"My first impression of Dr. K was that he was a little cold and distant, but knowledgeable. Dr. K is a very serious doctor, but he does have a pleasant bedside manner. His office staff are terrific. They always answer your calls and have your information readily available. D'Angela was terrific in helping me get through all the last minute paperwork and setting up the pre-op tests. Helen Johnson has been a Godsend!! She was there for me through every step of the process, from the appointments with Dr. K to Pre-op to Post-op and during my stay in the hospital. She was there when I felt panicky, she was there when I couldn't tolerate the hospital food. She went out of her way to buy me popsicles and bring me soup that I could manage to eat. Helen has a way of making you feel very special. The one thing I liked least about Dr. K was that he is a man of few words so you need to be clear and prepared when you speak with him. Otherwise, you should direct your questions to Helen. One of my nurses in the hospital said she had the opportunity to watch Dr. K perform the Lap RNY and her comment was that his performance was "exquisite"! His medical record to date is immaculate and his work is outstanding. Aftercare is critical. It is so critical, that the appointments are made for you before you leave the hospital. Helen is always just a phone call away if a question should arise. Alta Bates has one of the best support groups I've ever attended. Helen runs it, but really let's the participants do most of the talking. D'Angela attends along with the Psychiatrist who likes to remain fairly anonymous unless her advice is sought out. The attendee's are very honest and willing to express all of their feelings, good or bad. The only downside is that it's at the hospital and parking is a bit of a pain, but the drive is worth it! Dr. K was very direct about the risks of surgery. He went over them clearly and I signed paperwork stating that I read and understood what was explained to me. I also recommend anyone interested in this program to read the book "Weight Loss Surgery: Finding the Thin Person Hiding Within". It offers the risk information in great detail and encourages the potential patient to think the consequences through very carefully. Dr. Kazantsev is a "10" all the way!!! I would have to say his surgical competence outways his bedside manner, but that would be my preference. Helen Johnson is there to provide bedside manner and support. Her tiny little office was just outside my hospital room next to the nurses station so she's very accessible. Which would you rather have...a hand holding nice doctor with average skill or a doctor with outstanding skill and a terrific support team to compensate for his bedside manner? Dr. K was always pleasant during his visits, but again, he's a man of few words and prefers you to be direct. Trust me, Helen will hold your hand if you need it. "
"The staff was very caring and considerate. They were aware of my size situation and made sure I was comfortable without making a big deal of it. The procedure was done quickly and I was released promptly when I met the criteria to go home."
"DO NOT LET ANYONE REFER YOU TO THIS PERSON!!!!! She was extremely rude. She laughed out loud at some of my answers on her questionnaire. She asked vague questions that had nothing to do with the surgery or how I would cope with it afterwards and then she had the nerve to require an additional visit which was booked out a month later after I was told that this would only require one appt. When I returned for my 2nd visit she spent about 10 minutes with me and then said she would have the report ready in about 1 week but that she sometimes forgets and puts these on the "back burner" because this is not the mainstay of her practice. I had to call this woman and leave messages on her machine every day for 10 days straight well after her week deadline before she finally responded. She then called me and said she never promised me anything and that I was calling her private practice and that she never wanted to hear from me again since she sent the report the day before this call. She slammed the phone down before I could even respond to her grievence. She is totally unprofessional and insensitive to the obese. There are plenty of other professionals in her field that would be able to do a better job."
"Dr. Lewis has an excellent office staff that is specialized in getting patients through the bariatric surgery process. He may seem like a tough old Navy Captain on the outside, but to me, he is very warm and supportive. He expects you to work hard and take your situation seriously and you are generously rewarded by it. If you're not committed to this program, don't see Dr. Lewis. If you are, he is your best ally!"
"She is very talkative and your appointments can last a lot longer than planned. You need to keep her on task, but she is willing to answer all of your questions. She also answers her email and phone calls if something comes up. She had some great ideas about dealing with lactose intolerance post surgery."
"I was given a sample of each flavor by my nutritionist to try. They were both nasty. They tasted oily and thick and overly sweetened. Why do diet companies think obese people need everything to taste super sweet? Yuk!!!"
"These bars are small but filling. They taste great and are the first true lactose free (pareve) I have ever found. I will definitely be using them after surgery."
"It seemed pricey until I used it. One TBS and I was moving again with no discomfort at all. It tastes like rice water (a little sweet and thick, but not gritty). I will be my first choice when needed."
