"I had the DS surgery performed by Prof. Weiner on May 11, 2010. I was a self paying patient and the cost of the surgery was aprox 12,000 euros. This included the surgeon fee, all hospital fees, and a private room.
The hospital has recently undergone a renovation and I found it to be very modern and quite comfortable. An entire floor seems dedicated to Bariatric care and there are many Bariatric nurses. This turned out to be very comforting. Everyone from the people who check you in to the staff surgeons and nurses are familiar and sensitive to your weight issue. You are surrounded by other patients who all have similar problems and are empowering themselves to change.
Prof. Weiner is efficient and friendly. I did not not meet with him on the day of intake, but met with a staff intake surgeon who answered all my questions and reviewed my case. I saw Prof. Weiner a total of 4 times. He was pleasant and professional, mostly all business. I hired him because of his large base of experience and incredible skill with the DS. I didn't hire him to be my new best friend, so this was ok with me.
The staff surgeons and nurses more than made up for any lack of warmth from the surgeon. These people took care of me for my 6 days of post surgery care. They were compassionate, concerned, and friendly. Each person seemed to genuinely care about my well being. The attending doctors and nurses all made a point to shake my hand upon entering my room and would gently touch my shoulder. These small touches meant alot.
I was very scared prior to surgery and was having my 'moment' prior to being rolled into the room for anaesthesia. The nurses held my hand and spoke calmly to me, telling me everything would be fine. Even in the room with anasthesia the doctors patted my arm and promised to take care of me.
I received a large booklet to assist with aftercare, a nutrition class, and a specialized set of directions. The Prof. will monitor my bloodtests for the 3, 6, 9month and 1 year mark. I simply provide the copies from my GP. I may call or email the Prof or any of the other surgeons if I have any questions or issues. The staff made sure that I knew that when I ended my stay in the hospital, I wasn't ending my relationship with Prof Weiner or them.
I am happy and recovering and would recommend Prof Weiner to anyone interested in the DS surgery. He also performs the lap band, sleeve, RNY."
