Douglas Ewing Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

'After attending the HUMC seminar for the different bariatric surgery procedures as presented by Advanced Laparoscopic Associates

I had my Lap Band “installed” on March 17, 2006 by Dr. Ewing.

Height: 5”3.5”. Weight: 241. My experience(s) with the entire process is still being developed. Thoughts so far….

My first impression of Dr. Ewing was during the Obesity Seminar at HUMC. By this time I had already made the decision that I would have my operation through Advanced Laparoscopic Asscs. I took my husband with me to the seminar and at the end I asked him which doctor he thought would be best. He said to me that he would choose Dr. Ewing because he appeared to be the calmest and you want a calm (and intelligent) surgeon in the OR. My husband is a physician and I trust his opinion.

Over time my impression has not changed. He is still calm, intelligent and interested in his patients. But I have known him for a short time.

Regarding his office staff, I dealt mostly with Dawn and I did a lot of calls myself. Since I got a surgery date in two weeks, Dawn had to use Herculean strength to deal with the “trained monkeys” at my insurance in order to get approval. (Their initial denial had nothing to do with medical reasons).

Future patients should know that this is going to be a close relationship (with Dr. Ewing and his staff) for a while. I am the type of person who does not mind this. If patients are looking for a quick fix surgery, magic, then you should look for a less involved surgeon/group. You will be monitored for success however, we are adults – handholding is for children.

Aftercare is greatly emphasized beginning at the seminar. Like I said above this is not a quick fix. If you understand what the LapBand does, you will understand that it is tool and the aftercare is required in order for the patient to achieve success. This being said – every patient is different and we could all follow the exact aftercare direction and not achieve the same success.

I am well educated on the risks of general surgeries. The particular risks of LapBand surgery were explained to me both at the seminar and at Dr. Ewing’s office. In addition, I believe that we are responsible for our own health and we should do as much outside research as possible.

I would rate Dr. Ewing 10/10 so far. It was important for me not to feel judge or that I was taking the easy way out - the way some of my other doctors made me feel.

Surgical competence and bedside manner are both important. However if I had to choose, I would say that I would want an extremely competent surgeon. Beside manner is secondary. I believe that Dr. Ewing is competent and the added benefit is that he has a good beside manner.

What I did not like was waiting more than 10 minutes in the reception area. Also, HUMC is a gigantic hospital – I would have preferred a smaller place or one where you did not feel like you were in an assembly line. My favorite area hospital is Valley.

Hi , My name is Patti Thompson. I am a 44 years young female, and I am morbidly obese!
I decided to do something aboutit.
I met Dr. Ewing for a consultation on October 27, 2004. The nurse took my height & weight measurements. Then my sister-in-law,Nancy, went in to meet the Doctor.
I have to say I was very impressed with Dr. Ewing- He presented himself with under-standing and compassion- Never made me feel uncomfortable about my weight. We Discussed the BMI(Body Mass Index) ,past diets that I had tried, my activity level, history of obesity in my family and reveiwed my medical history.
Dr. Ewing answered all our questions about the surgery, pro's and cons were made very clear to me..
Everything now went to Karen, his surgical coordinator. We set up December 17, 2004 for the surgery date at Hackensack University Medical Center, NJ...Pending approval from my Ins. Co.

Yes- the risks for surgery were discussed..I was informed that there was a mortality risk.
I also knew my life was in danger if I did not have the surgery!..I was ready for the surgery

I had my surgery on 12-17-04 & was released on 12-20-04. I have officially joined "The Losing Side"..Thank You Dr. Ewing!!

Dr Ewing is a very caring and smart doctor. Dr Ewing was very informative and explained all of the risks along with the long term benefits of the surgeory. Dr Ewing took his time and answered all of my questions. Dr Ewing's staff was very helpful when ever i called and returned all of my messages promtly. Dr Ewing is a very serious doctor and really seems to like what he does. Overall I am very happy I picked Dr Ewing as my sergeon. I recommed him to anyone who is thinking about having the surgeory.

My fist impression of Dr. Ewing was positive. He answered all the questions I had sincerely whether they were positive or negative about the surgery. Was right to the point and very knowledgeable. Couple days out of surgery and still very happy with my choice in Dr. Ewing he even came to check on my the same night of the surgery at 11Pm. Now I've had 3 surgery for other things prior and that has been unheard of. His office staff was not up to par as Dr. Ewing. Well 2 out of 3 staff members were not up to par. Had some difficulty getting in touch with them at important times but I guess in the end it all worked out. Dr. Ewing is a young doctor with a exceptional medical schooling background and an amazing doctor to deal with. With the Lap Band procedure they greatly emphasize aftercare. Yes Dr. Ewing and his associates have a very well structured aftercare program. As I mentioned before Dr. Ewing did definitly tell me all the risks of surgery. Dr. Ewing on a scale of 1-10 I give him a 10. Dr. Ewing's off out of 10 I give them an 8. Definitly recommended Dr. Ewing to anyone interested in Biatric Surgery he's very good and knowledgeable anyone with any question's feel free to email me.

Honestly at first I didn't care too much for Dr Douglas Ewing. Couldnt put my finger on the reason why. He answered all my pre op questions, told me the risks, etc. Maybe I just expected him and his staff to be a bit more friendly. Im in the early stages waiting for approval, my surgery date is May 26th, 2005. Maybe my impression will change in time so I will keep you posted.