Roy E. Berkowitz, M.D., M.P.A., F.A.C.S. Bariatrics Bariatric Center

When I first met Dr. Berkowicz, It was not at all uncomfortable he answered all of my questions and concerns. He was very impressed that my husband was there in the room to support every decision I made. Dr. Berkowicz made me feel like I was important. When I would go to the office for a follow up I would be a bit disappointed when I did not get to see him personally so that he could share in the excitement of my weight loss, I understand that he has several other patients to see to. at least I know that he is making someone else feel the same way I did when I first met him. I can not thank Dr Berkowicz enough for my lifestyle tranformation. I feel so much better about myself.

I made my first call to BTC last week. After I received their information, I called them back 2/7/01.

2/7/01
Penny got me my first consultation next TUESDAY!!!! I'll tell you more after that!

2/15/01
I saw Dr. Berkowitz at my consult. He was a really nice man. He has had 20+ years of experience. I know he will be a good surgeon. He was ery friendly and informative at the consult!

3/16/01
I was approved for surgery on March 1st. It was supposed to take only a week for the scheduler to contact me with a date. BUT She JUST reached me 2 days ago. So 2 weeks. Also, Dr. Berkowitz told me that I would have surgery within 3 weeks. Since he only had a short waiting list. BUT, Jeanette, the scheduler, wouldn't get me in until April 26, 2001. GEEEZ. Anyway, I am still happy with my choice of BTC, but not to happy with the scheduling process.

June 11,2001
I was overall happy with my choice in Hospital/Dr. I did have a few problems in the hospital however. One nurse took me for a walk at 9pm roughly, and said I needed to sit up in my chair for 1 hour, then in an hour I would get a breathing treatment. Well I fell asleep and 3 hours later, the nurse came back for my breathing treatment. I was so stiff, cuz was only supposed to sit for an hour.. I couldn't stand up, and was on MAJOR doses of pain meds for the next 2 days.
Well, I am home now, and doing pretty well. I will post more when I get the insurance bill! (IF ANY!)

For me Dr. Berkowitz was amazing. Many peole had told me he had no bedside manner. But once I told him my situation he became very compassionate and caring. Once I started crying he brought in a member of his staff who had the srgery and showed me that there was light at the end of the tunnel although it wouldn't happen overnight. The afterare process if very strenous but it was for my own good. I get continious ohone calls from teh dietician and nurses to make sure I am still on track..

He was very blunt and to the point about the surgical risks. He made it very clear that if I didn't follow the program the higher the risks of complications. Somethign I didn't want.


I would go back to the facility and to him in a heartbeat. Thankyou Dr. Berkowitz..

I had my first appointment with Dr. Berkowitz on Saturday April 27. I was suprised to see that the first person I came in contact with knew who I was? She had surgery last year and I didn't even recognize her! Deb and all the staff were very friendly and helpful. We didn't have long to wait before Dr. Berkowitz came in.
I felt comfortable the moment we met. He talked both to my husband and I in simple terms. I am a former surgical floor nurse, so I was familiar with many of the procedures. He explained both the risks and benefits and was patient and fully answered all my questions. There was one thing that he stressed that really hit home to me. Although my "ideal" weight was determined according to my height and build, he said that MY ideal weight was where I felt the best. He said not to compare myself to anyone else or not feel successful unless I reach a magic number. I am the only one that will know where I feel best.
I am confident that this procedure, used as a tool, and my hard work will be successful! I am very please with the consultation. Everyone seems truly interested in you. Although they were busy, I didn't feel rushed. This is my personal opinion!
I highly recommend Dr. Berkowitz and the bariatric treatment center. I highly encourage anyone thinking of this option to check them out! The fee is $85 for the consultation.

Hi,I wanted to let everyone know what a great doctor I had for my wls! Dr.Berkowitz is the best! He explained everything really well and he really takes time with you. You can tell he really cares about you! I would recommend him highly to anyone. As a matter of fact 4 other family members also went to him for the surgery.

I met yesterday with Dr. Berkowitz at BTC. He and his staff were GREAT! My appointment was right on time even though they were busy. Dr. Berkowitz took the time to answer all of my questions and has a great sense of humor! The staff I dealt with had all had the surgery and were very eager to share their pictures and stories. The doctor said I was a good candidate and they would now apply for insurance approval so I'm in the waiting game. He explained in great detail about the surgery and in particular what would happen afterwards. I would rate him a 10 out of 10 at this point!

On April 9th, 2001 I had my first consultation with Dr.Berkowitz. He explained the risks that were involved and the benefits of surgery. What I liked most was his ability to be an empathic Doctor. He is not overweight but something just told me he knew my pain. He said "after surgery you are going to get your life back". What a powerful statement! It's like he knew just how I felt (alive on the outside but dead on the inside). I am awaiting insurance approval and feel confident in this doctor. The staff at BTC were all kind and caring individuals. They too had the surgery which helped me feel not so ashamed.So far I am very impressed with Bariatric Treatment Centers.

3/12 Well Dr. B turned out to be even better!!




I really like Dr. B, he was very honest with me. Very rehersed at first once I pulled out my questions he seemed to warm up. Office staff was excellent! He stressed aftercare and the importance of being commited to becoming healty. I would rate him a 7, after I have the surgery and all goes well I will be able to update that #. I am not as concerned with bedside manor, as long as he knows what he is doing and will perform to the best of his ability I will be fine. I put my life in the Lord's hands.

He was great. I felt very cared for all the way through the process. The office staff and treatment center were all on the ball. It's what they do and they really do it well.

After care is stressed, and yes they do have an aftercare program. There are support groups that you can join which are really important.

He addressed the risks of surgery very clearly with me. Also on the day of surgery - those risks are again discussed prior to signing the consent form.

I would highly recommend this surgeon and the Bariatric Treatment Center in general.

I think that because this is what they do - they were very helpful and knowlegable in getting through the insurance nightmare - although I can't complain - I was approved in about 5 weeks and I didn't have to jump through hardly any hoops.

My only negative experience with the process was that 6 days post-op I must have picked up a bug of some sort. I was following the post-op program to a 'T', so my problem wasn't related to non-compliance. I vomited and diarreha for almost 5 days - it was pretty miserable.

Would I do it again...in a heartbeat!!

Dr. Berkowitz at the BTC in Belvidere, Illinois was wonderful. Told me about the good and bad things that might happen. I still talk to him today because he cares about the way I am feeling. The staff at BTC was wonderful. There was nothing I didn't like about BTC and their staff. Dr. Berkowitz took the time to sit down and talk with my husband and I. He took about an hour, which is very unusual. Dr. Berkowitz checked on me while I was in the hospital 2-3 times a day. He also kept my husband informed of everything! They have a follow-up program for 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year and 2 year post op. I was doing so well at my 3 month check-up that he didn't need to see me until my year anniversary. In my first initial meeting with BTC, they told both my husband and I about all the risk and the "could/might happen". We were well informed of what to expect. My overall rating is that I have no complaints and would highly recommend him to anyone! The staff at BTC were wonderful, because that is all the deal with so they know how to deal with obese people. Have you ever gone to a doctor's office and had to squeeze into their small chairs? BTC has chairs made specifically for obese people. Also their beds are also made for obese people. BTC even had Saturday appointments to accommodate my work schedule