"I had my first consult with Dr. Kazantsev in July of 2005. After months of doctor appts and tests I had finally gotten an appt with the SURGEON! I was allowed into the inner sanctum. I was tired, overwhelmed and my expectations were in high gear.
When I met Dr. Kazantsev he was very stern and unsmiling. He asked if I had any questions and said I should lose some weight before surgery. I have to admit that I felt let down after the meeting and upset. I spoke to the fabulous Helen Johnson, R.N. who said that he oftens comes off that way in the begining and she answered the questions I did not ask the Surgeon. She suggested I go to this website to check on other peoples comments and many said they had the same experience! That made me feel so much better because they also said he warms up at successive visits and is an exceptioonal surgeon.
Well, I had my pre op appt today (9/14/05) and had done all the research about the surgeon I needed to do. Bottom line is that I figured I would be knocked out most of the time I was with him so who cares if he does not have a warm and fuzzy bedside manner? But....He was a totally different person today!! It was a wonderful appt. He was kind and funny - he has a very dry sense of humor and I felt a thousand times better! I had lost 7 lbs before the appt so that made me feel better and he seemed pleased. I have to say that I am so very glad I stuck with it and just went on as I am very happy he will be my surgeon. I think for anyone meeting him for the first time, he may be very clinical but he knows his stuff. The pre op appt is where you get a chance to connect with him and it is worth it. Don't get discouraged and don't give up. So many people I have talked to and/or read their comments have stated that he is a total "10". I know I am one of them."
"Julie took me under her wing and worked so hard on my behalf to get my information and tests to the insurance for qualification. She stayed with it until I got my approval for surgery consult. I call her my angel because her spirit and warmth are extraordinary. She is a huge asset to the medical group and her support has make this process so much easier. She should be cloned!"
"I can't recommend Dr. Rasak enough. He took me on when my doctor left the practice and never missed a step, even with an already full patient load. He is incredibly supportive of bariatric surgery and helped me every step of the way to get everything done that I needed. His progfessionalism, knowledge, sensitivity and warmth make him the ideal Doctor and I am lucky to be a patient of his! Soon I will be less of one!"
"Dr. Lee was very personable and willing to set up a sleep test pretty quickly for me. He was very friendly and professional. I would definitley recommend him."
"I was impressed with the thoroughness of the evaluation. The first visit was fairly clinical and the second was really helpful as I got an idea that Dr. Sandberg had a real understanding for obesity and the issues we face. I plan to see her as I move on in my journey towards health with less weight!"
"Dr. Rasak is extremely supportive and helpful in providing me all the resources I need to pursue bariatric surgery. He is an excellent listener and very receptive to issues and concerns. He is a wonderful doctor and I am fortunate to be a patient of his, especially through this life changing process."
