"Although I just had my initial consultation with Dr. Sifers today, I had heard him talk about the surgery at his support group and was with my mother when she met with him before her surgery. I was a bit surprised by how young he appeared and was very pleasantly surprised that he actually seemed to care to want to get his patients healthy. After all he could have chosen any line of surgery. I have read that some people thought he was a bit full of himself, but I just consider that as self-confidence. I want my surgeon to be sure of himself!!! His office manager was all business and not very flexible about copays. I even had proof that my insurance company covers this procedure so I should be able only pay my co-pay but she said the new office policy was that $200 was due upfront and they will re-imburse when insurance pays. I did not feel the least bit embarassed about going to him like I thought I would. He emphasizes after care and stresses that if the food plan is not strictly followed then weight loss will only be 5-6 lbs a month, this will not get most people where they need to be by the time the 1st yr is up. He reviewed all aspects of the BPD surgery (I think it's the best). He even told me about a patient that he lost, it was due to blood clots, he does everything he can to prevent them, but having the circulation equipment on the patients legs and getting them up and moving early it's all he can do. The blood clot, therefore could not be prevented and the patient would have probably developed them anyway. I would recommend Dr. Sifers to others, I observed him with my mother and after meeting with him today I have total confidence in his abilities as a surgeon. I look forward to having him perform the BPD (Biliopancreatic Diversion) on me."
