 5 different surgeons as well, and I CHOSE Dr Callery as well. My advice to you is to see how many surgeries Dr Mueller has done, he may be a rally great guy but you are not considered an expert in your field until you have done 200 surgical procedures. Dr calley has done alot more than that.... best wishes on your decision, I know how stressful it can be. Good luck!

Gladitsme · 03-09-2005, 09:15 AM

I attended Dr. Mueller's seminar in December, and was very impressed with him. I tried to get the ok thru Sharp Rees Stealy, but they contract only with Dr. Callery. I went to Dr. Callery's seminar last night, and to be honest, I'm more impressed with him. He was totally honest about the risks and benefits, and he talked about what worked and doesn't for patients. He has an amazing support system, and his insistence that my husband be a part of the process made a huge difference for me. He also has an excellent support network, including this website & the support groups.

Ms.P · 03-09-2005, 11:46 AM

I have to agree with Bridget on this one. It would concen me that Dr. Mueller was not doing surgeries. There is a higher incidence of mortality with the fewer number of surgeries.

I had my surgery Monday. I have no complaints.

My mother was operated on through Sharp and have seen both facilities. I was impressed with Pomerado and that is generally difficult to say about any hospital.

Melanie

308/317/160

Open 3/7/2005

triciaknox · 03-09-2005, 12:25 PM

I got sent to the Sharp seminar by mistake when I started this process. I was NOT impressed either with the doctors or with thier staff. They just DIDN'T seem to care one way or another. Finally wrung an answer out of them that they were out of network for my insurance, called my doctor, and found that I should have been sent to Dr Callery. At this time I was battling for this on my own and almost gave up. I called Dr Callery's office, frankly expecting the same treatment I got from the other office, and I was pleasantly surprised. They were EXTREMELY helpful, answered all of my questions, got me signed up for a seminar that was already "full" and just made me feel that I wasn't alone anymore.

The Sharp's seminar I went to the staff was evasive when asked questions about how many patients they had lost, complications, etc. Didn't give me the warm fuzzy feeling if you know what I mean.

Just my two cents worth!