| Comments From Patients |
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Jessica D.
Manchester, CT
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PRE-OP
I haven't met Dr. Barba yet, but I did meet and speak to his partner, Dr. Lorenzo. He was very nice, answered all of my questions and was very knowledgeble. I'm not sure who will be doing my surgery, but I feel confident going with either Doctor. :-)
When I met the Dr., it was during an informatin session. The information session consisted of a presentation on WLS and also specifically the Doctors and the hospital (St. Francis). There was also a question/answer period.
Dr. Lorenzo talked quite a bit about what could go wrong and also why things go wrong. He should us the nations %'s and then theirs. I like my odds. I figure, as long as I follow what they tell me to the letter,I should have no problems.
Aftercare is big issue to both these Doctors. A lot was... [Click here for more] said about needing the aftercare even if you think that you don't. I was really impressed.
I think that their office staff is the best available. 1 of the office staff had this surgery about 15 months ago and is very forthcoming with information and will answer any question posed!
So far, as a pre-op, I don't have anything bad to say about Dr's Barba & Lorenzo.
8/28/02 -- I met with Dr. Lorenzo just a little while ago. I came to him with a list of 74 questions and he answered all of them and took all the time in the world with me. He was really sweet and I am so glad that he will be the one operating on me! The only thing that I wished he could of helped me with (but couldn't because it was my choice) was the decision to have it either open or lap. I have decided on open.
1/14/03...I can't tell you how amazing my Dr.s are. I had just recently been rushed to the ER for blinding pain. They got me into the office within that week and checked me out to make sure that everything was A-OK. They are such gentle and caring folks. I'm so very pleased with my choice.
8/28/08...I have since changed Doctors because I was getting horrible aftercare which actually required fixing from Dr. R...Dr. R is not warm and fuzzy but he is an amazing doctor and is doing everything he can to make me feel better and more healthy.
Posted on 08/28/2008 |
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Michelle G.
Rockville, CT
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I recently switched to Dr. Raftopouls in May. I had some complications since March 2008 (not all due to WLS) where it was in my best interests to switch WLSurgeons.
Dr. Raftopoulous is thorough, very direct, and informative. I had thought I knew alot about my RNY until he educated me more so.
He is not a "warm & fuzzy type of Dr." He is very witty and approachable however if you're looking for a more "personal" relationship than he may not fit what you're looking for.
I wish I had met him or knew about him 3 years ago... He would have been my choice in a surgeon & after care.
He has restructured my eating of proteins & carbs (mostly due to my current internal system's state) I feel so much better & I know it's due to Dr. Raft knowing the RNY surgery and it's functions... [Click here for more] so well.
I trust him with my health & on going med care.
Hi staff is friendly, encouraging, and respectful. Professional in their approach & interactions with you. It's refreshing.
He does have support group meetings, however I have not attended to date.. I do plan on going in the near future.on the situation.
Posted on 08/27/2008 |
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Carolyn C.
New Britain, CT
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I waited three years and finally my day came when I met Dr Raftopoulos at his information session, after my visits and surgery date (5/6/08) I can say he is very kind, listens to you and makes you feel comfortable, he is polite, honest and very serious with his work. What a like about him, he keeps track of his patients and he sees you every time you follow- up with the office. After my surgery he called me several times, making sure everything was all right, he gives his patients his beeper number incase of any problems and yes he even called me on Sunday mothers day just to check!
His office staff is very professional, very nice, thank you Andrea, Judy and Liz!
They also have a great support group. Posted on 08/27/2008 |
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Renee V.
Oakville, CT
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I can not possibly say enough good things about Dr. Raftopoulos. He has given me a second chance to have an obesity-free life! That is an invaluable gift!
His staff is very caring and considerate. I've always felt that I was important to them as a patient. The entire office, Dr. included, is very focused on aftercare, and making your surgery a success.
I went into Dr. R's office depressed because of my first "failed" surgery and not convinced I would be able to get coverage for a revision. He explained that it may be difficult to get coverage, but that we would try, and it was a success!
Not only is Dr. Raftopoulos a brilliant doctor and surgeon, his bedside manner is almost unheard of. When I was in the hospital post-op, he either visited me or contacted me 3x a day... [Click here for more] to check on me. When I was released, he called me every day at home to see how I was doing.
I had to page him on 2 different occasions post-op and he called back within minutes. One time was at 2am and I was unfortunately experiencing a complication. He called the hospital ahead for me and they took me right in. I ended up being admitted and had a 4 day stay, and again I got excellent treatment. He is very genuine with his care and concern. Following discharge, he is still continuing to follow up with me at home.
I am so blessed to have met him and to be treated by him.
Posted on 08/07/2008 |
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Annette B.
Terryville, CT
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Dr. Raft made me so comfortable immediately, I can't wait to have his support post-op. The rest of his staff is great also. Andrea called today to check up on me and my progress. It was good to hear from them. Posted on 03/03/2008 |
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Jennifer L.
CT
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I love Dr. Raft. He is wonderful. He requires extensive preop testing, which some people may complain about...I was more comfortable with that. I wanted to know that, going into surgery, I had eliminated as many risks as possible. He always answered my questions and explained things thoroughly. His bedside manner is great. After having my surgery, while in the hospital, he stopped by my room a few times a day. When I was released from the hospital, he kept in constant contact with me...I truly appreciated this...when I wasn't feeling good and didn't want to "bother him", he was calling me anyway asking me how I was doing. Also, he gives his patients his direct pager # so there is no middleman with an answering service. I can't tell you how many times he told me to call his... [Click here for more] pager if I needed him and that I was not bothering him. I am so glad he relocated to CT. His nurse, Andrea is wonderful also - very kind, easy to talk to and responds quickly when you call her.
Posted on 01/08/2008 |
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Pamela G.
Mount Pleasant, PA
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At first I hated the man. Then after my surgery I loved the man. He truly cares about his patients. He was there for me at times when he should have been resting. I got sick after my surgery and he made the time to see me every time I needed it. His demeanor May be a little rough around the edges but I don't think I would be at where I am now if it weren't for him and his staff. In the beginning he made sure I knew about all the risks, the pros, the cons, everything I needed. His bedside manner May be hard to understand at the time but later on you will realize just how necessary it is!!
He is the best!! Posted on 12/01/2007 |
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Karen F.
Greensboro, PA
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FIRST IMPRESSION- very knowledgable, very professional
OVER TIME- absolutely wonderful,,he went above and beyond his duties as a surgeon. very concerned for my well being.
OFFICE STAFF- very nice,,very hard to get a hold of by phone
LIKED LEAST ABOUT SURGEON- too stirict on diet...lol...
AFTERCARE- yes, he said its very important
RISKS OF SURGERY- he explained them
OVER ALL RATING OF SURGEON- exellent
SURGICAL COMPETENCE is best Posted on 11/24/2007 |
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Amy A.
Pittsburgh, PA
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One of my very first impressions of Dr. Raftopoulos was that he was not very warm and personable. That still may very well be true, but I've come to appreciate him as he is because he is an outstanding bariatric surgeon and I made it through without any major complications, thanks to him. He is a no-nonsense kind of doctor and can seem strict but I do believe it's because he wants you to succeed. Overall, I would rate him as being an outstanding surgeon and give him a 10+. In my opinion, competence is more important than bedside manner...I certainly feel lucky to be alive and well even though we're not buddies. I can live with that! Posted on 08/19/2007 |
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Dan M.
Morgantown, WV
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Dr. Raftopoulos comes off very stern at first but that's because you come to learn that he strives to be the best at what he does. His sternness is always based on his concern for his patients well being. He is always readily available and is as about as hands on with his subjects as possible. I would rate him an 11 out of 10. He is just that good. Posted on 08/10/2007 |
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