"I first met Dr. Buchin a little over two years ago. I have struggled with weight my entire life and was looking for help. Dr. Buchin met with me and discussed all the options. He answered all my questions and put me at ease. I was determined to get a band as I wanted something that was reversible. While Dr. Buchin felt I would be more successful with a sleeve, he never pushed or made me feel uncomfortable about my choice. He expressed his concerns and then respected my choice.
I followed the pre-op plans and on December 30, 2009 I had a realize band put in. The surgery was about as painless as it could be. We were in and out of the OR in less then an hour and I went home the same day. The follow up was excellent and I could not find fault with any part of the experience. I had great success initially until I stopped embracing the supports. I stopped going for follow up appointments and did not get the band adjusted. A year later I had put on most of what I had lost.
When I finally went back to Dr. Buchin and asked for help he was there for me. Not once, in any way, did Dr. Buchin make me feel like a failure. He was supportive with both surgical and non surgical remedies. And, after careful consideration I decided to have the band removed and converted to a sleeve. As this was the procedure Dr. Buchin originally recommended he would have been justified to tell me " I told you so". But the words never came. As was his style from day 1, he was supportive and comforting.
My lead up to the sleeve surgery was a comprehensive set of pre op classes and support groups. I had a pre op diet to get me ready for surgery. And, just as important, I had the support of Dr. Buchin's amazing team. Sophie, Dr. Buchin's PA, is a superstar in her own right. She is increadibly knowledgable and every bit as caring and empathic as Dr. Buchin. Karla and Helene in the office were always supportive in helping me get my clearances and worked with my schedule to make sure I could always get in to see Dr. Buchin. The whole team is the picture of support and professionalism.
Dr. Buchin and Sophie both saw me the day of the surgery to check in on me before I went in to the OR. Actually Dr. Buchin saw me twice. He went over all points of the surgery even though we had done it before. He took the time to ask if I had any other questions and answered my families questions. Once again the surgery went off without a hitch. The minute he was finished, Dr. Buchin was in contact with my family. Both he and the team at the hospital kept them informed as to my progress every step of the way.
Post op Dr. Buchin checked in on me. He was there when I went for my swallow study the next day. He insured that my pain management was taken care of, although there wasn't all that much pain. I am now 8 days post op and am fine. I am driving and am really happy with my decision to go in this direction.
I owe Dr. Buchin a lot of credit for these experiences. He is nothing short of a surgical rock star, a Jedi master. He is talented, capable, competent, empathic, compassionate and all things you want in someone with whom you entrust your life and long term health.
When you pick a surgeon DO NOT settle. Go with the best. And I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that Dr. Buchin and his team are it."
