Thomas Beetel Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

I met with Dr. Beetle once so far and he seemed nice and I felt comfortable with his answers as I asked my questions. He seemed very competent and my instincts led me to feel very relaxed about putting my life in his hands. I'll update more after surgery, provided I get approved by my insurance company. rnUPDATE: I did get approved, and I had my surgery with Dr. Beetle. He was wonderful. My surgery went well, no complications and his bedside manner is terrific. Professional and caring. No complaints from me! His assistant Stacy was helpful also, she really drummed in to me how important aftercare is and how my success with my new pouch is all up to me. I have a new tool, and how it gets used is my responsibility.

Dr. Beetel is wonderful. He answered all of my questions and made me feel comfortable. At my EDG he talked before and after with me for a few minutes. I didn't expect to see him at all. He's got these dreamy eyes that make you melt! The office is busy, they are doing some rearranging of suites and staff duties. The staff is great, just slightly unorganized. There is nothing that I didn't like about Dr. Beetel. His office repeatedly tell you your a patient for life. There is a plan for aftercare, nutrition and follow-ups with the Dr for life. The office addressed the pro's and con's of the surgery very well with the initial information session, booklet of information and follow-ups. This is a very thorough office that goes above and beyond. There is alot more testing than with other local doctors but it's so worth it in the end. Better safe than sorry! Dr. Beetel is a 10 for looks and a 10 for being the Dr. with the best bedside manner!rn***UPDATE***rnRead my entry for 10/11/06! I am very dissapointed in Dr Beetel's office right now. I have not spoken to him directly so I'm not sure just how much of this he is aware of but since it is his practice he must know something. Future patients beware of huge office politics and favorite patients! The weight management cooridinator has power issues and it's taken out on innocent patients. The office continues to make appointments for patients without their knowledge for unknown reasons. These have been MY personal experiences and this doesn't mean that anyone else will have the same problems as I had. I just want possible future patients to know what I've experienced and to ask questions and demand answers.

Dr Beetle, was reassuring and friendly. He answered my questions and Did the extra tests on my heart to make sure there would be no surprisres.. I really liked him and would reccommened him.

25Aug05: What can I say about Dr. Beetel? He is a HUNK ... he is a miracle worker ... he is fantastic! From the beginning, he took the time to explain each leg of my journey and I never felt that I was bugging him or annoying him with my questions. He was able to take this old tired body that had already had a previous abdominal surgery (gall bladder removal in 1966) leaving scar tissue, adhesions and a big ole scar and perform laparoscopic WLS on it with no complications! In addition, I have a history of hypertension; hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease); afib flutter; sleep apnea & phlebitis of the lower extremeties. All of those co-morbidities were addressed and precautions were taken to insure my safety and well-being. My surgery was on Thursday morning, July 21st and I was home by Saturday afternoon, July 23rd!!! And I felt wonderful. I had very little pain (high tolerance?) and good energy and was back to my office in four weeks. I would recommend RSA to ANYONE for WLS. The whole program is professionally coordinated with a personal touch. The Support Group is amazing! I am extremely happy that I chose RSA and Dr. Beetel for my WLS.

Now, as for Reading Hospital ... I was NOT impressed. It appeared, in my opinion, that the floor nurses were overworked and understaffed. I don't believe they are incompetent ... just very stressed! I'm sure that someone else may have a different opinion, but for what it's worth, this is mine.

Dr. Beetel is so cute. I usually like Ugly doctors but there is no ugly doctor in this practice. So I was given to Dr. Beetel. He is cool like everybody else there. He answers any question even if it is a curve ball like i threw him but he made me feel real comfortable so I am sticking with him. 10 more days til he does his magic.

Warning: Dr. Caldwell is no longer practicing for undisclosed reasons at Brandywine. The following is my viewpoints before he had skipped out and left his patients high and dry!This was just my personal impressions of my own personal experience and that I am making no statements about what other people may experience.

Dr. Caldwell was friendly. I had my inital consult with him on 5/24/05. He seemed tuned in to me and discussing my situation, but I could also tell that he was in a rush. This is a newly established practice, so I suppose the office is getting a lot of referrals.

Dr. Caldwell is new to PA and hails from North Carolina (but is originally from PA). If anyone has dealt with him from there(NC) I'd love to hear from you.

I believe he's been a surgeon for 2 years. This is a minor concern for me.(It has been said 2 years is long enough for surgical mastery.) Other surgeons in the area have more patient testimonials and possibly experience under their respective belts. I don't want to be anyone's guniea pig. However Dr. Caldwell appears knowledable in this area of surgery. I'll reserve my rating until I have met with him again.

On 6/14/02, I was surprised and impressed that Dr. Caldwell came to the Support Group. Is the norm for surgeons? I am forming a really good opinion about him. He seems caring and in touch with his patients needs. I am glad that I have choosen this practice.

Retraction: I can't beleive I chose this office. I was left high and dry! Dr. Caldwell and Brandywine Hospital-SHAME ON YOU!!! This was just my personal impressions of my own personal experience and that I am making no statements about what other people may experience.

My consultative appointment with
Dr. Bonanni's office is July 13th

Very patient with questions I had. Would recommend this office to others.

Friendly; knowlegeable; willing to answer any and all questions.
Impression did not change; he reamins very approachable with questions and concerns.
Office staff very supportive/friendly.
Nothing about him I did not like.
Have not been post op long enough to be sure of the after care beyond my current point.
After care program is structured; handouts are given pre op and you know exactly what you should be doing at what time.
Risks were fully explained. As an RN I am aware of risks associated with surgery and anesthesia.
I would rate him at least a 9 on a scale of 1-10.
Both are great but competence is by far the most important; bedside manner is a definite plus.

This is one of the best and most capable surgeons I have ever met. I highly recommend to anyone with questions or as a surgeon.

I met with Dr.Beetal on the 28th of July. He is a very easy on the eyes kind of guy..not to mention a very easy going guy. He explained the surgery and what would be done. Things that he was concerned with and what he would like to have done before he does the surgery (having a EGD done) on me. He took him time and didnt make me or my husband feel like we were taking up his time. He answered questions and made sure we totally undersood what he was saying. So to those of you out there sitting on the fence about if you should go with this doctor get off the fence and make a appointment becuase his practice is so easy to go with :0)