Weight Loss and Surgery Center Bariatric Center

I met with my surgeon for the first time today. I was surprised at how at ease I felt when he walked in the room. He spoke very well and on a level that I could understand.He allowed my husband and myself all the time we needed to get answers to the questions we had.I think Dr Lin was impressed with the knowledge I have gained on the internet about the surgery.He told me about a very good after care right next door and will lead me to a good nutrisionist if I didn't have one.I was very comfortable with my total experience today and I am so excited to get on with this. The Scheduling
Coordinator Annetta was very sweet and helpful as was all of the staff. I had an appointment to go and talk to another surgeon and I have decided to cancel that.This just feels right. Parking was the pits, I will take the metro for my next visit.

I liked Dr. Afram. He was more then willing to answer my questions. He even spoke with my husband. I met only two staff memebers that day---both were equally friendly. Now I'm waiting on -- if I'm approved or not. I will let you know soon.

I believe I did this before but here it is again. Dr. Afram does have a web site at www.obesitycenter.org
It has alot of useful information and tips I am sure I will use. Check it out for info.
When I first entered his office he has before and after pics of previous patients. The little skinny-mini lady( I forgot her name-Iwas so nervous) at the front desk was very nice and made you feel good and not at all self conscience. It's a rather small office so you don't get that I hope he's not a stuffy doctor syndrome. The chairs are huge so that means they're comfortable. Dr. Afram explained everything and then you go to Velma who makes you so comfortable you want to call her mom. She explains the after care program which it essential to your sucess.The one negative thing I could say was I don't think he allowed enough time for questions even though he answered most in his informative talk he gives when you first go into his office. He even has a little rubber foam stomach to explain with.

My impression of Dr. Lin was very favorable even before I met him in person because I received a video of two TV news interviews he gave from the referral service that I got his name from. The first important thing was that I could understand him because his english is native. The second thing and most important was he completely understands the trouble we have losing weight.

On meeting him I found him well organized and ready to address every concern. He spent a lot of time making sure I was clear about the risks of the surgery.

His office staff are friendly and helpful and I have found them to be very responsive.

There are no negatives about him to report.

He made it clear that I will need to make use of the services available from GWU hospital. I think each person should take responsibility for their own knowledge and so I have been reading extensively from many web sites besides this one and have found the Yahoo Groups http:groups.yahoo.com/group/GastricBypass-InfoCenter extremely helpful and informative.

I give Dr.Lin a 10 out out of 10 and have confidence in both his surgical competence and bedside manner.

My first time meeting Dr. A was at one of his seminar. He basically covered everything there and when I went for my consultation I did not have to review with him anything that he had already discussed. He seems like a very gentle man understanding the struggles of his patients continuous weight gain and failure to lose weight. He gave me positive reinforcement that because of my current weight, comorbididites and weight history that I should not have any issues with approval. I told him I was ready and that I hope to see him soon.

I was quite impressed with Dr. Afram. He used models of the the stomach before and after the procedure which helped alot. His office support, Sally, has been supportive with typing letters for my job and just entertaining the many questions I asked. After care was emphasized from the onset. Once monthly for the first year after surgery and the every 6 months for life. After care includes support group meetings once weekly, minimum.

I absolutely love Dr. Lin!!!He's personal, personable and he actually listens to what the patient has to say. He was interested in what I knew about the surgery as well as what I need to know. He was very thorough and precise.

My first (and so far only) impression was very good. I got an appointment right away. I was a little late due to getting turned around and the office staff was sympathetic. I have had DR's make me reschedule for less than that. He was very thorough, even though I had done a lot of research, which he noticed. I liked that he showed me little foam tummys of before and after, and answered all my questions thoughtfully. They seem to have a very rigid aftercare, and an on staff nutritionist.

Afram is very sincere and concerned about his patients's welfare
His office staff is very nice and knowledgable.
He explains in detail the risks and complications.

Had my first meeting with Dr. Afram on
11/8/99. I am still a little overwhelmed by
everything. He is a very straight forward
person and he went over all the risks of surgery
and the importance of the follow up. His
staff is very nice. Jennifer spent some time
with me and my husband going over things
again and again.

4/28/00 - I am not as happy with Dr. Afram now.
He didn't fill out my pain medication right
so my husband couldn't get it filled. I
called the doctor and he said to use Tylenol.
As you can guess that did not work very well.
We finally had to go and get another
perscription from the doctors office. I also
spent four days trying to get a hold of Jennifer.
I am having very bad gas pains.

8/10/00 - Well things are better. I don't know
that the doctor has had much to do with things
now. The support group is the best! Dr. Afram
is a great surgen. But you can not do better
then this support group. Very, Very Important!

1/29/01 - Well I have had more problems with Dr. Afram. He missed misdiagnosed my gall stones. Even after my PCP had found the gall stones with a ultra sound, Dr. Afram said it was gas! Afram left me in severe pain for two weeks with out doing anything but to tell me to take anti-acid. I have not seen him since.

Don't get me wrong, Dr. Afram is a wonderful surgen, but a lousy doctor.