"I attended an initial group consultation with Dr. Appel and Kathy Kemp. There were only three ladies in the consultation. My first impression of Dr. Appel was that he was professional and to the point. He is not a "touchy-feely" kind of doctor. He explained the different operations and told us which one he does exclusively and why - open rny because it has the least side effects.
He explained their are risks with any surgery. Kathy explained all the pre-op testing that would be required - pap smear, pelvic exam, gallbladder ultrasound, psych evaluation, upper GI.
I came prepared with three pages of questions and he answered most of them during his presentation. He answered my remaining questions during his question and answer session.
I have read from other patient's posting that Dr. Appel was rated as one of the top ten surgeons in metro Atlanta. That level of recognition impresses me. I feel totally comfortable with his surgical ability. His bedside manner is probably non-existent.
Dr. Appel's was a little gruff. I though his answers to questions were somewhat dismissive if he though the questions was "silly". For example, I asked him about B-12 shots and he said the amount of B-12 needed by the body was neglible. Another patients asked him about hair loss and he did not seem to care about her concern.
Except, for those two instances, I was impressed with Dr. Appel. My ob/gyn - Leslie Pope - highly recommended him to me several years ago. It just took me a while to follow-up on her suggestion :) I spoke with Dr. Pope again recently at a check-up and she asked me what I thought of Dr. Appel after I told her I attended a group consultation. I said I did not always know how to take him. She just smiled and nodded. My primary care doctor does not know Dr. Appel personally, but she has had patients who have used him for surgery. They were are successful and impressed.
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