Weight Loss Surgery Forums

Samuel Bledsoe, MD
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Contributing sponsor since October 2010!
"Dr. Bledsoe is a shining example of what you want a surgeon to be. He has a wonderful bedside manner, and true compassion for his patients. He performed my gastric sleeve surgery, and I felt well prepared for it. He walked me through every step of the way, making sure to answer every question I had. He is very confident in what he is doing, and he does an excellent job. He is truly a wonderful surgeon. I had no complications at all with my surgery. Everything went beautifully, and I am now 80 pounds lighter than before my surgery. As for follow-up care, he can't be beat. If I were to have a checklist of everything I want a surgeon to be, Dr. Samuel Bledsoe gets every checkmark on the list. I truly cannot say enough good about him. If you are considering surgery, you'll be in good hands with Dr. Bledsoe."- jt4some

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Elmer Valin, MD
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Contributing sponsor since October 2001!
"Dr. Valin is extremely professional and has a very confident manner. He is not intimidating and I found him to be very friendly. He takes time to answer all questions without being condescending. My continued contact with Dr. Valin simply reinforced my earlier impression that I had chosen the right surgeon and practice for my RNY procedure. Dr. Valin's office staff couldn't have been more accommodating, friendlier or more attentive. Debbie Valin, APRN, is the top office staffer and is an extremely personable and medically informed person. Debbie is a straight talker, as is Dr. Valin. The practice provided a great deal of written material prior to surgery, so there were no surprises. The aftercare program is spelled out in the material and in discussions with Dr. Valin and his staff. As for risks, Dr. Valin was very direct, citing statistics on the risk of RNY surgery. My choice came after research spanning more than a year and I would rate Dr, Valin among the tops in all categories."-stevefeica

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T. Ryan Heider, MD, FACS
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Contributing sponsor since February 2012!
"WOW, what can I say...there's not enough room here for me to go on and on about the staff at the Center for Surgical Weight Loss. I love all of them and can't thank Dr. Heider enough for saving my life and giving me back my self-esteem. I had the VSG on 1-13-11 and have felt amazing since I got out of surgery. I've lost 52 pounds and 33 inches all over. I've gone from a size 16/18 to a 12 (which is starting to get big on me) and I'm 4'11''. All my levels were high and now are normal. I feel great and am looking forward to continuing this journey to my goal and to be able to enjoy the rest of my life feeling healthy and happy. Besides everyone at the center, I have an awesome support person, my husband – he's been great, he's my rock – love you honey! If you are someone thinking about bariatric surgery, I highly recommend the center and Dr. Heider…you won't be disappointed. Good Luck and God Bless!"- anewme11311

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Wade Barker, MD
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Contributing sponsor since August 2004!
"Dr. Barker and his staff have been nothing but good to me. Everyone from the office staff to the hospital staff that took care of me through my surgical stay has been terrific! They are a very knowledgeable group of healthcare professionals who are committed to excellence. Thank you so much for the care you have provided me!" -Shannon P.

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Matthew Metz, MD, FACS
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Contributing sponsor since September 2004!
"I work in a Denver hospital and first met Dr. Metz when he was in checking on another patient of his. When he was finished making notes in the other patient's chart I started a casual, inquisitive conversation with him and he was very willing to talk to me. We didn't have long to chat, so he left me his contact information.

When I called the next day it was actually Dr. Metz that answered the phone. This impressed me because most surgeons would let the phone go to voicemail if their office staff couldn't get to it; "We all help each other around here," was his comment. My first appointment was two days after that phone call and on that day I met with Dr. Metz, Allyson (his Nurse Practitioner), Lindsey (his Dietitian), Justin (his consulting Psychologist) and Jo (his Office Coordinator). Aimee has since taken over the psychosocial position on the staff. All of the staff … every time … has been super-easy to work with.

So far as bedside manner, he's one of the best you could hope for. He starts with observing and listening instead of theorizing and lecturing. He doesn't "sugar-coat" anything, but he's very thorough and will not leave a subject until he's sure that you understand what's going on. 'm not very far into aftercare, but it is very structured and I know that the answer to any question that I have is only a phone call away. In conclusion I most highly recommend Dr. Metz & his staff for anyone who is considering bariatric surgery of any kind, even if you have to make a significant drive to get to them."-Troy Roberts

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Naveen Ballem, MD
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Contributing sponsor since March 2009!
"I met Dr. Ballem via a friend. I wouldn't have met him otherwise. I'm glad she invited me to her consult. I couldn't have a more caring, good-natured Surgeon/Dr. His bedside manner is wonderful. Before having the surgery, I had chronic back pain and my knees and Achilles tendons were aching all the time. I spent 85% of my time at the corner store purchasing packets of Advil ((PM). The first week after the surgery 11/04/2010 I lost not only 9 lbs. but also my back pain & knee aches. I don't regret the decision. It's been 1 month. I can spend more time with my son in the park because I have more energy. I'm looking forward, and am excited about what's ahead."– lauriebraman

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