Thomas Chua Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I'm "THAT" patient. I am that patient that had the surgery with a little too well. I went from 306lbs to 94lbs in about 4 years. I was placed on feeding tube to get up to 135lbs. I had a partial reversal done at the end of 2013, lost some while healing then settled at 140lbs until about 5 months ago when I ballooned back up to 196lbs. Dr. Chua had been my rock, (outside of my family). He has practically held my hand through all of this. I am grateful for having my life back, but I can see that slipping away again as the digits on the scale are crawling up again. I absolutely refuse to break the 200lb mark again and I trust that Dr. Chua and his staff will do everything to help me avoid that and achieve my new goals. Obesity is a sensitive topic, but he's the sweetest doctor I've ever met.

Initially, I found Dr. Chua to be somewhat meek and mild. He yet remains so, but that is such a part of his charm. His current office staff & team are a reflection of him as well. They're all such professional people with wonderful people skills. They seem to genuinely care about the individuals who come to their office to partake of this major weight loss journey.

I saw Dr. Chua a couple of times one-on-one before my surgery. He was the same soft-spoken, caring doctor at both visits. On the day of my surgery, he and his PA came to visit me and talk with me briefly. That was really comforting because I was afraid to be put "to sleep" because I have apnea. He assured me that I'd be on a ventilator and that lots of people would be looking out for me. He refers to it as having many bells and whistles to sound if something were to go wrong. He then came to see me the day after surgery in my hospital room and told me that he'd called my husband to let him know that everything went well. He ACTUALLY was the one to call and speak with my husband...how nice was that????

Overall, I'm really happy with my pre-op and my short post-op period/experience. I'm only two weeks post-op, but am quite impressed with the whole process. I've lost 15 pounds in these two weeks and the possibilities are endless thus far. I truly believe that Dr. Chua's is the best at what he does, and I would recommend him to anyone who's considering WLS. I attended my first weight loss surgery seminar at another hosptial six years ago and didn't feel comfortable with the types of surgery being presented.

I'm so glad that I waited for the particular seminar that I attended with Dr. Chua and his staff. It was well-worth the wait!

GGIsMe

Dr. Chua and his staff was nice and got me in right away. I drive 7 hours from Mi to see him. He said I was the 7th person he did the lap band on. I went home and after 11 mo’s, 4 fills that did not work, and only a lost 30 lbs. I started feeling a lot of pain and discomfort. I called Dr. Chua and he said I just needed a fill. The pain had become too great and I went into the ER. They called the surgeon and after many test and x-rays, they said the band had to come out. 11 mo's to the day the band was put in, it was removed. The surgeon said that the port had flipped, and the band slipped up and looked like a ring hanging on a pole. When I called Dr, Chua and told him what happened he said, I just needed a fill and no one knew how to deal with it, so they just removed it. That was the last time I talked to him. This was almost 10 years ago and I still have pain when I have the hiccups, gag, or eat something spicy. I am 391 lbs and have no way of fixing this. I never thought this would happen to me. What bothered me the most was Dr. Chua never called and checked on me, or anything.

dr chua is a wonderful man that went into great detail with me about the surgery. his staff was wonderful very friendly people to be around. he also has a great bedside manner and would highly recommend him to anyone

Dr. Chua is a very small very quiet little man upon first impression. But the more time he spends getting to know you, the more open and out spoken he is. The front office staff is not the most professional I have seen I am actually disappointed in that aspect of his practice. But his Medical Assistant and his Physician Assistant are both absolutely wonderful. The thing I like least is he talks you through everything perfectly but it is hard to remember everything. I wish he would have more handouts/pamphlets. He emphasizes greatly on the aftercare and reminds you often of the great lifestyle change that you will need to make. His aftercare is not "too" strongly structured but has the basic outlines for each surgical procedure mapped out. He does go over in great detail the risks both in his seminars and in his personal consultations and insists that you ask him questions. I would strongly recommend him as a surgeon, I have no major complaints.

The first time I saw Dr Chua was at his seminar. I was told by my doctor that he was the best and I had to see for myself. I was pleased. He is very nice,quiet and helpful. To me it seems Dr Chua knows his stuff and is really great at what he does. Dr Chua explained each and every weight loss surgery throughly. I felt confident when I left the seminar. I knew all the pros and cons of each surgery. He was very nice and eager to answer any questions people had about the proceedures. It is true the weight loss surgery is not a mircle it is a tool to help in weight loss and if your not in it for the long haul then it's not for you. It is a life long commitment and the rewards are endless if you commit to the life style changes. Dr Chua expains this and I feel very safe having this surgery with him as my doctor. His staff at his office is also awesome they are eager to help in any way they can.

My first impression of Dr. Chua was that he cares very much about his patients. This impression has not changed. He is a great bariatric surgeon and I would highly recommend him to anyone considering WLS.

My first impression was that he was an intelligent man who knows his business. This has not changed. Also, Dr. Chua is very professional and willing to answer your questions. He made me feel at ease about the procedure and I am confidant with his excellent reputation.rnrn I was regaining weight and tried to get help but he was unavailable. Had a couple endoscopies with another doc from his office. I felt he was very offensive and made me feel really lousy for regaining the weight. I know I have a problem...that's why I had the surgery in the first place. I'm looking for a new Dr. to do revision surgery.

Dr Chua is a great surgeon. I love that he explains things througly. I feel so comfortable talking to him I know I am great hands.

My decision came after thorough discussion with my Primary Dr.(Michael Dawson). We had been working together for quite a while on my weight and weight related health issues. He is great and with my family supported me all the way. He even personally called me after the surgery to see how I was!rnrnI did my research to find my surgeon. Dr. Chua is from a Bariatric Center of Excellence here in WI. He has a great reputation and was a pioneer in Bariatric surgery procedures. My youngest daughter works with doctors and hospital facilities and asked around. She heard nothing but good about him either. I put my trust in him and now I am on my weight loss journey.rnrnThe people that work in both his office and the hospital facility at Aurora Sinai in Milwaukee, WI are very supportive. The monthly support group meetings(I went for a year before I had the surgery)are a great way to ask questions and get information from people who are going to or have undergone the surgery. rnrnDr. Chua's patients are all required to attend at least the informational group meeting before they get into the program. The nutritionist and Dr. Chua's staff make appointments with you at varying intervals during your weight loss process. The group meetings are held once a month.rnrn