Fernando Bonanni, Jr. Bariatric Surgeon MD, MBA, FACS, FASMBS

dr bonanni is just the greatest. i went for my 6 week check up and as dr entered the room he said in awe "what a site of beauty" i lost 38 lbs at that visit he was so pleased with me he then proceeded at the end of my visit to say"angela i can't wait to see you in one year from now you'll be a model" i then hugged him and had to cry saying"i can't thank you enough you have changed my life." he is the best in all aspects, i wouldn't change a thing or my doctor. can't wait to see him in july at my 3 month check up i'm already down 60 lbs now! yippy!

My first impression of Dr. Bonanni was a good one. He is VERY compassionate, but not a push-over. When he says something, he means it. He is very thorough, and a generally sweet guy who loves his job! He loves to make us better! The office staff is the most awesome group of people I have ever met...I love em all. They are kind, caring, prompt, and the best at what they do...anyone who goes to this Dr. has the best staff in the world to deal with. The whole program put together by Dr. B and his team is top notch. They give you so much info, your head swims...but it is great to be so informed. There is a ton of before care as well as after care. I have had a great experience with these people, and I am so glad that God put them here for me...if I was asked to rate Dr. B and staff, I would think that 100% could not be enough to give them. Go to this Dr. and be happy!

I met with Dr. Bonnani a couple of weeks ago, and I thought he was a great guy. He seems to really care,and has certainly put together a practice full of wonderful people.

He was very nice and encouraging, the office staff were great and very informative, I see him every six weeks for a band fill and even if my band doesn't need a fill I see hime every six weeks so he can track my progress. My first post op appointment he saw me and smiled and said ah there she is a beautiful blossoming young lady. The care after isn't so much structured but they do suggest you attend support group meetings weekly. Which I currently can not attend since I work second shift. But they also have an excercise group that the RN has put together. I rate him a superior surgeon and would never hesitate to refer him for this type of surgery.
He has both good surgical competence and bedside manner. They have a informative session on both types of bariatric surgeries that he does, the only thing I did not like was that I only saw him once before the surgery. I would of liked to seen him a little more instead of his physicians assistant.

So far I've only attended his Lap Band info seminar and I am very impressed. His presentation was very professional and informative. His manner seemed very friendly and seems to put people at ease quickly. I was also impressed that he managed to present the Lap Band so positively, despite also performing the RNY. He seems to support both surgeries as viable options for the treatment of obesity. I'll add more when I meet him personally (not until Aug 28th!!).
My consult w/ Dr. B on the 28th was brief but he was very personable and I remain confident in his abilities as a surgeon. He emphasized that insurance companies have not been approving the Lapband so I shouldn't get my hopes up.
Dr. B's program has really expanded over the past 6 months and is very involved both pre-op and post-op. They stress the importance of aftercare including regular meetings with nutritionist and the support group. I'll keep adding as I go through this experience...

DR BONNANI IS A WONDERFUL DOCTOR. HE IS VERY DETAILED AND A LITTLE BIT ON THE CONSERVATIVE SIDE WHICH IS FINE WITH ME. HE TAKES TIME PRE/POST OP TO TALK TO YOU AND YOU DO NOT FELL LIKE YOUR RUSHED. HE SEEMS A CARING INDIDIDUAL.OFFICE STAFF IS GOOD. I WOULD RECOMMEND OTHERS TO USE HIM. HE HAS AN EXCELLENT POST OP CARE PROGRAM. THEY ANSWER ALL MY QUESTIONS AND DON'T RUSH ME OUT OF THE OFFICE. IF I NEED ANYTHING THEY RESPOND VERY QUICKLY. BRITT THE PA IS ALSO WONDERFUL. SHE TOOK CARE OF ME POST OP.

I have found Dr. John Meilahn's office staff very difficult to deal with and cannot recommend him.

Instead I am going to Dr. Fernando Bonanni in West Reading (Wyomissing). I have jumped through all the hoops I am supposed to and met with Dr. B. on 10/25/03. I liked him very, very much. He is adamant that his patients understand whatever procedure they're facing and takes steps to ensure that they do. He is a pleasure to deal with, as is his staff, Britt the PA, and Paula the WLS Program Coordinator.

For my lap-band, I will be changing insurances and selecting one that I know has approved the band. This will become active on January 1st, 2004. Dr. B. is seeing me again on Jan. 22. He has classified me as a high-risk patient. So before then he wants me to have an endoscopy, visit the cardiologist at his hospital, and lose 15 pounds. I asked him if he thinks this (my band) will happen in the first quarter of 2004, and he enthusiastically replied, "Oh, yeah!"

I met with Dr. Bonanni on July 26, 2003 for the first time, however, it is the third time I have gone to Reading Surgical Associates. My first impression of him was a good one. He appears to have a very big heart and I like his comment, "we will be friends for life." He makes it a point to inform you, and answer questions if you have any. Most importantly, he stresses to you how important aftercare is. He is very down-to-earth and has a nice personality. Regarding his office staff, they are very informative and also answer all questions. Since I have not yet had my surgery, I cannot comment on bedside manner or if my impression of him has changed over time. We will see..., but I don' think my opinion of him will change. My surgery date is October 1, 2003.

Dr. Bonanni is a wonderful surgeon. I felt so safe with him. I knew that during my emergency return to the hospital that he would make everything work out. If you live in PA and are considering a Doctor I would strongly recommend that you contact his office. In addition to Dr. Bonanni being so caring his office staff has been absolutely wonderful. All of my questions have been answered quickly and everyone is very friendly.

10-14-02
Well I met Dr. Bonanni today and he seems real nice, but rushed. To much on his plate and not as thorough as I expected. He requires alot of pre testing before you ever get to actually meet him. They didn't even go over all of the paper work with me. It's taken me 5 months to get to meet him and now my surgery date isn't for another 5 months. Well I guess he's worth waiting for. My husband thinks any Dr. that busy, must have a good reputation.
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Well I'm now post op and have really had the chance to get to know Dr. Bonanni. I have much more respect for him now then before. I feel his honesty and compassion is overwhelming. There was a little complication and he was completely honest with my husband and I about it. He showed concern right up front instead of hiding it.
I'm extremely happy with my choice of surgeons and glad I waited it out.I see him one week post op, two weeks post op, and then one month post op.