Weight Loss and Surgery Center Bariatric Center

6-27-01 Hi Everyone. Sorry that I haven't updated my info. I've had a busy week. Yes, I've decided to have Dr.Afram do the surgery. My 1st impression of him was that he was very knowledgeable. He was patient and took the time to explain everything to me. When I went to his office, there were a great many postop people there. They were very pleased with him. That was good for me to hear because I had intended to have Dr. Vanquiri do the surgery. He was very adament about the aftercare and the making of the support group meetings. He said they were mandatory. His staff seemed fine to me. Nothing exceptional. Nothing bad. He informed me of the risks of surgery. I've only met him one time so I can only say what that one time experience was like. Several people on the WLS site recommended him highly. That made me feel so much more comfortable. They said that he was very dedicated to them and they also said that the hospital that he operates at was very peaceful and nice. They said the stay was nice. That's all I can ask for. A competent surgeon with a great bedside manner and a great aftercare program with a good hospital stay.

My first impression of Dr. Afram was, he is very serious. He seemed careful to give factual and detailed information about the RNY surgery. At this point I have had only one visit. The office staff is friendly and courteous and seem to be sensitive to the needs of obese people. I liked that Dr. Afram was very professional and informative. He gave a clear and objective perspective about the surgery. He gave balanced information, advantages and risk of surgery. He emphasized that surgery is a tool for living not a magic bullet. The program is a very comprehensive and aftercare is a lifetime endeavor. I am unable to rate him at this point overall because I have only had the initial consultation. However, I do plan on having the surgery, insurance permitting, and he is my first choice for a surgeon.

1)He is very professional, and personable.

2)It only got better.

3)Very nice in office. The person who processed my Ins paper work to me seemed like she could of used an Asst. I had to keep calling.
4)I have not found anything I've disliked so far
5)He offers a complete program.

6)Strongly emphasizes aftercare.

7)Yes! The group meeting & online support group is wonderful.

8)Yes

9)Definite 9!

10)Both were Great!

I liked him from the start. Although we were a little rushed (he fit me in for a private consult, in part because I couldn't get to one of his regular information sessions for a couple of months). In fact, the only complaint I might have is a selfish one--he is popular (for good reason), and his schedule can be very crowded. But then, that's true of every good physician I've ever met.

My impression of him only got better over time. I was especially pleased with the very careful way I was tested before surgery (e.g., I was glad to find out that I had gallstones--the radiologist couldn't understand why I wasn't in pain from them, yet--and so Dr. Afram did a "preemptive strike" by taking my gallbladder out during the bariatric surgery).

He had made it clear that there were very good reasons for the precautions he takes, both before, during, and after the surgery. He presented not only the risks but the steps he takes to minimize them.

The surgery is only one part of a larger program that includes a variety of advance preparations (which, aside from the medical tests, included psychological assessment and nutritional counseling), on-line and in-person support groups, regular check-ups afterward, and nutritional and psychogical counselors on staff and available.

Although, in general, I like a good "bedside manner," I care *much* more about surgical copetence, and I have great confidence in Dr. Afram. Actually, I suspect his bedside manner was very good, even better than I remember. But I really blanked out quite a lot from the anesthesia and pain meds---just as well, I suppose. Still, even had that not been the case, the most important thing is the skill and carefullness of the surgeon. Dr. Afram wins my vote.

Dr. Afram was professional and friendly. My impression of him did not change, he is a man of few words. I love Dr. Afram's staff -they are warm and friendly and ready to help you solve all of your weightloss problems.

Dr. Afram is a man of few words! He is thorough and will be ready to respond to any question you may pose to him. He has an entire program set up for you after you have had the surgery. He informs every patient of all the risk that may occur during surgery.

Dr. Afram is a 9 (no one deserves a 10!)

I would recommend people who were interested in weightloss surgery to Dr. Afram without hesitation.

My first impression of Dr. Lin was that he
seemed very relaxed, and very knowledgable
about the surgery, which was good! haha.
He put me at ease and his staff were very
kind and checked in on me while I was
watching the video and asks me questions.
He really focuses in on you and I was so
nervous that I did not realize at first.
He talked to me honestly about the risks
of surgery and also told me that i would
have to have my gallbladder and spleen
removed to prevent further complications.
I haven't had more appointments with him
but i have been doing research on my own
so I would recommend that when you go to him
you have questions written down because
it seems that he will expect you to have
done a lot of research.(my impression) i have
confidence in him but I will update as time
goes on.I did wish that he alloted a little
more time for the appointments and he did
not talk about aftercare much ( i did not know enough
then to ask). But i do know about it know
and will ask questions at my nextappt.
I was very excited to see him on television
a few weeks after my first appointment,
explaining the surgery. He was calm,
composed, smooth, but not fake as he
explained everything. And his patient on
TV was absolutely thrilled! And that helped
too!

I met with Dr Lin for the first time in the beginning of May. My first impression was a good one. I liked the 1/2 hour video they let you watch. It makes you feel like he's right there in the room talking to you. The office staff was very friendly and helpful.
The vist with Dr Lin was a litte short. From what I did see, he seems to be very caring and concerned.

I found doctor Lin to be very professional and yet very personable too. I feel very confident in his surgical skills and impressed by his education, professional status and compassion. I also met one of the residents who works with him and he too was very impressive. They were both pretty serious as is this procedure.

Kathy in the office helped me get some pre-visit footwork done too.

My first impression of Dr. Afram was that he knows exactly what he is doing, probably with one hand tied behind his back and one eye closed.
No, he remains the same knowledgeable professional that i first met.
His office staff is so very helpful, they don't mind how many times you pester them (as I have) they remain just as eager to answer the same question over and over again. (Kudos Velma).
Each and every person on his staff can not stress enough, how important all of the after care programs are, they have given out schedules for the entire year of every after care class, which is twice a week.
You are made to understand te risk of this proceedure, verbally and in writting, you are informed of what can and what has gone wrong and how to avoid these issues.
I would like to say that Surgical Competence is better, and it is, however, you need the Bed Side Manner to make you more at ease.

First impression was that he was trying to talk me out of the surgery and appeared negative. The next time I saw him he had
a very positive attitude and was friendly. I was pleasantly supprised by the overwelming support of him and his staff. From
the time I awoke in post-op I was verry happy with his staff doctors and support. They came to check on me frequently and each
one seemed to have their own speciality and were very concerned.
As of this time, operation + 12 days there is absolutely nothing I like least about Dr Lin. He or part of his staff have been there
each time i need them.
Going thru pre-op testing one of the anasthesioligist said Dr Lin is one of the best surgeons at G.W. I believe him.
I don't know about aftercare yet because i won't see him until May 16.
He addressed the risk of surgery to me as very serious thus i mistook his surley attitude.
So far with the results I'm having and my recovery I don't see how I can possibly rate him higher, I couldn't be happier.

Both surgical competance and bedside manner were great.