| Comments From Patients |
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Kimberly N.
Anchorage, AK
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He is quiet, but caring. He is very competent, but there is not much information to be had - no website, no big packet. I'm kind of an info junky, so that was a little troubling, but I had done plenty of my own research. No structured aftercare program is available. He is very well respected by other doctors in Anchorage, and several recommended him to me. He only has one person in his office, but she is very helpful and knowledgeable. I got insurance approval on the first try. Posted on 11/15/2008 |
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Sharon M.
Anchorage, AK
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At first I didn't even consider having surgery in Alaska. I found out that Dr Searles did bariatric surgery so I called his office and explained my situation. I was able to get into see him in about 1-2 days. I ran around town getting lab and psych evalution for his appointment. Dr Searles said he should be able to do surgery around the same time as I was scheduled (less than 3 weeks). I walked out of his clinic with all my paperwork for the pulmonary function, EKG, upper GI, chest xray and blood work. His office worked on getting my approval switched to Anchorage. It took about 2 days for that!!! I got all my appointments completed and had surgery 3 weeks to the date after meeting Dr Searles. He doesn't have any aftercare program but I did learn alot from the nutrionist and on... [Click here for more] this web site. I think if you do your research you will be fine with him.
Posted on 05/02/2008 |
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Kari P.
An Army Base, XX
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My first impression of Dr. Searles was that he was a man of few words. He took my history, explained the procedure and its risks well, and sent me on my way with my pre-op test list.
Nadina, in the office, is fabulous and always available to answer a question. She is friendly and personable, and makes you feel like an old friend. She is quick to get paperwork done and had my insurance approval in less than 4 days after I submitted my test results for the Doc to review, just 3 hours after insurance recieved the request!
Dr Searles did a fabulous job on my surgery and I am healing well. My only concern is the lack of aftercare information he provides. I wasn't really intrested in a highly structured aftercare program because I am several hours from the office, but I did expect... [Click here for more] some guidance. I litteraly left the hospital and office after my follow-up with almost NO information on how/what to eat, when to exercise, nothing. I was just told mushies after day 3 and solids after day 10. No guidance on how much to consume at a time, no guidelines on calories, fat, carbs, nothing. I'm glad I had OH or I'd have been totally lost! I'd definetly say that surgical competence is his strong point and bedside manner could use some tweaking. I almost felt like he just isn't a people person, like he is intimidated by talking to strangers, lol! All said, I'd definetly use him again. I'm an independant person and prefered to do this on my own. If you are the type of person that really needs the support and encouragement that other people provide to stay motivated, I'm not sure this would be a good surgeon for you unless you have a rock solid support program outside of the office.
Posted on 04/06/2008 |
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Kimberly G.
Anchorage, AK
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Dr. Searles is well respected in the medical community here in Anchorage. He has a great staff, a silly ( in a good way) receptionist and a pretty wife. He's a young aspergerist type guy, Unshaken by my two wild-a... children. The most remarkable thing is that everywhere I went I was told Grant Searles was the most personable and skilled bariatric surgeon in Alaska. I do not believe he has a structured aftercare program however it is something I was told he is wanting to start. I have not yet had surgery. I therefore am not able to comment on Searles, aftercare, However, I will be willing to update you. My overall opinion is he cares about me as a person and treats me, and the other clients i've seen him interact with, with dignity and respect. Posted on 09/19/2007 |
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Sheri L.
Anchorage, AK
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When I first called Alaska Bariatric Center I wasn't asked about who I wanted to have do my surgery. I was told to go to an informational meeting, and once there, the staff showed pictures of Dr. Searles and Dr. Todd and said these two would be our surgeons. After the meeting I went to make an appt for my first visit, and was told Dr. Searles wasn't available, so my appt would be with Dr. Todd. It was later that day that I found out that Dr. Searles was no longer part of that office group. I paid $50 to someone I wasn't even interested in, and felt the office intentionally deceived me. Eventually, I found out how to contact Dr. Searles and got an appt with him. It was obvious that he was in the midst of setting up an office and things were a little chaotic. Kelli, his office... [Click here for more] manager, and only office person that I know of is really nice and helpful. I met with Dr. Searles for about 10 minutes and he gave me a list and orders for all the tests I needed. I was a little worried about the way my visit went, there were interruptions and it was chaotic, but my friend highly recommended Dr. Searles, so I hung in there. Dr. Searles was able to do my surgery laproscopically and with a robot (DaVinci), and had the trainer for the robot there as well. Dr. Searles doesn't have the best bed-side manner, but it's not bad. And the fact that 2 days post-op I was almost pain free??? His skills are more important to me than bedside manner, especially since I'm a single mom! What I found with him is that I had to ask questions, he didn't really volunteer information, such as post-op discharge diet. He's kind of that intelligent silent type who gives very pithy answers! I definitely recommend him!
Posted on 09/14/2006 |
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Amy M.
Wasilla, AK
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I thought he was reserved and shy. But nice and very up front and helpful. I feel he has opened up more now and is very professional and very willing to do whatever it takes to make things okay or address your needs. He has a wonderful Office Manager named Kelly. She loves to help you out and give you all the info she can when she is not so busy. Which a lot of the time she is. She loves to talk and because she had the surgery as well she is very informative. They both work hard to get you in and get you approved for surgery and are willing to go that extra mile or so. So far all has been well with the experience for me. It happended a little fast for me but that is typical. The after care was fine. I have only had one appointment since the surgery but have take many tests to make... [Click here for more] sure all is well. And they call and check on me a good bit. He addressed the risks very much head on and very up front. No candy coating which is great I think. Especially with something this important. He gave me the pros and cons and what he thought my risks personally were for my age and weight and lifestyle. etc. I would have to say I rate him pretty high. I hope everything continues to go well for me I am still nervous because it hasn't been that long for me. But anytime I have had a question I just call and I talk to either the Dr. himself or Kelly his Office Manager. Both are great to me. He has both I think. I would have to say if I had to choose one the surgical competence would be the one I would choose. But he has both I think. He doesn't go on and on about nothing. He says what needs to be said and asks if you have questions and goes from there. I love that he is so nice and so professional and willing to help you out. He is always busy but not so busy that he can't help you out when you need it. And they don't have any problems working with you to get your insurance stuff right. They are very knowledgable about all of that stuff and will discuss it with you and work with you as needed.
Posted on 08/30/2006 |
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