"FIRST IMPRESSION: I really liked how he did not promise a magic bullet. He emphasized how the surgery was not a cure-all, but a tool. I was prepared to hear a snake-oil salesman, but found an intelligent, fact based discussion presented in a matter-of-fact style that impressed me. He did not try to say that all of his patients were 100% successful in losing all their weight, but emphasized what factors would make for good success, and what would be likely to have a disappointing result. This allowed me to decide if it was something that was right for me. rnOFFICE STAFF: very professional rnThe staff dealing with finances were helpful, honest in their estimates, and willing to spend time explaining and researching the insurance coverage. No last minute surprises or hidden costs. For those expenses not covered by insurance they provided a number of options and were willing to customize to theblue individual. THE AFTER CARE STAFF is skilled and I was impressed with their prompt response to what might have been a surgical complication. (It wasn't) But don't expect them to have the time to listen to your life story. The after care appointments are thorough but a quick in and out.rnLIKE LEAST: He is very busy. It is not likely you will see him much after surgery unless you have a medical problem. rnFUTURE PATIENTS NEED TO KNOW: If you are federal Blue Cross/Blue Shield, in California surgeons are covered under Blue Shield. He is preferred provider for Blue Cross, but not for Blue Shield. However, his financial staff agreed to accept the co-pay amounts for preferred providors instead of what they could have charged.rnAFTERCARE: Is strongly emphasized.rnSTRUCTURED AFTERCARE: many aspects: on line support, large and small group meetings available twice a month, exercise \"events\", regular follow-up visits, additional visits with the nutritionist available at no extra cost.rnRISKS OF SURGERY: He was honest. He did not diminish the risks and required that smokers quit a minimum of 1 month prior to surgery. He also required a 10 pound weight loss prior to surgery to minimize surgical risk.rnOVERALL: If you want good medical skills, he will be an excellent choice. If you want the doctor himself to hold your hand, act as a personal friend or psychologist - you probably want to choose another physician. rnSURGICAL COMPETENCE: excellentrnBEDSIDE MANNER: Very attentive before and after surgery while in the hospital. I never felt as though he was trying to rush away. I am confident that if I had experienced any sort of medical problems after surgery he would have spent as much time with me as required.rnrn"
