Anniston General Surgery Center Organization

Dr. Clifford Black, is the best doctor (in my opinion) in the State of Alabama. I'm very pleased with the results of my surgery. Dr. Black's, office staff is the most professional and caring staff that I've ever came across. (And belive me I've had my shares of office visits with other physicians). Dr. Black is very professional and caring as well, he'll gladly sit down and discuss any concerns you have pre-op or post-op without making you feel like an idiot. I must say that I love Dr. Black and his office staff and is very glad that I chose his to perform my Roux-en-y gastric bypass procedure.

Short and Sweet.....He's the only Surgeon for me....whether for Gastric or for whatever surgery! He IS A TRUE Surgeon in all aspects....I will Trust My Life in his hands!!!

My husband and I were both very impressed with Dr. Black. I went there wanting to get a Lap Band but after talking with the doctor my husband and I decided that the Gastric By-Pass would be the best for me and my situation. His office staff are so nice and helpful. I will post more as I get to know him better.rnWell, surgery went well. He is so nice.

I feel Dr. Black is well educated and knowledgeable about the procedure. He was frank, open and direct in his comments and explanations. He doesn't sugar coat anything or pull any punches. I haven't had the surgery yet, but I can say that any fears I have about having the surgery have been put to ease. I have had two other surgeries preformed by Dr. Black in the past and I would recommend him to anyone considering WLS or any other type surgery. He is a very nice person and a very good doctor. His bedside manner is great and he also has a great staff. Up date. I had my gastric bypass surgery 11/06. I reached my goal and could not have asked for a better Doctor. Dr. Black is the best.

I had heard many, many good things about Dr. Black and so I decided to use him. I met him at my first consultation on Jan.23,2006 and he was very nice and went over the gastric bypass surgery and expained all of the risk's that were involved, which he didn't sugar coat.
Dr. Black's office staff were very nice. The lady at the front desk, Laney, is very sweet and will answer any questions you may have. I will update again after I have the surgery.I had my surgery on Feb.23, 2006 and Dr Black is AWESOME! He did a wonderful job taking care of me! He took his time and explained how I should be eating for the 2 weeks post op. I would give Dr Black a perfect 10 on a scale of 1-10. He is wonderful and he truly cares for his patients.Even the anesthesiologist I met with on my pre op testing day said he had researched all Dr's in B'ham and if his wife decided to have the surgery he would prefer her to go to Dr Black. Dr Black IS A GREAT DOCTOR!!!! I would suggest him to everyone!

I liked him, very much. He is straight forward, and so he needs to be. I met Dr. Hegstrom first and I really liked him. What ever I asked he answered so that I could understand him. And that I really liked. And he didn't treat me like I was an idiot or something.Now Dr. Black has a new partner Dr. Birdsong. Dr. Black's staff is very friendly, and I like them all. You go in and they have a smile on their faces. There was nothing I didn't like about Dr. Black. He doesn't act like your best friend, and why should he, he is there for you and what he does. Dr.Black tell's you with no playing around, about the risk of the surgery.He lets you know about the leaks that could happen, and about blood clots,he is very informative.He tell's you he does not intend for you to lay in that bed and act like a baby after surgery. He let's you know right then that you will be up and out of the bed the same day of surgery.Or he will get you out, if he has to set your bed on fire...lol..My surgery Feb. 15,2005 and I will tell you after about the surgery part. As for which is better, I think both is great, but I preferr SURGICAL COMPETENCE. Well it's been 3 and 1/2 months, down 87 pounds now. All is well. Dr. Birdsong, actually did my surgery. He is a new Dr. with Dr. Black. Came there a few days before my surgery. I really like Dr. Birdsong. He is nice, and always has a smile for you. He is a hands on Doctor. Likes to high five and shake hands. He is just all around a nice man.

Dr.Clifford Black was very kind and caring when I went into his office for my initial visit.He was very confident and very knowledgable about the surgry. He put my mind at ease about the procedure and never once made me feel abnormal.
His office staff is kind helpful and caring. Dr. Black answered all my questions and his staff is so helpful. they do not mind if you call and ask questions and they do not mind answering them either
I did not dislike anything about him.
Future patients should know that Dr. Black is kind but He means what he says about following his instructions.He lays it out for you in plain lingo.
He really stresses the importance of aftercare.
Yes his aftercare program is very structured.
Dr. Black did not candy coat the risk involved in this surgery and He explained all the pros and cons and all the risk.
I would rate him a grade above Excellent in all areas.
Both surgical competence and bedside manner is Excellent.
I do not regret my choice of Dr. and if I was going to have it done again I would choose Dr. Black and I highly recommend him to everyone in this area that is interested in this surgery.I know you do not think 100% reveiw is possible but I was thism impressed with this Dr.I had no unpleasant dealings with this DR or his staff.

Dr. Black is a kind and caring doctor. He is VERY honest about what the risks and results are, no sugar coating, which I liked. My impression of him did not change. The office staff was friendly and said if I had any questions that I could call them and ask away. What did I like least about him? Nothing really, very nice and answered all my questions. He emphazises after care VERY much. He says that he can only meet you have way, and the rest is up to you, what you put in your mouth and if you get off your... well you know, your hind end. He's there to answer questions, but you really need to do what he instructs to stay healthy. He kinda has a structured after care. You are told and given sheets on what to and not to do. But also they have a support group at the hospital once a month. He says there are risks with ANY surgery. Yes, he has cases that ended up in ICU or have died, but in those cases the patient was already very sick and this was a last resort, or the patient not disclosing all their medical info, or they didn't follow up on their after care like they should have... Just ask him and he will tell you straight up! I think he is a good surgeon. He opperated on my son about 1 1/2 ago and I really liked him then, that's why I chose to go to him now, PLUS I heard nothing but good things about him. Both bedside and surgical were good.

Very friendly and professional staff. Dr. Black is impressive. We have met with 3 other surgeons. We like Dr. Black. It was one-on-one, not group, and he covered territory that the other two missed. I fully understood the procedure but had concerns about blood clots. He takes great measures in prevention; in/out OR-no music, no chit-chat; get out of bed even if he has to set it a blaze. He also chooses heparin, an old tried and true blood thinner.
We have a few medical issues (cardiology and thyroid) to straighten out along with a problem in how my former PCP documented my weight loss attempts. It was worth the investment, at least I know who I want for the surgery and I'm not as worried about blood clots now.

He was very nice and expressed himself well after hearing his speech he gave to us in the office It made me feel much more at ease.His staff has always been really nice and very helpful in anwsering any question you might have includeign Dr.Black.

The thing future patients should know is this is a very good office very concerned with there patients.

He address all risk up front hid nothing was very through.

Over all rating so far very nice and i would recomend him if you want things done right or to the best of his ability.