"Dr. Spratt-Turner is a wonderful, caring and supportive Primary Care Physician. I would recommend her to anybody searching for an understanding doctor who can relate to obesity in individuals and the need for bariatric surgery."
"I was extremely impressed with Dr. Costantino. He made me feel comfortable with him right away with not only his demeanor but his knowledge about the Lap Band surgery.
Dr. Costantino's wife, Catherine, assists with the precertification and screening of the patients for the two surguries that they will provide. One is the Lap Band surgery and the other is the Roux Y surgery.
His staff treated me professionally and seemed to understand what this surgery will mean to me.
Dr. Costantino will not provide the surgery if you do not sign up with a structured before and aftercare program. You can sign up with his wife (nutritionist and nurse) for services such as a psychiatric evaluation (before and after the surgery), exercise program (use of their gym facilities for an entire year) and other aspects of becoming prepared for the surgery and assisting you with proper nutrition and attending support groups following the surgery.
When you first meet with Catherine Costantino, she discusses the risks and benefits of each of the different surgeries they offer. Understand that they will push the Lap Band surgery before the more invasive Roux Y surgery.
I haven't had my surgery yet, but based on the way they handled my initial consult (expect to be there for a long time and discussing a lot of issues - as well as filling out a lot of paperwork), I would rate Dr. Costantino very highly.
I felt that Dr. Costantino might be more competent than having a great bedside manner. But, I can see that he really cares.
(I really haven't found anything negative about this yet - but remember I've only had one visit so far.)
(I'm currently scheduled for November 19, 2002, but I was told that Keystone Health Plan East usually denies the Lap Band surgery and his office is attempting to fight for approvals for others with this insurance as well as for me. So, my surgery will probably be postponed.)"
