"Nothing but positives for Dr Nair.
My first impression of him after the introductory meeting for all patients researching their options was that he is passionate about what he does. Later I learned that the Weight Loss Surgery program at our hospital is his baby. He brought in another amazing surgeon who had more experience with the Lap-Band. They are both serious about what they do.
Over time my impression of Dr Nair and his staff has only changed in that they are more like a part of the family. When you have a lap-band, you do have to have more followups. Luckily I work close to our hospital so this has not been a problem. I've actually appreciated the followups as everyone there has been so supportive of my journey.
Future patients should know that he comes across seriously because he takes this seriously. He does not want to see someone screw up the work he has invested in them. This is not a paycheck for him. It's his life's work. One person I know was not happy with him, but they were someone who was not following the rules & advice from him and his team. I've heard others feel he was a bit serious in the pre-op phase, and he was. Like I said, he doesn't want want some patient in there who is going to go through all of this, lose the weight, and then mess it all up by blowing all the rules afterwards.
Dr Nair's aftercare program is structured to the point where they ask you to sign a contract prior to your surgery which is your committment to the followup care for at least 5 years. It's obviously not a legal/binding contract, but they hold up their end of the bargain. They want you to as well.
Surgical risks were presented in the intro group meeting, during the first initial consult and again at the preop. Overall he is a great doctor. We got off on the wrong foot at one visit but we worked it out.
I went with Dr Nair for his surgical competence. I just feel he is the best for what I need. Bedside manner? It was fine. I remember him coming by (barely) in postop & checking on me a few times (I had some low BP issues and insulin surges), and he came by my room once that night & then the next day for discharge. Really though, a great bedside manner is a plus. When it comes down to it? I want a surgeon who is great in the OR. If we can build a good doctor/patient relationship afterwards? That's awesome. But a good bedside manner is useless if you have an incompentent surgeon.
All of us who have spent time with Dr Nair know his mantra that any of his surgeries are a "tool". They are not the end all, be all. The rest of the work is up to us. His team is there every step of the way when you need them."
"The staff at Salem Hosp was truly amazing. While there was a delay in the start of my actual surgery, they kept my family and I well informed. So it was not a stressful or anxious time during the extra wait. The nursing staff as well as the CNA's were amazing in their quality of care, getting me up and around asap, and responding to my needs. "
