Dr Sifers nearly killed me. it has been 11 years and I am still having issues. in 2002 I have a BPD, I nearly starved to death. he though I was doing great because I lost 180 lbs in 13 mnths. I was dying. I ended up in hospital for 3 months waiting to get strong enough to have the surgery reversed. Dr Galvin at UAMS in Little Rock saved me. I lost part of my stomach and intestine. as Dr Galvin said, I had a lot of stuff missing. now still taking medicine for acid reflux and may have to have new surgery. please be careful before you have anything done. I did not know Sifers was so bad.

He nearly killed me but I survived and am seeing Dr. K Udobi in KC now. He is much better!

My first impression of Dr. Sifers was that he had a practical solution of weight loss combined with a very drastic weight loss surgery procedure. His surgery seemed to be the only choice for me. He educated me about Genetics, about how if prone to diabetes, I was also prone to obesity. His theory was that Sugar was the leading cause of overweight. Even now, 5 years post op weight loss surgery, I still believe in his theory, because when I abstained from sugar for a year and 1/2, I lost 200 lbs. I was able to eat a normal size meal within one week after surgery, and I never vomited. When I started eating sugar and carbohydrates again, I slowly regained weight. Sugar is a strong addiction, more powerful than alcohol or drugs, and is so plentiful and obtainable. Dr. Sifers staff were stern with patients, most patients were non-compliant, due to sugar addiction. When being overweight, you're not always cooperative with doctors and nurses. Following a new eating program is easier said than done. I fought myself every step of the way. If I had followed the program perfectly, my relations with Dr. Sifers and his staff would have been more pleasant. Now that he is deceased, there is longer a support group for BPD patients. We have been left stranded with only memory of how to maintain this eating plan for life. My complicaitons were as follows: Kidney Stones, 2 Hernias, Low Potassium, Malabsorption, Digestion Problems. Regaining my weight is My fault. I don't even need a food list for the grocery store, knowing exactly which foods are compliant with my eating program. When I eat bread, tomato, milk, corn products, or alcohol, still I suffer. These foods turn my system into an ice cream machine. But, without this dumping syndrome, malabsorption, I would actually regain all of my weight. Still, I feel greatful for my surgery, it facilitates quick weight loss.

I met with Dr. Sifers in January of 2003 and after just a few short minutes with him
I knew he was the one I wanted to have do my surgery. He was so understanding and
very personable. I liked him instantly and
trusted him. The more I saw him the more
I liked him. He explained the procedure and
the possible complications and also his reasoning for believing the bpd was the best bariatric surgery. Surgery went well and I am so grateful to Dr. Sifers for giving me my life back.

I was very comfortable talking to him and he explained everything to me in simple english! Great bedside manner. The office staff are very friendly and helpful. I can't think of anything that I dislike about Dr. Sifers. I haven't made it back to Dr. Sifers office for my last two check-ups because of DEPRESSION!! I lost my husband Oct 5th and I just didn't care anymore. But, I'm finally coming back to my senses and want to continue my weight loss.
The only thing that upset me after my surgery, was that I ended up being on IV's for six weeks due to dehydration and I couldn't keep any kind of food down. I didn't like and still do not care for the gas!! I'm still trying to figure out what foods bother me and how much!

I was impressed with his explanation of the surgery and long term success rate. My impression of him is still fair. His office staff are for the most part ok. The thing I liked the least was that nothing was ever his fault, no matter what.His after care left a little to be desired, He was very busy some-times and he assumes that you auto-maticly know things that you have no way of knowing. He was trying to keep a suppoert group going, then the hospital that he did his bariatric surgury stopped him from doing wls surgury.He told me possible complications when I saw him on my initial visit. I would rate him as a good surgeon. but he could have improved on his after-care quite a lot. I liked him personally, but I feel he could have helped with follow-up better.

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<font color = "purple"> <B>12/09/01</B> -</font color><font color = "black"> First meeting in a week (12/17/01)!
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<font color = "purple"> <B>12/17/01</B> -</font color><font color = "black"> First meeting with Dr. Sifers was almost canceled. However, he came through and saw me. $200 up front fee. I liked talking to Kelly(receptionist). Only one that got my name right, lol.
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Dr. Sifer is a fast talker. Almost wondered if he sold cars before becoming a surgeon. I went in wanting the DS and came out liking the idea of getting the BPD done. He really perfers to do the BPD and will only do the DS on people of BMI of 40 range.
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He made it real clear about following his strict diet guidelines to loose as much as possible while you can. I agree with this, even though it's going to be tough. I thought the going for check-ins every month was a bit much, but puts me at ease.
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I like that he has a support group every 3rd monday at the hospital. He says that he will probably only be doing all his surgeries at Shawnee Mission Hospital soon. He's web site at www.sifersmd.medem.com contains half of the brochure info he gives you on the consultation. Also liked that he's more willing to fight against insurance exclusions and denials. Which is good cause I might not get approved. He told me that United likes you to have had three weight loss programs. I havn't had these, so we'll see.
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Other than the fast talking and maybe him rushing a little to get to the dentist, I had nothing really bad to say about him.
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<font color = "purple"> <B>12/09/02</B> -</font color><font color = "black"> I'm about to try again. Getting a new insurance on 1/1/3. Blue Cross of Michigan. I called them with the procedure/surgeon codes and was told they consider it experimental. I'll see soon if I can change their minds.
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<font color = "purple"> <B>05/06/03</B> -</font color><font color = "black"> Dr. Sifers wanted me to go see a pulmonary as well. I did that on 03/36/03 and he said I had nearly textbook lungs. My psychological evaluation was good. I had the most problem in coming up with Dr. Sifers $4268 before yesterday. I finally got a loan approval and my surgery date is 05/12. I got all my pre-op done yesterday and I'm just waiting for the big day now.
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<font color = "purple"> <B>08/16/03</B> -</font color><font color = "black"> The billing department somehow goofed alot on sending my claim out. They had said earlier they had lost my file before the surgery. Well after the surgery they must of found it and started sending my claim to UHC(my old ins) then to hubby's insurance(BCBSofKC). Both denied of course. They also had the wrong surgery date at first too. Just a lot of problems. Hopefully they will send "all" my money back for the loan when they get the check from my insurance. They are a provider and it says I owe nothing. Now I'm just waiting for the system error at the insurance to clear.
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<font color = "purple"> <B>11/01/04</B> -</font color><font color = "black"> I havn't been to see Dr. Sifers since Feb of this year. Kept getting cancelations. Then I just stopped trying. I see my primary physcian often though. I get blood testing done regularly. Everything is going ok. I was thinking of going in to see Dr. Sifers recently though. Just a few questions been mingling in my head. Otherwise, I went to a meeting here and they had a guest platic surgeon speaker. I thought I wanted the cosmetic surgery done if I could find a way to get it. But I wasn't too pleased with the after photos of that surgeon's work. I'm not so sure if I want it done now. Since I immediately started working out after surgery. And I was working a labor intensive night job most of the time I was loosing. I think that greatly helped in not having so much loose skin as some other people I've seen have. It's not great but it's not that bad either. So I'm just sitting on the fence about the cosmetic stuff.

I'd like to start by saying that those who have apparently had a "good" experience w/ Dr. Tim Sifers are very fortunate that they did not see/experience the man's true nature. I have known Dr. Sifers for a long time, and am fully aware of his womanizing qualities and his greed. If you think he is concerned for you, the patient, than you have been hypnotized by his charm. The man is a very good actor. His only concern is making money, and he could care less for his patients. Tim's opportunistic ways have led to the death of one of his patients, namely Bondura. Additionally, he has refused to help many in need because he is busy attending to his bimbo wife Celena, who is about the same age as one of my daughters. I caution all who may consider Sifers as a potential surgeon on the basis of his ill-will, and lack of true concern for others. Dr. Tim Sifers is about the farthest man I know from being a gentleman.

Dr. Sifers is a real straight forward guy! If you have thin skin or you want him to tell you you can he wont! he tells you like it is. i like that. His bedside manner was great for me. He came in and told me how it went and what i could exspect and was very straight. I liked him 14 months ago and I like him today. The office staff is awsome! they are the real everyday heros! they answerall your questions and are there for what ever you need big or small.

His after care is really hands on. They have meetings once a month with different topics and a q and a time. It is really helpful to hear how everyone else is doing and listen to there troubles because we can all relate.

His office and staff and Dr. Sifers himself get a 10!!!

Q & A

Q - What was your first impression of him/her?
A - A little different in his apearance, but solid in his information about this procedure and his patients.

Q - How did your impression change over time?
A - It hasnt.

Q - How would you describe his/her office staff?
A - Very informative and helpful, better than most dr's staff.

Q - What did you like least about him/her?
A - His shirt that he was wearing at my last appointment (Hawian shirt).

Q - What should future patients know about him/her?
A - Good Guy... wish he would use a different hospital.

Q - How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
A - After care is a necessity.

Q - Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?
A - yes, too much information to relay in a Q&A, but see web site.

Q - How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
A - In more detail than I cared to listen too.

Q - How would you rate him/her overall?
A - Very Good!!!

Q - Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or both great?
A - BOTH