Dr. Stuart Verseman, MD

I initially pursued bariatric surgery with Dr. Stuart Verseman, MD, but withdrew from his care six days before my scheduled surgery date due to serious concerns about his understanding of autoimmune disease—specifically rheumatoid arthritis (RA). During my first consultation, Dr. Verseman never disclosed that he would require me to abruptly stop my RA medications for a full month before surgery and a full month after—two straight months without disease-modifying therapy. This was only communicated late in the process. At that same visit, while reviewing my medication list, he questioned whether I had “real migraines” because I take migraine medication, which I found dismissive and inappropriate. As surgery approached, my concerns grew. I was told to stop most of my RA medications, with minimal discussion and no evidence-based explanation. Anyone living with RA understands that abruptly stopping disease-modifying drugs is not a minor decision—it can trigger severe flares, irreversible… joint damage, and unnecessary suffering. Equally concerning was Dr. Verseman’s lack of interest in coordinating care with my rheumatologist or acknowledging that RA patients require individualized perioperative planning. This felt like a rigid, one-size-fits-all surgical protocol applied to a condition that absolutely does not work that way. His methotrexate protocol is not evidence-based. At the end of my time in this program, his physician assistant made rude and biased comments about my RA medications that reflected a lack of education about autoimmune disease. Additionally, obtaining medical records was unnecessarily difficult due to the use of an outside records management company. The bariatric support group led by one of the nurses was unprofessional—containing inappropriate jokes and little meaningful guidance. Ultimately, I found a surgeon who truly understands patients living with rheumatoid arthritis: Dr. Kemmeter, FACS, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His office prioritizes evidence-based care, interdisciplinary coordination, and patient safety. The difference was night and day. If you are a bariatric patient with rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disease, I strongly recommend choosing a surgeon who understands immunosuppressive therapy and works closely with rheumatology. Surgery is stressful enough without being placed at risk by outdated or inflexible medication protocols. I am relieved I did not proceed with surgery at Borgess Bariatric Center and encourage others to do thorough research and have direct, informed discussions before choosing a surgeon.