Baptist Center For Bariatric Surgery's Online Review Report Card

I had Roux-Y gastric bypass just over 20 years ago. 7 years ago, after having issues with problems with the feeling of food getting stuck in my throat, throwing up for relief, and pain indigestion in my chest and upper abdomen, A gastroenterologist referred me to Dr. Hodgett for a consult. Dr. Hodgett came in the room, didn't introduce himself and said, "You don't need surgery. I just need to slow down in my eating and chew smaller portions." He never addressed the obvious protrusion of my pouch (stomach) through my diaphragm. He wouldn't explain to me if that could be causing my problems. He was incredibly rude and unprofessional, constantly interrupting me. He said I don't have a stricture so the surgery isn't the issue. No physician has ever treated me so poorly in my life. For the record, any family or friends know how incredibly slow I eat. It’s common for me take 2-3 hours to finish meals because I don't want food to get stuck. I went back to that gastroenterologist. He read Dr. Hodgetts notes and apologize that I had a negative experience but never gave me any other referrals to another surgeon. I never understood why but because of that experience my primary doc prescription Omeprazole for some of the symptoms. Now, 7 years later, I go through the same process with another gastro specialist and this time, I'm referred to Dr. Morganthal, who I'm told has better bedside manner. I call the office to schedule and appoint. I’m told the doctor needs to review my records first. I get a call from his nurse who says after reviewing ALL my records, he takes the good ol' boys’ route and refuses to see me, saying I’m still a patient of Dr. Hodgett. I only saw Dr. Hodgett for 5 minutes, with him doing most of the talking. This nurse, who starts increasingly talking over me as the call continues, tells me Dr. Morganthal has 2 suggestions: (1) To see the original surgeon (he doesn’t want to touch another doctor’s work) who's now dead or (2) go to another surgeon, either one that’s part of North Florida Surgeons or another network. This nurse sarcastically, said since I’m in insurance, I should know how to do that. When I asked do I have to go to another bariatric surgeon, she said Dr. Morganthal didn't say that either, he just said another surgeon. At first, the nurse was going to give names of other surgeons within North Florida Surgeons but by the end call, she was speaking over me several times (I have documentation of this) and said, "I know over 90 surgeons and i no longer keep up with all their names." While I was asking her question about that response, she starts talking over me again, giving me 1-2 names but not bothering to care if I actually go the info. Actually the nurse suggested I could go back to the gastroenterologist, which makes no sense to me because they first recommended that I see a bariatric surgeon. What is crazy about all of this is that they keep referring to me not having a stricture, now and 7 years ago. As you may know, strictures can happen where they surgically connect the pouch limb to my small intestine. It can tighten and restrict food. I agree I don’t have a stricture! In my records, it’s clear that the gastroenterologist didn’t refer me to these DUMB@88ES about a stricture. They referred because my pouch and small intestine have herniated into my upper abdomen. Trust and believe, if have a life threatening issue as a result of there "good ol' boy" mentality and not addressing the actual medical condition I sought help for, I (or my family) will pursue this legally.

Not pleased with the amount of time it takes to get a call back from someone. They don't do anything more to help you other than their basic work duties. If I didn't have to start the whole process over I would have gone somewhere else.

Dr. Hodgett and Dr. Morgenthal are incredible and true experts in their field. I worked at Baptist at the time of my surgery and would not have done the surgery if I didn’t have complete and total trust in their work. 2 years later and I’m incredibly grateful for the second chance at a wonderful, active life.

You literally never see the doctor again after surgery. He doesn’t even come to the room following surgery to check on you. No post op visit with doctor either only a PA.

Phenomenal team! Highly recommend!

No complaints. Everyone at the office was awesome every step of the way!

Nothing but good things to say abt the team. So good and so good for my wife too!

From pre surgery to post, I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience with Baptist Bariatrics. From day one, they have been the most helpful office I’ve ever been to. The surgeons are personable and genuinely listen to your concerns and answer you questions. Any time I’ve called the office, I was quickly answered and given direction or advice from the billing department, scheduling department and the front desk. Before surgery during and after, I received great care. I’m sure there are several “behind the scenes” people that I haven’t met to thank, but have aided in my continued wonderful experience. There is an online social media support group that is run and monitored by the most knowledgeable nutritionist who is Very involved throughout the entire process. It is very convenient. I have never felt that I should have gone somewhere else because I truly believe you can’t get better care or service than what you will receive from this office. Y’all are ROCKSTARS!!! Worthy of 6 stars!

Dr. Morgenthal and his staff saved my life. I don't know where I would be today without them. My surgery went smoothly and I have had no complications. I am down 120 lbs in 9 months! I cannot recommend them enough to anyone wanting something more in their life and wanting to improve their health.

I am so very thankful for Baptist Bariatric center and dr Hodgett. What a life changing experience this journey has been! Jillian the dietitian and the rest of his staff is amazing. My health has been restored and within a couple of months of surgery I was off of five prescription meds and a multitude of health issues have been solved!