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Surgeon Testimonial

Robert 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"

Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by Trying on 7/22/06 9:10 am
    Hi Allecia I LOVE your site!! You look fabulous! I just got m surgery date (Aug 14, 2006) and I have read your website at least 20 times trying to get ready for the journey. I just want to say.. thank you for posting the notes AND the pictures. Im was going through these, "What if it doesnt work for me..." questions and "seeing" post op pics give me tremendous hope. Thanks again for taking the time to update and share!
  • Comment by Darlene S. on 10/9/05 9:19 pm
    Opps.. As I was going to say in the other comment..YOU LOOK AWESOME.!!!! Holy cow Lisa. You look so good. WOW..DOUBLE WOW!!!! Love you loads!!!! Mom
Click here for the surgery support page
Allecia's WLS Journey
This is my story and I'm sticking to it.

3-13-07
posted on 3/13/07 8:41 am
Okay, the very first thing I *must* do is to thank Debbie for updating my profile.  She ROCKS!!!  I get tears in my eyes every time I look at it!  Debbie, it looks absolutely amazing!  She is one of the July 2005 message board folks and is just a doll!  She offered to update my profile for me, and took all my ideas & put them together.  Didn't she do wonderful!  I am so pleased & stunned!  Debbie, you are amazing & consider myself lucky to have you in my life!

Wow, been too long since I posted anything.  Gosh, I remember posting weekly, or even daily there for awhile!  It's really important to me to keep this up now that I'm over a year out since all that stuff was so inspiring when I was a preop & first having surgery. Although I'm not sure how much encouragement I'll be.  While my life has changed, it certainly hasn't dramatically changed.    I guess I always was one to get out & live life and I'm still one to do that.  As much as finances & time will allow for of course!

One thing I'm not sure I've written about before is this elusive energy level that everyone seemed to get a HUGE boost of when they were post-op.  I'm almost 2 years out and am still waiting for it!  I get bummed if I dwell on it too much.  I guess I came to the conclusion that I'm just kind of normally a lazy-type person.  Not something I'm proud of but too lazy to do anything about!

Well there is a ton more things going on in my head, but I can't put them to words at the moment. It's all running around in there too fast!   Like I always say, I'll try to post more often & keep everyone in the loop.  The journey isn't over yet I'm afraid!  ;-)


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