"The first time I saw Dr. Ben-Meir was actually on a video. From what I could tell from the short video, he seemed very professional and wants to make sure that each and every prospective patient knows the risks and what they can expect from the surgery. When I met him in person (about 10 minutes after watching the video) he shook my hand and introduced himself. My first words to him were "You look different then in the movie!". We automatically were laughing!! He made a few jokes about the video, and from then on, I TOTALLY TRUST HIM WITH MY LIFE. He sat with me at his desk for at least a half an hour and talked to me. He really has a passion for helping bariatric patients. He advised me that he has had performed over 1200 LAPRASCOPIC gastric bypasses so far (not to mention the other forms as well) and he has NEVER had a single patient have a stomach leak. His statistics are superb. You can talk to him like he's a friend, rather than a Dr. He told me that he takes his time with each and every patient, and he takes great pride in his work. I have the utmost respect for this man, and I can honestly say that any fears I had when making the decision to have surgery are gone. Yes- there are risks, but I trust him. I would give Dr. Ben Meir a BIG 10 if I had to rate him so far.
As for the office staff, be prepared to follow through with everything and make calls to double check that everything is getting done. Don't expect them to call you back when they say they will either. But, I do believe that they are doing their jobs, getting insurance information, and working on your side for you. Patience is key. I didn't like the way that the receptionist Sondra treated me (she wasn't very pleasant at all!!) but she's not the one doing my surgery, so I just forget about her and concentrate on my Doctor and me!!!! That is just what my impression of Sondra was like, that may be different for someone else though..... it's just my opinioin. Regardless of the staff, I have faith in my Dr. and that's what counts. "
