"From the morning I was admitted they were friendly, courteous, and explained everything prior to my surgery as I was being prepped. They called my family as soon as I was out of surgery, the nurses in recovery were awesome I did not want to stay in bed after waking up from surgery they got me up and walked with me for the first hour and then got me recliner chair because I found the bed very uncomfortable. When I arrive on the 4th floor North where all the bariatric patients go after surgery, the nurses are well versed in caring for by pass/lap band patients. They were respectful, explaining symptoms, medication and very helpful during my stay. On day discharge they explained all of my medications, and any side effects I may experience when I am home. Also my surgeon followed up with me a few days after surgery, I think the thing that helped me thought the first week knowing that there was on call bariatric fellow always available post op if we had any problems or issues. I called twice and they were readily available and answered my questions and concerns. If we needed to be seen they would see us in the ER instead of general physician, there philosophy is to have bariatric physician see us also during after hours to care for us through our healing process. I have had positive experience through this process and also this was my first ever hospitalization and surgery and it went very well, and had few side effects. My aftercare has been going well with no significant problems. "
"My first experience with Dr. Shikora was hearing speak at conference on obesity found it to be informative and found him easy to approach and discuss the issues/questions. rnWhen I met with him for my surgical consult I found that he spent the time with me to answer my concerns and questions thoroughly and did not dismiss my questions when I wanted further clarification or did not understand something. He was very clear it explaining the medical procedures.rnI found the office staff generally very pleasant and helpful scheduling appointments, My real concern was I had to make numerous trips in some weeks to see different disciplines, it was difficult to have some appointments on the same day. Also was difficult when they canceled appointments in getting them rescheduled either on the same day or close together to prevent having to make multiple trips to the center . I think piece of advice I would share is you have be strong advocate for yourself but in positive manner to get across your individual needs and what your outcome would like to be. To be open to sharing your true feelings ,fears, insecurities, it helped me a lot through this process. One of the reasons I went with this program was after being involved for Weight Watchers and workout program for 3 years and loosing over 105+ I had some difficulty maintaining myself and regained back 30lbs, I had to come to the realization that I needed another tool so after speaking with PCP we discussed the OCC with Dr Shikora, and I felt at first I had failed but in time I came to realize I needed this and another tool to aid in my weight loss on permanent basis. this program assisted me to that realization and that it was not failure but addition to what I had already been doing. The after care program is key to the success of the individual they have expectation you will maintain participation in all medical appointments and support groups in order to have long term success.They reviewed all the risks of surgery from the orientation program, video broadcast of the surgery, surgical consult and answered any questions at other times if I had them.I think it has been difficult for me to express my anxiety and fearfulness of the upcoming surgery and really not having place to express it they limit the counseling sessions to 2 visits, but I have advocated for myself for referral to therapist specializing in weight loss. It is something I feel I need right now. I think my overall rating is good/excellent in most of the areas of the surgeon and the program, I still think individuals need to self advocate for themselves when their needs are not being met or do not feel satisfied with the level of service they are getting I requested additional appointments with the psychologist and they responded by providing me the time to meet with her but also my insurance allowed extra visits.I would prefer the surgeon have competence in both surgery / bedside manner but I really prefer an experienced surgeon with the credentials and expertise in his field. But able to take the time with people to hear their concerns and questions. I am the type of person I will ask for nothing less than what I think I should get from this type of surgery. I feel I have been able to obtain that from the OCC and from Dr. Shikora, I do not have a lot negative interactions with center for the most part been very positive, through the first part of my journey."
