| Comments From Patients |
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Veronica M.
Orange, CA
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I have only wonderful things to say about Dr. Oliak and his staff. My first appointment with his office was on Oct 2, 2008 and I had my surgery on Nov. 3, 2008. His staff worked around my schedule and helped get all my insurance veified and pre-approved. His manner is friendly and honest. He won't tell you the surgery will fix everything, but you need to use it as a tool and work also. If you are in or close to Orange County, please have a consultation with them. You will not regreat it. Posted on 11/12/2008 |
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Sally M.
Star, ID
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My first impression of Dr. Oliak was his compassion for his patients. I also got the impression that he loved his job. He also seemed very confident in his work. The staff in his office are WONDERFUL. They make you fell so comfortable and relaxed. The only problem I had with Dr. Oliak is that I waited over 1hr. for my appt. for the drain removal. I normally wouldn't mind, but we live 2 hrs away, and the traffic is horrible in Orange Co. (near Los Angeles). Overall I would give Dr. Oliak a 10+. Wonderful bedside manner and is willing to take the time to explain any and all to you. Posted on 11/03/2008 |
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Jacqui A.
Santa Ana, CA
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He's an excellent surgeon, and has a dedicated team of specialists in other weight-related fields (an excercize coach, a nutritionist) and very nice nurses all working in his center. I felt VERY secure and completely informed; it was important to me that I know exactly what they were going to do, what all the different types of surgery would be like, and what I could expect afterwards. They have a great support structure for "Bandits" (that's me!) and GB patients; you can go to both types of meetings, and talk with people who've had the different surgeries and learn from what they're experiencing. I feel like I have 24/7 care available, between the doctors themselves and the support network. The only downside I've found with Dr Oliak personally is that he IS a specialist; he's... [Click here for more] not a nutritionist or a PCP, so I am forced to take his recommendations on diet or handling my diabetes with a grain of salt. Stick with the specialists, but ONLY in their fields.
Posted on 10/31/2008 |
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Karen M.
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Dr Oliak is great, helpful and knowledable, as well as his staff. I would refer my friends and family to him. Surgical competence and bedside manner are both great. Posted on 10/28/2008 |
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Tricia G.
Buena Park, CA
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I researched Dr. Oliak on the web before I even started the process. I was thrilled when my insurance company told me that he would b my surgeon. He really seems to pay attention to what I say. I have had no problems with him or his office staff, and I am coming up on my one year anniversary. Posted on 09/29/2008 |
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Margaret T.
Anaheim, CA
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FIRST IMPRESSION: I really liked how he did not promise a magic bullet. He emphasized how the surgery was not a cure-all, but a tool. I was prepared to hear a snake-oil salesman, but found an intelligent, fact based discussion presented in a matter-of-fact style that impressed me. He did not try to say that all of his patients were 100% successful in losing all their weight, but emphasized what factors would make for good success, and what would be likely to have a disappointing result. This allowed me to decide if it was something that was right for me.
OFFICE STAFF: very professional
The staff dealing with finances were helpful, honest in their estimates, and willing to spend time explaining and researching the insurance coverage. No last minute surprises or hidden costs.... [Click here for more] For those expenses not covered by insurance they provided a number of options and were willing to customize to theblue individual. THE AFTER CARE STAFF is skilled and I was impressed with their prompt response to what might have been a surgical complication. (It wasn't) But don't expect them to have the time to listen to your life story. The after care appointments are thorough but a quick in and out.
LIKE LEAST: He is very busy. It is not likely you will see him much after surgery unless you have a medical problem.
FUTURE PATIENTS NEED TO KNOW: If you are federal Blue Cross/Blue Shield, in California surgeons are covered under Blue Shield. He is preferred provider for Blue Cross, but not for Blue Shield. However, his financial staff agreed to accept the co-pay amounts for preferred providors instead of what they could have charged.
AFTERCARE: Is strongly emphasized.
STRUCTURED AFTERCARE: many aspects: on line support, large and small group meetings available twice a month, exercise "events", regular follow-up visits, additional visits with the nutritionist available at no extra cost.
RISKS OF SURGERY: He was honest. He did not diminish the risks and required that smokers quit a minimum of 1 month prior to surgery. He also required a 10 pound weight loss prior to surgery to minimize surgical risk.
OVERALL: If you want good medical skills, he will be an excellent choice. If you want the doctor himself to hold your hand, act as a personal friend or psychologist - you probably want to choose another physician.
SURGICAL COMPETENCE: excellent
BEDSIDE MANNER: Very attentive before and after surgery while in the hospital. I never felt as though he was trying to rush away. I am confident that if I had experienced any sort of medical problems after surgery he would have spent as much time with me as required.
Posted on 09/18/2008 |
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Dawn G.
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My first impression of Dr. Oliak was that he was caring and kind doctor who really understood my situation. He was not judgemental too. I felt very safe as he was very knowledgeable about the lap band procedure. The office staff is very friendly and helpful! What I like best is the continual support. Aftercare is emphasized very strongly! Yes, there is a great aftercare program! I would rate Dr. Oliak a perfect 10!!! Everything about the surgery including potential risks were addressed. I was very nervous and scared the day of surgery, but with Dr. Oiak's surgical competence, his great bedside manner, an absolutely wonderful assistant Alli my journey has been very successful and the best thing I've ever done for myself! Posted on 09/13/2008 |
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Tash K.
Anaheim, CA
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- My 1st impression of Dr. Oliak was that he was a very funny, kind of quirky guy.
-He is still quirky but he is also compassionate, understanding, nonjudgmental and very smart!
- Everyone in the office is so sweet and super friendly!
- The thing that I like least would be that the appointments are very rarely kept on time, so even though your appointment is at 3 pm you probably spend about a half hour in the waiting room. However, the other side to that is that he doesn't rush through your visits. He treats each person individually and really focuses on one on one attention.
-Future patients should know that he is a GREAT surgeon. The office is friendly and quick! They don't string you along or give you the run around. They give FIRST CLASS care to their patients.... [Click here for more] -Dr. O is all about the after care!! They have a pretty unique aftercare program. They really want to make sure each patient is successful.
- There is a structured aftercare and it goes in steps based on your time frame from the surgery date.
- Dr. O gives it to you straight. He answers all of your questions about the risks of the surgery. You have to complete a seminar before you can have the surgery and you have to attend at least one support group meeting before you can be scheduled for surgery so that you have a clear idea of what to expect from the surgery.
- Overall, if I had to rate Dr. Oliak on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best, I would give him a 10+
He has both surgical comptenece and bedside manner, and what he might lack on the bedside manner you get from his staff and from his "right hand" Alli Merriman. Together they make an awesome team!
Posted on 09/11/2008 |
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Maribeth C.
Vallejo, CA
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I just want to say Thank You Dr. Oliak, from the bottom of my heart, for you have given me the best tool one could ever ask for. I have always had a positive outlook in life but now, I can say that I truly love life and am enjoying the new me with my family. Dr. Oliak and his entire staff made it very easy for me before and after surgery. Thank you. Posted on 07/19/2008 |
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Janean C.
CA
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I've only met him once but he seemed very nice and caring. He was very thorough in explaining things. I'll know more after I have my first appointment. I have only been to his seminar thus far. Posted on 05/13/2008 |
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