"First impression: Business like, confident, thorough in his questions, and honest about your options and what to expect.
Ongoing impression: Dr. Colacchio is reserved, but with each appointment I felt he was in my corner, he is a very caring person who is proud of the success of his clients. I had no issues so I was pretty easy post-op but my friend suffered from out of control DM and he kept a very close eye on her when she developed some expected issues.
The staff: at South coast in the office and the nurses who staff the barriatric unit at Tobey Hospital were fantastic, caring and professional. They watched the patients closely.
After care: At South Coast aftercare is very important and they have a 5 year followup protocol. This program has support group meeting at 4 different sites each week and the topics include a nutrition session led by a nutritionist and a psychologist led life issues discussion group.
I would rate Dr. Colacchio as a 5 out 5 stars.
Dr. Colacchio is called a "surgeon's surgeon" in my area. Solid reputation, that is well deserved. I would send my family to him if they needed a surgeon.
I highly recommend Dr. Colacchio. I met him at an informational session at the end of April 2013, and completed the process with determination, very quickly. My coverage is BCBS of Massachusetts, and I was able to get approval for the surgery very quickly due to my poor health and a high BMI. At the beginning of this process I weighed more than 250 pounds. My consultation with Dr. Colacchio was matter of fact, and I asked him which procedure I was a candidate for. He said that I was a Bypass (RNY) candidate, not a sleeve. I am a teacher and wanted to have the surgery as early in July as possible. He reassured me that the time frame I wanted was possible but I would have to be assertive and keep all my appointments. I did and had the surgery on July 11, 2013. It was the best decision I have ever made for my health. I am down 50 pounds at the 3 month anniversary of my surgery, Feeling great, moving better, sleeping better, and my prescription meds have gone from 15 pills and an insulin shot to 6 pills and NO INSULIN. Every day I wake up to normal blood glucose readings, it is a miracle. Would I recommend the South Coast Surgical team? Yes!!! My advice is to follow the guidelines for preparation for surgery, involve those people in your life who will support you most. It is a huge life change, but if you are ready for it , you will find yourself being thankful for this opportunity to regain your health.
The only negative I would have to say is that when you are post-op the "hands-on" care by the CNA was lacking. The after care hospital unit did not focus on the comfort tasks like helping patients bathe. After surgery I was kept for 2 nights (3 days)with an IV in each hand, so washing and dressing was difficult. I had to ask for help. I also had to request my bed be changed. I am a nurse and I have certain expectations of care. The nurses were great, meds on time, teaching regarding discharge well done, assessment of my physical being done at appropriate times. But the nursing assistants were not on top of things. Also patients share a room, there are no private rooms on this unit and my roommate was a nightmare. Of course none of these things are a direct action of Dr. Colacchio.
Bottom line: I would do this again in a heart beat, overall the benefits have been fantastic. I wish you well in your decisions, and be sure to find the RIGHT Doc and the RIGHT program for you. "
