"Dr. Hallowell out of University of VA Bariatrics is a Rockstar! He is a great surgeon with an excellent bedside manner. I have enjoyed my experiences with him every time, even when he was pressing me to do better in my first year and a half after surgery.
Before the surgery, there was a group meeting to talk about things that would happen during our various surgeries, and they told us up front the extensive type of care we would need, such as vitamins for the rest of our lives, and calcium citrate instead of the "plain" kind. They showed us plenty of information so we would have a decent understanding of what we would be going through. They did tell me a month or so before the surgery that because of my size and health issues I was more likely to have problems afterwards, but I came through with flying colors.
He is really big on aftercare, as I mentioned above. He had me come in for check-ups more often than I was "required", so that he could encourage me. I think there was indeed a support group either there at the hospital or in the immediate area for the WLS patients, but I lived too far away to participate in that.
His staff is really good too. I also meet with a nutritionist at each appointment and learned a lot from both of the ladies I have met.
His office staff is considerate and very nice and professional whenever I go in, and on the phone as well.
To start with, I was super obese (423 lbs-down from 444) when I came in in 2010. Even still, he was able to do a laprascopic RYN on me. He was pleased about that, and so was I-less scarring! He treated me really well, and I had a wonderful surgery experience. Almost no side effects like excessive pain, or bleeding, or other issues people have soon after surgery. I think this was due to his expertise.
All-in-all, I have enjoyed him being my surgeon and follow-up physician. I think both his surgical competence and beside manner are fantastic and I think anyone who is heading to UVA for Bariatric surgery wouldn't go wrong with him. "
