"I chose Dr. Berger between two available at Flagstaff Medical Center because:
a. He has the most surgeries under his belt.
b. He conducted the informational meeting in such a way that I felt he was caring yet focused.
When I met with him the first time, he efficiently zeroed in on the important things out of my 17 page patient profile. It was a fast visit, and he had just come out of surgery, so I understood the need to be no-nonsense rather than to become good friends with a patient who might not even make it through all the requirements for surgery.
What impressed me even more than Dr. Berger, at the time, was the other members of the Bariatric Team. The Patient Advocate is extremely upbeat and efficient, the Dietician is very calm with a good sense of humor and excellent suggestions for change and improvement, the Bariatrician is very educated across a broad spectrum and I appreciate his honesty and focus.
After meeting with the Bariatrician, Dietician, Surgical Nurse, Physical Therapist, Insurance admin, and Dr. Langsdorf from the Psyche Clinic, (Some of them numerous times) I was cleared to make my pre-op appointment with Dr. Berger and to get surgery scheduled.
The 2nd time seeing Dr. Berger was immensely more satisfying and personal. I had jumped through all the hoops and his attentiveness was genuine. He answered all my questions and, with more eye to eye contact this time, instilled a confidence in me that sealed the deal.
All in all, I've been very impressed with the whole team. the fact that they do not put anybody on "fast track", even if they want to pay cash, is reassuring to me regarding their intentions. They are all about making sure the patient is fully informed, educated, prepared, willing, & able to be compliant... in order to avoid disastrous results. It might help keep them from getting sued, but more importantly it gives the patient the best chance for success possible. I like that.
So, with all that being said, I HAVE A DATE with my surgeon scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 9th, at 8:30! Believe me, I am jazzed. By June 1st, I intend to be on the back of a horse again. :-)
Life is good and my new (borrowed) motto is, "Nothing tastes as good as this FEELS!"
EDIT note: My surgery was blissfully uneventful, as has been my stay in the hospital. I have been doing my part as Dr. Berger and his team did theirs and together it was, and will continue to be, a success. I tip my hat to my surgeon and the whole Bariatric Team & Nursing Staff. Highly Recommend them to anybody in Arizona, not just Flagstaff area."
