Center for Severe Obesity Bariatric Center

When I first met Dr. Samuels I was not shocked at all...many people had already told me he was a little guy....but I only saw a beautiful smile, and a warm
welcoming gesture. He spoke to us...a small group of 5 adults...in a calm, friendly manner. He was very direct, answered all questions, and was
very supportive. I felt at ease and knew right away I had made the correct choice. Everyone in his office was as nice as he was and always encouraged me...and
gave me straight answers! Throughout my time in
Florida, Dr. Samuels and his staff were terrific...I had a few complications but they readily calmed me down and addressed my needs...
I have been back home in Baltimore for 6 weeks now...and his staff has called to follow up on how I am doing...Aftercare is as important to them as before the surgery...actually, I think it is more
important. With the extra support from the nutritionist and the psychiatrist...I feel all bases are covered. I wish I lived closer so I could particiapte in the support
group meetings too...they are supposed to be fantastic....
Overall...you can't go wrong with Dr. Sam and his staff...I feel like they were a godsend to me!

He is wonderful. He was very helpful and his office staff was great. They did all the work with the insurance company. I am looking forward to working with them all.

I changed surgerons not because I did not like Norman Samuels but because I was able to get a date immediately with the surgeon who works in the same hospital that I work atr... and also my daughter in law is having the surgery the same day and my first choice physician would not take her insurance.. so I switched and I think it is better.. it is closer to home and yeeppee we have a date and have been approved... My surgery is being down by the Verdeja, Rabasa, Gonzalez group in Miami...their staff I can't say enough positive things about them they bent over backwards to help myself and my daughter inlaw...The doctor is a sweetheart..explains everything very throughly himself took all the time we needed and I was approved for surgery the next day incredible.
3-31-01 you are not going to believe this but I changed back to DR. Samuels... they were finally able to aprove and give me a surgery date 4-13-01... and the neatist thing today I was at the cardiologist and I met with 4 other patients of Dr. Samuels.. ont of them I had been chating with on the email..so we have exchanged to keep in touch.

2/1/01

When Dr. Samuels walked into the waiting area where I was sitting, he appeared to be very concerned and calm about a room full of morbidly obese people. It was quite impressive. My first meeting was very informative. That was last year! I went to his office seeking a last resort help. I left there with great hope. My insurance was filed, and I received a letter indicating I would have to have psychological and sleep study evaluations. I was so "uninformed" about the whole process that when I got the letter, I just gave up thinking "Why Try!" They aren't going to approve the surgery. I became very depressed and So I did nothing. Since then, I found obesityhelp.com and have read an untold number of testimonies and new material on WLS that I felt confident enough to call Dr. Samuels office and ask for help! I talked to Sandra! She is super. She let me know right away that my records were still open at their office and that BC/BS still had my records open. She offered to call them and get the ball rolling again! She referred me to Dr. Melodie Mooreheads office for my psyc evaluation and I talked to Laverne. Another wonder woman on the phone! I am scheduled for that evaluation on Tuesday 2/6/01 (Thank you Laverne!).

I feel confident NOW, that with Sandras' guidance and Dr. Samuels skills - I will be on my way to a new and healthy me very soon. When I was in their office last summer (2000) I couldn't have been treated better. I was well instructed and informed of all risks and advantages. I was given a great packet of information and I really liked the whole group. I know that there may be other patients with other views, but these are mine and only meant to convey my initial experience with Dr. Samuels and his staff. If anything other than the positive happens, I'll let you know that as well.

When I have my surgery, I'll let you know how Dr. Samuels surgical competence and bedside manners are...

Here is hoping I'll be on the other side very soon.

Phil. 4:13





3/26/01
Dr. Samuels and His Surgical assistant were all anyone could ask for. They were informative, kind, concerned and ever ready to assist and be there for me during and after my surgery. I can't say enough about the care they gave me. I am glad beyond measure that I returned to them for my WLS.

I would recomend them to anyone considering the surgery.

God Bless Dr. Samuels and all of his Staff!

:)

What can I say about the man who with God's help SAVED MY LIFE?? Dr. Samuels is THE BEST!!! I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I owe my life to this man. Dr. Samuels is caring,kind,friendly and very informative. He doesn't mind explaining things over and over to you until you understand and he really looks out for his patients. The whole office staff is WONDERFUL!!! They are like a family - Linda, Jennifer and Sandra. I love them. Anything you need they are always willing to help.

I believe Dr. Samuels is the highest qualified and most experienced bariatric surgeon in the world. I love him. I HAVE LOST 233 POUNDS IN JUST OVER A YEAR!!!!!!

The first appointment was a group appointment where about 8 of us had to fill out alot of forms, read some literature and watch a film. Then Dr. Samuels comes in and discusses the surgery, trying to set reasonable expectations. Afterwards the Doctor sees each patient for a physical exam. We also met with the insurance specialist who is about 1 1/2 years post-op. I felt that the office staff was cordial but not overly friendly at first. Dr. Samuels also seemed friendly but a little rushed, like he only had so much time to see each person.
My impression changed when I called back to ask some additional questions a few weeks later. Everyone made time to answer my questions and they even invited me to come in and speak with the Doctor and the nutritionist, that they would find a way to fit me in. The doctor explained in greater detail the aftercare program and went on to address the risks and benefits of the surgery. I felt very comfortable with his experience as a surgeon and physician when I left.

He's a very caring person. Also very thorough. Office staff makes good team. Dr. Samuels made sure that I was fully aware of the side effects and provided me with the pro vs. cons. He also has a support group that meets every month.

I liked Dr. Samuels and his office staff quite a bit. If there is any criticism, it is that the place is somewhat like a mill, and I was simply on the production line. But, I think that this is attributable to Dr. Samuels' efficiency and experience. I would definitely recommend him.

I love my doctor and his staff. they have been very helpful from the beginning. They have tons of information and are sure to see that you have the greatest before, during and after care. They have two great monthly support groups which are very informative for the new and "old" patients.

He is a complete sweetheart. Always smileing and very straight forward. He holds nothing back.

The office staff made me feel like they were my long lost family. I love going to see them for visits.

Dr. Samuels is very particular when it comes to aftercare. He makes sure that you follow the required diet plan and get up off your butt and walk as much as possible.

I would rate my doctor a 15 on a scale of 1-10. Outstanding. His assistant needs more bedside manor classes, that's for darn sure. Very uncareing and not sensitive towards other peoples feelings and worries. This man needs to work at home depot ..