"Dr. Marcus requires a visit with his support group first, before a visit with him, at his office. The group was very supportive and open, discussing both the positives and negatives of their experiences. Dr. Marcus was at the meeting and emphasized the importance of one's health (not just weight loss) and being as healthy as possible- like starting exercise before surgery (not just after) and vitamins. He cares about you as a person, not as a set of guts to cut and sew then move on.
The support group is very large, so I did feel a bit timid about asking questions in the group. There also seems to be a core group of longer term supportive friends that also leads and organizes the group. I do not reach-out well on my own and feel a bit isolated and don't talk to anyone while I am there. Perhaps once I am a post-op I can feel more of a part of things.
His office staff were very helpful and patient (I know I must have asked some of my questions about the pre-surgical testing a half a dozen times to make sure I do everything right- no gritted teeth or exasperated expressions from anyone).
Dr. Marcus is a very experienced surgeon. He started private practice the same year that I was born! Let's just say that I am no Spring Chicken, too."
