Shanu N. Kothari Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

Dr Kothari and staff are awesome. I had a series of medical issues. I had a nissen surgery done to correct my reflux. Unfortunately that surgery did not work. The surgeon that did that surgery refused to do bariactric surgery as the nissen would have to be undone then the bariactric surgery to be done. I am steroid dependent so I was an at risk patient. I went for a second opinion appointment with Dr Kothari. He ran some additional test on me and I went forward with my diatician appointments.Jill was awesome. She was very thorough and answered all our questions. It took some time and insurance finally approved my surgery. Dr Kothari explained to me the risks of doing the surgery but told me he would take my case. He did not pressure me but gave me the facts of my life if I was to continue as I was. I made the decision to schedule the surgery. My surgery went well. I failed the swallow study the morning after surgery. The surgery fellow was with me during the entire test. He talked to dr Kothari immediately and they came up with a plan. Dr pfieffer (fellow) told me dr Kothari wanted an X-ray. X-Ray showed inflammation. Dr Kothari visited and told me his thoughts. He was right on what was going on. I passed the study the next day. Both dr Kothari and Dr Pfieffer visited me daily to make sure I was doing ok. They did not visit the same time so I felt they were very concerned about me. I am 9 months out from my surgery and am doing very well. I am just about at my ideal weight and have had normal liver tests the first in ten years. Anytime I had any question I sent an email question to dr Kothari or Chris I always got an immediate response. I would highly recommend Dr Kothari and his entire staff for bariactric surgery. I wanted the best surgeon out there and I had him.

I am one month out and i am totally blown away at my results thus far i have lost over 70lbs. Dr. Kothari and his staff are totally wonderful, i am so blessed to have had him do my surgery and i would suggest him if you are looking for the best!

Post Date: 2/17/12 1:39 am

I so need to know the name of her doctor at Mayo. I live near Mayo or LaCrosse WI and I need a revision. I keep losing weight. 5'2" and 96lbs. I am weak and want to die. I am breaking bones. I cannot eat sugar or milk products so I eat salad. My reg Doc wants to put a feeding tube in me and I dont think that is the right choice. My RNY was done in 8/1/06 and the doctors in LaCrosse WI do not want to see me. I have attempted suicide 3 times and the last time almost succeeded.
I go to a Psychologist and the other one. I forgeet things. I have shortened my life. They say my bones are like an 80 year old and I just turned 50 in December.

Please if I can get a name of a good Mayo doc SOON before I give up!!! I hurt so bad!! I am always nauseous. Something is not right!!

Anyone please help!!!

PLEASE!

Angel

I am only 2 1/2 weeks out from surgery, but my experience has been wonderful so far. I had a great surgery experience in the hospital. All of my team was very friendly and helpful. They were checking on me at least twice a day while in the hospital. I have had no complications thus far.

Doctor Kothari and the whole LaCrosse staff ROCKS! The LaCrosse system is WAY ahead of the rest of the country. They have you eating semi-normal food almost right away while every one else is eating liquids only or pureed. LaCrosse studies show no need. Cutting edge!
Their pre and post op care is the key. Great training as to what to do and how to make it work. Very accessible to ask questions afterward. They said I could have them on "speed dial".

I think that Dr Kothari is great as well as the rest of his team!!! They all seem to really care about you and want to hear your questions and are more then happy to help you with any of your concerns. They never seem to be in a rush to get you out the door so they can get to the next patient, etc.

What was your first impression of him/her?
Jovial, likable, and a straight-shooter

How did your impression change over time?
It didn't but I interact more with the rest of the team than the surgeon.

How would you describe his/her office staff?
From the initial seminar through the meetings with the team, I have been very pleased.

What did you like least about him/her?
Fairly long waithing list after approved. I lucked out and got in early because there was a cancellation.

What should future patients know about him/her?


How much does he/she emphasize aftercare? Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?
Monthly meetings aren't mandatory but highly encouraged.

How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
The initial information seminar addresses some of the basics. Then, during the first meeting with the team and the surgeon they show a detailed custom video.

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great?
Both are great!

I had heard many people speak of this surgeon's skill and success. I have only spoken with him once so far. He was friendly, knowledgeable and gave me a lot of information. He comes across as a little task oriented, but I didn't care because I want the best. He has a very strong support team of counselors, dieticians, PA, Rns that provide a great deal of education and support leading up the procedure. Showed me a video highlighting all the risks of the surgery. The surgery went very well and I had no complications (ten days post op). There is a great team of people that work with him making it a great experience. I actually enjoyed the Surgeon who worked with him as a fellow more than him on a personal level. The fellow was very friendly and helpful and seemed to have more time. However, I will repeat that he is definately a highly skilled surgeon and I would recommend him to anyone. The only thing that was frustrating is how some of their reading literature seems to contradict itself. For example, how much calcium to take and what foods can be eaten after surgery.

Christopher Larson the physicain's assistant was the first person I met with, then I met Dr. Shanu Kothari. My impression of them is the same for both. They were welcoming, friendly and professional. They put me at ease, asked questions of me, and listened well. They both described risks with weight loss surgery and reasons not to get it. It was clear that it was my choice, not theirs. The process and procedure was explained in detail. I felt free to ask questions and get them answered. The office staff is also friendly and professional. I do recommend this doctor and his services based on my experiences so far.

Initial impression was he was very professional and knowledgeable. He has performed over 550 WLS and everyone I have talked to that has had the surgery, has had it done by him. He is at Gundersen Lutheran in La Crosse, WI and performa primarily Laparoscopic GB but will do open if it is warranted.rnrnI would recommend him to anyone in the area that is considering having it done. He is very in tune to the aftercare and support groups that Gundersen offers and has a fabulous dietary staff as well as surgery team that are all about the patient.