"I absolutely loved my surgeon, my nutritionalist (DeeDee) and the nurses were awsome. Especially Robert, Katherine, Lisa and many others that I can't remeber their names. The P.A.'s seemed to talk too fast when they came in, and I had the feeling they were rushing. They probably were, because they seemed to be a little short staffed. Things were quiet, and everyone was smiling and eager to help out with anything. I shut my door when I was able to get out of bed, and they kept it shut when they left. The nurses were quick to respond to my "call" button, and really great with trying to make me comfortable. I never felt alone, which is great, because a stay in the hospital can be a scarey thing. The nurses were happy to just smile and chat, and pat my hand, even if it was 3:00 in the morning. I don't want to go back to a hospital ever, but if I had too, I would go there!"
"I picked this doctor because of his experience with the RNY. I liked the fact that he had done an internship at Cedars Sinai, also the fact he was a retired Naval commander.
I didn't want to have the head surgeon at the center for my surgeon, because I felt he might be distracted with administrative duties and perhaps not as focused on the patient.
When I first met Dr. Ali, he seemed friendly and reserved. He wasn't super jovial, but that's just his personality. He was nice, and attentive. Very informative. Smiled at a picture I showed him of my kids, but in general a very serious type of person.
I had the distinct impression he was a precision sort of person by his mannnerisms. He was precise and clean with every movement he made. Even turning pages in the report. Nothing sloppy about him. I guess it could be the military training...but for me.. that's the personality trait I was looking for in a surgeon. Someone who was precise and really good at following the protocol. If someone is choosing a surgeon I think it's better to ignore personality traits and focus on what kind of JOB you think they could do.
I have nothing negative to say about Dr. Ali. I would recommend him to anyone considering this surgery. I can tell from my incision, that the job was clean and well done. He did everything I asked him to do. I had an open RNY, and although it was more painfull in the begining, I'm still glad I went that route.
I would rate Dr. Ali as 10 for surgeon. "
