I had the LapBand surgery back in 2008. Unfortunately it didn't agree with my body and I had it removed in 2010. Dr. Pinnar and his staff at the time were amazing. To those who think he just picked up and left, that's not the case. I had to request my medical files and through some searching,I actually found out what happened.
He was forced out by the person who took over the practice. I won't say names, but if you were ever a patient at AWLS, you would have met this person.
It's sad what greed will do to some people. So please know it wasn't Dr.Pinnar, there's a very long story that goes behind it.

I was devistated to find out that Dr. Pinnar had left without a letter of notification. I was self pay and paid my fee that included lifetime of fills/unfills. After an emergency gall bladder removal I needed to have my bad refilled. I had lot 90lbs up to this point and had reached my goal. I called to schedule an appt. to begin fills after surgery( unfilled to prevent throwing up after gall bladder surgery) and learned he was gone. I have gained back 35lbs since my band is not filled even half way. I can find another Dr. to fill the band, but they expect 500-800 dollars per visit. This man is self centered. I saw him only once and that was the day of my lap band surgery. I saw his PA's with ever other appointment. Phil was wonderfl. I understand the other staff ran off with him to FL. I hope that someday someone returns him the favor. I wonder if he is willing ot pay for my fills for the lifetime he promised?

Only cares about taking you money and that's it.he left his self pay patients in reston that were guaranteed life time fills and left us to fin for ourself and left us to make more money in fl.now I am paying on my med loans still and paying out of pocket for fills etc. If he cared we would have got the extra money back that we over paid him to get fills for life.thanks pinnar your the best dr ever! NOT! kramas coming!

My surgeon was Dr. Eric Pinnar. My surgery was almost 18 months ago, and I continue to be amazed by the high level of service that I get from him and his office. He was wonderful and caring the day that I first met him - as I cried in his office, and he continues to be very genuine and caring. I am most impressed by the after care that the office has - I am followed closely, and am never judged. They continue to work with me in a very positive manner. A friend of mine had the lap band placed with another surgeon in the area, and has many complaints about their protocols and follow up - it made Dr. E Pinnar's office even that much better to me because I have never encountered one problem. The office staff is very friendly, and always greets you by name, they always ask about my baby daughter, and at times have watched her while I am getting a fill or barium swallow done. They do a body scan every 3 months so you can track your progress visually, it is terrific! I had no surgical difficulties. I have no complaints about Dr. E. Pinnar and his office, they have been absolutely wonderful, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I would not change a thing. I've lost 55 pounds in 17 months, and have about 20 more to go. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Dr. Eric Pinnar and his staff are the very best! I first met him at his informational seminar, and he's warm, caring, and truly wants to help. The fact that many of his staff are band patients too is really a big benefit, as they've personally experienced everything you go through and no question is too embarrassing to ask. Aftercare is clearly the key to weight loss success with the band, and Dr. Pinnar's practice is all about that! Whether you come in once a month or once a week for adjustments, you're always warmly welcomed, feel the personal interest in how you're doing, and are never rushed through an appointment. And if you're having an emergency (it happens...), they will always manage to fit you into a busy schedule or meet you in the office on the weekend without complaint. You'll never feel like you're just a number -- they genuinely care about each and every patient. I would give Dr. Pinnar and his staff the very highest rating possible.

My surgeon was Dr. Eric Pinnar. My first meeting with him was memorable because of the amount of time he dedicated to talking to me about the surgery and ensuring that I was comfortable with what was going to happen. He made sure to take the time to answer my questions.

Dr. Pinnar's office staff is great. They do a wonderful job of keeping a personal relationship with the patients. They have juggled many appointments to accommodate my hectic schedule.

I chose Dr. Pinnar's practice for this surgery because of their holistic approach to the challenges we face in weight loss. They look at all aspects of the cause for the weight and help you address it prior to surgery and after. I would rate them among the best in the country.

I was referred to Dr. Pinnar by my brother and attnded one of his introductory seminars.

Although Dr. Pinnar had obviously had a long day, he was very thorough in his description of the process and answered any and all questions. His educational materials were also very helpful.

Once I decided to go forward, I was blown away by how wonderful his staff is and how thorough the screening process was. It was more than I every could have hoped for!

I have never been in a doctor's office where the staff showed more concern! It is clear that they all love what they do and it shows, from the insurance administrator, to the front desk to his wonderful physician assistants.

As for Dr. Pinnar, he has the philosophy that an informed patient is a good one and goes to great lengths to make sure you understand everything about the surgery. My surgery went off without a hitch, but the follow up was also amazing. There were a series of follow up appointments, and getting in to see someone to get a "fill," is never a problem. What's more...I have lost 90 lbs.

Also, late last year I had gall stones and guess whom I went to as my surgeon? Dr. Pinnar! He and his office are the absolute BEST and I would recommend them to anyone thinking about his surgery!

Dr Pinnar is awesome. He is very understanding and compassionate about being a WL doctor. I would highly recommend him. His staff is great and everything is in one office. He has PA's, nutritionist's, psychotherapist's and an exercise person all in one office. No running around. Very easy understanding program and lots of help to walk you through. It also helps that the staff has gone through the surgeries themselves. 2 has had sleeves and 2 has had bands.

I had my surgery at Shady Grove Hospital. Dr Pinnar was there bright and early and in a very good mood for 7am. Lol! I felt very safe. Only negative was not him, but the hospital. The hospital was very clean and nice, but the nursing staff was not. Took almost an hour for the nurse to come after pushing your button for help. I would recommend having someone staying the night with you to help you get in and out of bed.

I would recommend him to anyone that wants WL surgery. My sleeve turned out great and I feel great! Thanks Dr Pinnar.