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Surgeon TestimonialRobert Read, M.D.My first impression of Dr. Read was how warm & compassionate he was. Since this is an overweight issue, and we all know how folks feel about that, I was afraid he would be condescending. Well, he wasn't at all! He looked me straight in the eye, and I could feel his compassion and wanting to help. Wow, I was blown away. And my impression never changed. I am almost 3 months out, and he still greets me with a handshake and a direct look with that warmth there.
His staff is also great. They visited with me every day I was in the hospital and followed up with numerous phone calls in the weeks that followed. They really go out of their way to get all the paperwork done as fast as possible and have everything ready. I've seen them burn the midnight oil, and I've also seen them *really* work with folks & their insurance to get this surgery. And it's all with compassion, and caring. You can just tell they care. In fact, I had an appointment, and was feeling kind of low. Well, one of the staff called me a few days later and asked how I was doing. She called because (and I quote), "You just seemed so sad" and she wanted to help me to feel better. Wow, I was so, so touched.
What did I like least about my surgeon? Hmm, I don't really know how to answer that. I can't think of anything whatsoever. He is such a nice man that cares about his patients, and remembers their names. I have nothing but great respect for Dr. Read.
What should future patients know about him... Hmm, the only thing I can think of is just be honest. He responds very well to that.
Dr. Read has started up the Samaratin Bariatric Program. This includes numerous informational sessions, lots of reading, and a Support Group. They strongly emphasize going to support group. We are also told to call if there are *any* issues, and I've seen/heard of him dealing with issues at all hours of the day/night. His staff keeps in close contact, and encourages us to call if there is anything going on. They are *very* involved in after care, and making sure this surgery is as successful as it can be.
Yes, Dr. Read, and his staff, have went over the risks of surgery numerous times. It was scary, but we all needed to know and understand it.
I would rate Dr. Read and the whole Bariatric Program the highest rating there is. I have had no complications, and everyone has been on top of checking up on me.
Dr. Read has a phenomenal Bedside manner, and he is the chief (or head, or whatever) of thoracic surgery, so his skills are way up there as well.
Working with Dr. Read and Samaratin Bariatric has been such a positive experience. I feel blessed to have gone through this the way that I have. Member Interests
- Arts - Want to be more involved in the Arts. Theater, ballet, etc.
- Books & Literature - I LOVE sci-fi/fantasy. :-) But will read almost anything.
- Family & Friends - Gotta mention my DH & DS! Plus all my amazing, wonderful friends!
- Fitness & Exercise - Looking to being all over more healthy. Like the naturalpath stuff. Like Yoga...
- Scrapbooks - This is a new hobby that I'm LOVING
- Outdoor - Love the beach and the mountains and associated activities.
- Horses - Horses are my life and my passion!
- Renaissance Festivals - Used to love D&D - This brings all that to life for me. I really dig it!
- Rock - Heavy Metal is my fave! Been getting in to Karaoke, too.
- Rock Hunting - Mostly for gems. Raw or cut; I love 'em all! Gotta have my "Sparklies"
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11-17-06
posted on 11/17/06 12:00 am
I wake up this morning and am feeling just *tons* better. Thank goodness! I can tell that I have/had something going on, but it's not like it was yesterday at all. I figure I'm well enough to go to work. Especially since I didn't have to have my guts looked at. There's an unpleasant experience. I might have taken the day off had they ended up doing that. I figure that if I start feeling like it's coming back or under the weather then I'll make an appointment with the on call Dr. and they can send me for whatever tests they want. I think it's a good plan. :) As I'm getting ready for work, I notice I have a VM on my phone. Huh? I see who it is and it's the ER calling to check up on me and make sure I'm okay. How sweet is that?? I was so touched! It was too early to call them back, but I thought that was way cool. So anyway, (another overused phrase, I know! ) I get to work and it's pretty busy and I completely space calling my bariatric center and telling them what's going on. I called them yesterday between the Urgent Care & ER visit (and they were way cool and confirmed that I had Dr. Read's pager and made sure I would call if I needed *anything*), but they were closed by the time I was home from the ER. I meant to call them this morning but I got busy & spaced it. I felt really bad about that because they all care so much. They call me at around 11:00 and see how I'm doing. I tell them the above story (from yesterday) and my plan for today and they're very compassionate & understanding and tell me to take care and call if I need anything at all. She tells me that I'm family. Aww, that made me feel special. Work goes okay and I'm feeling fairly decent. Like I said, I can tell that something wasn't quite right, but I'm feeling so much better and I think the worst has passed. I am afraid to eat anything, though. I drank a lot today, and kept sneaking handfuls of M&M's (did I mention there is a dish right next to me?) but didn't eat anything else but that. I'm scared to! At 3:30 my baratric center calls me back and says that Dr. Read wants to see me first thing Monday morning. Apparantly some of the Dr.'s were supposed to call him back and they never did and he was not a happy camper about it. So I'm to go in Monday morning at 9:00am and be ready for a CT scan. Not positive I'll have one done, but I should be prepared for it. Bummer. :-( Oh, and by the way, I'm on full liquids all weekend. !!!! What a drag! We had taco night at home on Wednesday night (the last time I had anything real to eat) and there is a ton of leftovers I was looking forward to having. I am bummed. Oh well. Anyway, I'll write up what happens on Monday. Wish me luck!
Fitness:
I LOVE Fitday. www.fitday.com As anyone who knows me knows, I am *not* one to count my calories and measure my food. I just hate it and it makes me miserable when I do. Then I heard about Fitday, and signed right up! What an awesome site! I have my journal open to the public, so feel free to check it out! It has my journal (if I write one, that is!), what I have eaten that day, my activities (okay, I decided to not put *everything* in there anymore. I want to be able to update it at work and I can't with all the TMI! So you are off the hook Mom! ) and weight. It's pretty cool. Anyway, here is the link to see my stuff: http://www.fitday.com/WebFit/PublicJournals.html?Owner=Allecia13
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