Jon Bruce Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

My name is Polly Sherman and I am a patient of Dr Bruce's. I am 41 years old and had a RNY done on July 20,2009. At the time of my surgery I was 326 lbs and had high blood pressure, dangerously high cholesterol, very weak knees, hips and ankles with a lot of swelling in those areas. I took 11 prescription medications a day and was working on the possibility of having to increase that number to as many as 13 daily.

The surgery was initially recommended to me by my primary care physician approximately 8 years ago when I was living in Rhode Island, prior to moving to North Carolina. Initially I had pushed the whole idea away saying to myself that I 'wasn't THAT heavy" and feeling that I could and would lose the weight on my own. At the time I lead a very sedentary lifestyle as I do office work for a living and sit at a desk for the majority of my day. After moving to NC and still working at a desk yet again, I eventually realized that I was unable to exercise due to my weight and the strain that exercise put on my joints. I was forced to face the fact that I was trapped in the 'revolving door of obesity'. Finally I was ready to start looking for a way to get out of it.

I had done quite a bit of research about the different types of surgery and what to expect prior to surgery as well as afterwards and the life changes that needed to be made. I had been contemplating this surgery for about 5 years but quite frankly I was scared to death of the life changes and how I would deal with them. I had quite a bit of misgivings about whether I would be successful due to the psychological aspect that affected my eating habits and had decided to address those through counselling prior to seeking out a doctor to help me on my journey of surgical weight loss.

When had been involved in counselling for about 2 years and I finally felt I was ready to start my physical journey I asked around to some of my friends and coworkers who had already had the surgery and heard very good things about Dr. Bruce and his colleagues in his office. I was seen in Dr. Bruce's Cary, NC office, but I now will be seen in his Graham, NC office, as it is closer to my home and much more convenient for me. Upon my first visit to his office I was initially seen by a nurse who is also a successful gastric bypass patient. She was very informative, sweet and made me feel very comfortable.

After talking with him on that first visit I realized that Dr Bruce is a very patient and understanding doctor. From that very first visit he has always been very positive, honest, and understanding He didn't mind answering my millions of crazy questions. Always very upbeat and professional. The office staff was very efficient and everyone had a smile on their faces. I felt like they were very happy to be there helping me. The young lady who handled the insurance was very thorough and kept me informed as to the progress that we were making and the additional items that we needed to get approval. The office scheduled all of the testing that I needed to have done and the psychological consult that I needed and called me to give me the times, saving me the hassle of trying to do it myself and getting me in much sooner that I probably could on my own.

From my first inital appointment call to surgery it took me about 4 1/2 months to get in for actual surgery. On my last appointment before surgery Dr. Bruce went over risks, benefits, pros and cons of the RNY as opposed to the lap band and gave me all of the information I needed to make a well informed decision. He also gave me his professional opinion on what HE thought would work best as well. He asked me what I wanted to see as a goal weight and when I replied that I thought 170 lbs for a 5'4" woman was realistic he said that it was definitely doable. And lo and behold....I've made it there!!!! :)

Surgery went very smoothly and I was kept very comfortable afterwards. I spent two days in the hospital and saw Dr Bruce both days. He asked if I had any questions and answered them very patiently. Even though on the second day I asked some of the same ones that I had asked immediately after surgery because I couldn't remember what he had said he patiently repeated himself with a smile on his face!! :)

NOW???.....well, now I am 168 lbs, no longer have high blood pressure issues, my cholesterol has been in normal range for over a year and a half and I feel like a new woman. I now weigh what I weighed in high school!!! And best of all, I only take 2 prescription medications a day!!!! It has taken a lot of work, perseverance and has been a long road. I am not here to say that surgery is easy. But it is sooooo worth it!!! I do so many things that were just a dream when I was trapped in that revolving door that I spoke of above. I play with my children, I walk, ride a bike, swim and even have begun running recently!!! I no longer worry every time I sit in a chair if it can hold my weight!! I no long fear being in public because I feel like everyone is staring at the fat lady! And perhaps the best thing is knowing that my children are learning better health and life habits from me! And that they are proud to tell others that I am their mom!! That's the BEST!!!

As far as aftercare is concerned, unfortunately I have not had the best.........THROUGH NO FAULT OF DR. BRUCE!!!!!! I cannot stress that enough!!!! Due to layoff I have lost my medical benefits and I am a self-pay patient now. I have managed my aftercare through my primary care physician until very recently because she has a sliding scale fee and it was more affordable for me. Recently I had some problems with an ulcer and my gastroenterologist wanted me to be seen by Dr. Bruce so that he could have some input from Dr Bruce about how to treat my ulcer. I went to see Dr. Bruce and his office was just as pleasant as always. Dr Bruce however, gave me the what-for about not continuing with aftercare. I explained my situation with benefits and he said, and I quote, "Don't let that stop you!!! Just come and I will see you and don't worry about it!" I was so touched that I nearly cried!!!

The only complaint that I have about Dr. Bruce is about things that are probably completely out of his control. Twice when I have gone to see him I have had to wait in the waiting room for at least an hour. I was offered to reschedule but CHOSE not to. I lived an hour away and did not want to have to make the drive again, so I waited. My understanding was that both times he was in surgery and it took longer than expected because there were unforeseen complications. Obviously, if I were the patient on the table I would want him to put me first and take care of me in the best possible way, so I can totally understand why he was late and do not fault him on that.

All in all I can rate this one of the most positive experiences of my life, and I can thank Dr Bruce and his staff for that. My choice to have this surgery was a long time coming, with a lot of research and education behind it. I wouldn't change the choice I made for anything and I DEFINITELY wouldn't change my choice of doctor. I would recommend Dr. Bruce to all of my friends and family, and as a matter of fact I have done just that!!

I am hoping that my review will help someone else to make this life changing choice and to benefit from this wonderful doctor's experience. Best of luck to all who read this and who are contemplating the surgery. I have been there and I soooo feel your pain! But, as someone who is on the other side of the surgery I can honestly say that it was definitely worth it. Take a chance on yourself and give yourself a new lease on life! Educate yourself. Evaluate yourself. And most important of all, realize that you are worth it and open up the opportunity for you to live a long and healthy life!!

I just LOVE Dr. Bruce. He is very personal. He sits down with ou and talks to you about your progress pre-surgery and post-surgery. If there is something that you need to adjust in your habits, he is going to tell you. He gives it to you straight. His office in Burlington, North Carolina is relatively new, but he and his staff are wonderful!!

I met Dr. Bruce at a weight loss surgery seminar. I had been shopping around at seminars at various local hospitals. I had heard good things about another doctor at Bariatric Specialists of North Carolina and signed up for the local seminar with intentions of having the other doctor do my surgery. Upon meeting Dr. Bruce, I knew he was the man that was going to change my life. He was open, and honest, and fun and energetic. What impressed me the most, was that he had spent an entire day in the OR at the hospital, and still came and spent 2 hours with us for a seminar and support group!! He answered every question and was patient and understanding with everyone.


So glad I made the decision to have Dr. Bruce do my Vertical Gastric Sleeve!

Dr. Bruce and his team are wonderful. Dr. Bruce's bedside manner is professional and one of warmth. He always greets his patients with a hug and smile, I love him. Bariatric Specialists of North Carolina is the best surgical center for weightloss. I have and will continue to recommend this practice, Dr. Bruce to be specific, to family, friends, and anyone else interested in living a healthier lifestyle.

Dr. Bruce performed my DS and Hiatal hernia repair on 12-7-20. The whole process for me was very fast. I went to first meet him in October of 2020 and all required testing was done very fast. Dr. Bruce asked me questions about my goals and helped me decided on the DS. I told him I wanted to get down to around 150. My highest weight was around 272. I am pleased to report that I vary between 125-131. We were worried that the surgery would be pushed back due to COVID, but Dr. Bruce made it happen. I couldn't be any happier. Dr. Bruce is probably one of the only doctors that I have ever felt truly comfortable with. When I first met, him he eased any worries that I had. He is easy to talk to and he listens. Anytime I have needed to contact the office, I always get a response back quickly. Honestly, it's not too often that I have to reach out. My last appointment was supposed to be a video appointment. I rescheduled it just so that I could go see him in person. I was so excited about my progress and hadn't seen him in person in a long time. This says a lot for me, because that drive is an hour from me. Normally, I don't change plans to drive an hour out my way. I wish I could have Dr. Bruce as my PCP. Dr. Bruce has a great bedside manner. If you are thinking about him, go for it!!

Dr Bruce aka Superman... this man has completed FOUR surgeries for my wife and I... all successful. Wife had RNY, then a self inflicted ulcer that had to be removed. She reached goal weight and rid herself of silent reflux that was slowly killing her.
I originally had VSG for weight loss.. reached my goal losing over 100 pounds. I developed self inflicted bile reflux and was revised to DS surgery on 2.18.2021. So far reflux is gone and weight loss will come as a benefit.
The best thing about Dr Bruce is his personality and bedside manner. He tells it like it is, but is quite compassionate. You can tell he truly cares for his patients.
If you want to get good insight into his calming tone, there are YouTube videos of him narrating his way through actual procedures. This alone will relieve you of any angst regarding his abilities.
I am biased, of course.. as he did actually save my life!

Great Practice, Great Surgeon. This guy walks the walk as well; very knowledgeable about nutrition and supportive! I always see him in the office drinking protein shakes and he really "gets" it. Dr. Bruce gave me my life back and I can never thank him enough!!

I am writing this to tell you to run not walk to any of Dr. Bruce's offices. He is the best of the best. I am 4 years post-op and he has been there for me since day one. Not only is he a great surgeon, but he is one of the kindest surgeons in the business. He is always looking to how he can improve his practice and help his patients. If I could give this surgeon more stars, I would.

Dr Bruce is not only a skilled bariatric surgeon he is also a very nice person who truly cares about his patients and the family members of them as well.

The first time I met him was at a free seminar at a local hospital. He entered a tad late because he was in surgery; he arrived in scrubs :) and he apologized for being late...of course everyone understood.

He was so well-spoken, intelligent, soft-mannered, and caring that I was immediately taken to him; I knew right away that I wanted him to do my surgery...and he did.

He made me and my youngest daughter, who came to many of my appointments with me, feel safe, cared about, and in very good hands...and he still does to this day.

Dr. Bruce is excellent. He really cares about he patients and more importantly, he does great work. From the first day I met him, I knew that I would in good hands. The staff and PAs of the Baratric Center of North Carolina and very helpful and informative. They are always excited to see you come in and always greet you warmly. I would recommend Dr. Bruce to anyone who is interested in having bariatric surgery.

I just would like to take the time to say Thank You Dr Jon Bruce..Since day one Dr Bruce was very professional and his staff is very professional also.. I had my surgery on Aug 23. 2010.. something I wish I had done years before.. I had the gastric bypass.. and I am glad that Dr Bruce talked me into that vs the lapband.. He gave me a pro vs con for both and showed me what would happen.
Dr Bruce besides being very professional is somebody that makes you feel very comfortable... will take the time to make you feel like a friend that you have had for years ..he talks to you as a person.. not A patient..