Steven Patching Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

This was a very unfortunate experience. There were so many things I feel Dr. Patchings should have done to make sure my surgery would have been successful. First I would start by saying he never required me to lose any weight. He had me do a food diary for the first month and just looked at it told me what I should cut back on. Then I would do phone appointments for most of my 6 month appointments which were super nice since I didn't have to miss work. Not once did he do a blood panel on me the whole 6 months. He did a blood panal a week before my surgery but didn't view my results till my pre op appointment which was 2 days before surgery. My sugar levels were high in my urine so l almost wasn't able to get the surgery cus he stated he couldn't do the surgery with it that high. Asked me if I was diabetic which I said no but if he would of did blood work 6 months prior I could of known I was pre diabetic and I could of worked on getting my glucose levels down. Luckily I did another glucose test the day before the surgery and they went down (still high but down enough that he felt comfortable doing the procedure) so he cleared me to get the surgery the next day. I saw that my liver enzymes, where high and mentioned it to him but he brushed it off and said that's common in over weigh people. He never had me do a liver shrinkage diet the week or two prior to my surgery which is super important since obese people have fatty liver which make it enlarged. He had me do a liquids diet only 24 hrs prior to my surgery. So the day of my surgery I went to the Methodist hospital to get the Gastro Sleeve procedure. They put me under and put 5 incisions in my stomach. he went inside where all my organs are to try and do the procedure which he couldn't lift my liver up to have a good view of my stomach to preform the Gastro Sleeve. My liver was too enlarged for him to physically lift it up to do the Gastro sleeve. I woke up from anesthesia to him talking to me saying he couldn't complete the Gastro sleeve do to my liver being to enlarged. Then he left and I didn't hear a word from him. I called the office the next day really upset since he never even called to check on me as his patient and to actually talk to me about everything that happened. I felt like I was just pushed aside and left with These incisions on my stomach. He still wants to do the surgery down the road but l honestly don't trust a doctor that shows not care about my well being. I feel I was looked at as easy money and he was trying to get me through and get that pay in his pocket. I hope no one ever goes through this and whatever you do make sure you do a liver shrinkage diet prior to this surgery or your setting your self up for failure since this doctor isn't making sure to take all the steps to make sure you are healthy enough and fully ready to get the Gastro sleeve.

Dr. Patching is awesome. Really picky and straight forward. No BS kinda guy. He tells you like it is even if you don't want to hear it. He is a perfectionist when it comes to the surgery, takes his time to make sure it's done perfectly. You gotta like that. I've heard of other doctors taking a little as 1 hour to do a VSG. Dr. Patching takes 2 1/2 hours. Well, at least that's what mine took and he said it went perfectly. I like that even tho he is strict, he can be very relaxed and caring. He does care about you. Lots of pre-op tests making sure your in good health and ready for surgery and this life altering experience. I give Dr. Patching an A++++ and would recommend him to anyone looking for a bariatric surgeon in the Sacramento area.

Dr Patching is awesome! He is pretty much as the reviews say. He is straight forward, but warm and supportive. I really like that he makes sure you are ready for the surgery by requiring lifestyle changes and weight loss. The only thing is I would like a little more time during appointments. The only downside, is the office manager. Christie(?) is very rude and cut me off mid-sentence when trying to explain anything to her (billing discrepancies with the insurance company on co-pays, requirements from my employer that I needed from their office). This led to multiple mistakes and miscommunications on her part. She never apologized for her mistakes and It actually made me consider switching offices because she was so short and combative despite me trying to be as nice as possible with the situations. Hopefully she learns to listen and put her ego in place because Dr Patching is great and I wouldn't want any one to be deterred by the office management. I will update my review post op regarding surgery and immediate post op info. As far as after care, Dr Patching is very clear that he is your surgeon for life and will follow you throughout the rest of your life. He has a support group through his office and all of the specialist I was referred to through him are amazing and available throughout life as well. He is very upfront about the risks of surgery in addition to his personal percentages of risks of complications.

Great!!! Super caring and concerned about my well being!!

Dr. Patching is a down to earth, blunt and upfront man. Now that may sound bad, but I really like it. He kept me on track and helped steer me back when things got off pre-op. He encouraged my good habits and helped me to make them a more integral part of my life. I would recommend him, and his program, to others. Be aware, you may be asked to lose a substantial amount of weight before the procedure, but this is time in which to learn new habits which will help you!

Dr. Patching is far and away the most compassionate and thorough surgeon I've met. I've had several surgeries before my Gastric Bypass, but none were as meticulous as he was.

My first meeting with him was in the form of a 'seminar' - where all the information for both Roux-en-Y and lap band were laid out, with an opportunity to ask questions that were not already answered.

He places equal emphasis on pre-surgery care, after care, and keeping this as a lifelong path for his patients. His intention is to be there for the rest of a patient's life, offering support and assistance as needed.

His bedside manner is wonderful, and he is ever patient in explaining facts no matter how many times one might ask.

The only complaint I had was in the number of tests that I underwent, after an initial 'ok' was set down (following an abnormal ekg result) - I applaud his thoroughness, and his attention to making sure of his patient's safety, but (my opinion only) it was a little overkill.

However, I'd still rate Dr. Patching a 9.8 out of 10!

When I first met Dr. Patching I felt a good connection. I felt that I could trust him to take care of me when he operated on me. Dr. Patching is very experienced and has been practicing medicine and performing surgery for years in my area. However when I first met him, I did not know that. During the many follow-ups that I have had with him I came to know a lot about him including what I have already written. One thing that I will always say about Dr. Patching is that he really cares about his work and his patients. I belong to his sponsored bariatric group and a lot of the people in his grou[ are his patients. In my opinion, Dr. Patching is not very keen on the lap band. This is what I wanted when I started my WLS journey. I am glad that I took 6 months of the pre-op program. I was able to study the WLS lost surgereis that are preformed today as well as some of the old ones. I finally chose the R-N-Y because it was and is the best option for me. Some of the people who chose the lap band, in my opinion, may have done better to take Dr. Patching's advise and chose the R-N-Y. Dr. Patching is one of the best. G. Page

My first impression of Doctor steven patching was A-Okay. He was well informative and sounded strict and very disciplined , I could tell just by the tone of his LOUD voice , I thought Oh My he sounds TOUGH and Mean , and when i got to know him he was himself. He always talked first to explain what his position was and then if he forgot to mention anything or if you had questions he always, always answered them the best he could, Always up front , Looks you in the eye with respect, Dont feel intimidated by his demeanor hes very honest and truthfull. He stresses that aftercare is important to a successful healthy life , you just have to do your part and attend your monthly appointments , Its for your own good. i would rate Doctor Steven patching a 10 on a scale of 1-10. His bedside manner is very professional. If you have any questions for him do ASK , its your body and you have all the rights to know what the hell is going on , its YOUR life never be afraid to ask anything. By the way his office staff is great. I will update this as my progress changes and as i attend my appointments , i will let you know publically if my impression of him has changed , but as of right now nothings changed that ive just wrote about him, . Hes very kind,
Rachel
Castelli "KIDDO" but then im sure he doesnt need me to tell him this. Hes awesome he always makes you feel like youve done great even when you feel you are discouraged. Hes my miracle worker.

My experience with Dr. Patching has been AWESOME! My first impression of him was that he took his craft VERY seriously. He was straightforward and let his patients know his expectations from the beginning of the process. Dr. Patching's office staff is friendly and effiecient. Dr. Patching expects his patients to follow his instructions from the beginning. He is strict and expects you to lose weight and adjust your diet. He just wants to make sure you are truly ready for this surgery. He has a great bedside manner. He actually gave me hug when I got approved for surgery. He always calls me \"kiddo\" which was endearing to me. I would definitely recommend Dr. Patching to anyone who was interested in getting WLS in the Sacramento area.

He's tough but makes sure you are ready for the surgery. He wants to make sure you are successful. Afterall he will be your surgeon for life. rnrnNice bedside manner if you follow his rules.