Brett Hansen Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.


'Dr. Hansen is new to our area. My first impression was "wow he is about the same age as I am." (early thirtys). I felt right away that he was someone to talk to . He is a very personal doctor. He sits right with you and talks TO you not AT you. While I was there the first things we talked about were risks and side effects

I think Dr. Hansen is great! I liked him the first time that I saw him! He is great about answering all of my qustions no matter how stupid they seem. He did great on my surgery and care afterwards. Any problem I was having or thought that I was having he and his staff would have me come up right away to check me. I had some fluid under my scar so I had to go see him in between appt. a couple times. I would definatly go bck to him!

I had first thought I would go out of town to have the surgery. I know the majority of people that work at the local hospital and that, along with being ashamed, made me want to go out of town. But, I decided that I was not alone in my struggle and for the sake of my family should stay in the area. I met Dr. Hansen today. I had heard really nice things about him. His office staff is absolutely terrific. Anyway, my first impression of Dr. Hansen was "oh my gosh! It is Jerry Lewis!" He is very friendly, open, and able to joke with you. He was willing to see me individually instead of in a group as is the norm. We discussed my unease with the local hospital and my desire to have family with me while an in-patient. We discussed risks, benefits, and the fulfillment that he receives from "changing people's lives" from doing this surgery. Everyone that I have talked with that has had the surgery will agree with that statement. So far I am happy with my decision to stay local. Dr. Hansen is very personable and I think that I would enjoy having him "rearrange my insides".
5/22/03: My surgery was scheduled with Dr. Hansen for May 5, 2003. Talk about getting excited!! I have my cupboard all set up with the "food" that I will be allowed during my first month. Then, on May 1, 2003 they called and told me that the hospital was cancelling further surgeries until they completed a "Risk Review". I'm not sure if they are just reviewing the potential cost to them for out of pocket expenses, the liability if something goes wrong, or they don't think that it should be done in such a small hospital (120 beds). So, I am waiting for the results from their review, however I have an appointment with Dr. Tersigni on June 25th. I'm hoping to have surgery by the end of the summer now...instead of the start. Depressing! But, I haven't gained any more weight! 06/21/2003: I had my surgery on 6/16/2003. The hospital decided to continue with the surgeries. I inquired to several people who came to visit me and it turned out to be faulty equipment on top of a high risk patient. I am very happy. I spent 4 days in the hospital. Dr. Hansen came to see me at least twice a day. He was/is very personable and open to questions and suggestions. I was allowed to have my family present with me, however my sister wanted me to be comfortable and continued to feed me ice chips....this made the NG tube output large and Dr. Hansen was concerned in the AM when he came to see me. I had to confess my transgression. However, he pulled the tube and I was sent to the surgical floor that day. Overall, my experience with the hospital, the doctor, and my insurance company has been favorable. 07/04/03: I am 2-1/2 weeks out and have lost 20lbs. I am very happy with the surgery, the surgeon and the hospital. I do feel that Dr. Hansen's office nurse is lacking in experience. When my staples were removed the weight of my stomach pulled the incision apart and I noticed a nasty colored drainage. When I called and spoke with her, she replied "well your incision is going to come apart a little". Being a healthcare worker I knew this was possible, but not necessary. I was able to use a strong liquid band-aid and new steri-strips to secure my incision and prevent it from opening further. When I returned to the Dr.'s office after 10 days, my incision is almost healed and looks remarkable well. The Dr. was even impressed and commented that he would have to consider this in the future. REMEMBER: NO incision should come apart after the staples/stitches are removed. This can lead to a greater complication!!