"I really liked Dr. Carlin when I met him. His office staff was very knowledgeable and pleasent. Dr. Carlin was straightforward, but respectful and caring. He answered all of my questions throughly, and I had a lot of questions!! He talked a lot about after care, and emphasized the role of the dietician, and the heath psychologist, as well as the role of exercise. He frankly discussed the risks of surgery, and talked about co-morbid conditions. He was also very clear about NOT having surgery if I was ill, why not, and promised he would get me in as soon as I was well. I haven't had the surgery yet, but so far he gets 10/10. I think that both competence and bedside manner are important in different ways. I want a surgeon I am comfotable with, but that doesn't help if they are an idiot in the OR. On the other hand, they may be brilliant in the OR, but if I don't feel comfortable discussing something with them, then they may not have information that they need. "
