St. John Providence Weight Loss Bariatric Center

My first impression of Dr. Kole was very impressive. He seemed to be a very understanding man with tons of knowledge and information on obesity. He looks at obesity as a disease, not a lifestyle choice. He seems to really care about his patients and their success. I can't say enough about his office staff. Everyone in his office has gone through bariatric surgery so they understand what we are going through. Sara, the insurance coodinator jumped through hoops to get me approved. While I was going through my weight documentation with my PCP, Sara called me every month to let me know she had received the latest letter. I guess the thing I liked the least about my surgeon was that I met him initially in January and didn't see him again until the day of my surgery (9/2/08). I really wasn't sure if he remembered me or not. Aftercare is very important to the staff at St. John Weight Loss Clinic. They have a support group meeting every month and they are very informative. Tawnya is very knowledgeable on WLS as she is a patient herself. She has kept her weight off for 8 years. I would rate Dr. Kole and hes staff a 9. The only other problem I had was with the psychologist they referred me to. I specifically asked if he was approved by BCN. Also I asked if other patients had been approved using him. I was told that they were. Well, I think I was misinformed because after all of my documentation was done and submitted to BCN, I was denied because I had not had an evaluation by an approved provider. I paid $150.00 out of pocket because he did not accept any insurance. I did this because he worked very closely with the St. John staff. I was under the impression that the was the \"go to\" guy. I had to quickly fing another psychologist and get another eval. This time is cost me only $10.00. From what I hear now is that Dr. M****k (I will not disclose his name in a public forum) misrepresented himself and is no longer affiliated with Dr. Kole's office.

Confident, caring, knowledgeable, willing to give time to answer any questions. Continues to be the same after surgery. Office staff always willing to assist - get back with answers. Aftercare is highly stressed. 12 week program - support group and then monthly groups after that. Overall very comfortable with care from surgeon and his staff. Hosptal staff were very professonal and took great care of my needs while there.

Looking forward to having Dr. Katz do this for me. He is kind and he tells all about the pros & cons and he makes sure all questions are answered. He feels that there is no such thing as a dumb question. The staff is just as wonderful. I am having surgery 9-10-08, and looking forward to my new life.

Dr. Katz rnmy FIRST IMPRESSION of him was he very quiet, he listen to what you want, then he explain the steps.rnOVER TIME past he still quiet, and listen to his patients, he care about your well beingrnthere NOTHING I least like about him.rnDr. Katz have a team that work great together, there a person for every step you have to take, knowledgable, Dr. Katz team call you at home after your surgery not once but twice, he call you and check up on you as to how are you are feeling and do you have any questions, GREAT to know somebody out there for you beside your family, they let you know your more then a pay check.rnAFTERCARE PROGRAM? rnSupport GroupsrnOne on one attentionsrnsolutions, leads rnLooking for a great surgeon Dr. Katz is referral that come from word of mouth.rnrisks of surgery was explained in a way you couldnt say not spoke able it, explained very clear and waited to see if you has any questions and if you has some later call back he or his team would be there to answer. rnhe will be the only physician that will care for me. if I ever need surgery again I will be sure to contact him, excellent work, caring, compassion, friendly, professionalrnboth are great will it came to surgical competence, bedside manner. Thank you ST. JOHN WEIGHT LOSS TEAM you guys are the best. I'm happy to know Dr. Katz is taking care of me. Only thing I can say Negative is more magazines, sample and spoilness is needed.

Just want to let everyone know how wonderful Dr. Katz is. He is just so friendly. Helps to answer any questions no matter what they are. Very personable Doctor. We all know we need more of those kind of Doctors. The office stafff are all wonderful. They always answer all your questions with no problems. I really appreciate them all. I would rate Dr. Katz a 10++

My first impression of Dr. Sabir was that he is shy and quiet. LOL, He is a nice doctor, and very knowledgeable. rnrnI love his office staff. Jodi was and continues to be awsome. She goes out of her way to make sure that she learns your name. She also does a lot of leg work pre-op in terms of insurance. Dr. Pilkington (in practice w/ Dr. S.) removed my gall bladder almost a year before i was banded. Athina the PA for the office was really nice, and she always says hi when she sees me out and about in town (its a small town here...) The nurses are friendly and remember you from your previous visits. rnrnI can't say that there was anything bad about Dr. Sabir, his staff or my stay at the hospital. I was in the hospital for 2 days. (I spent the night) I was scheduled for 8, and I was out of the OR and in my room by 11. When I came out of the anethetic I was in some pain, but I got meds when I asked for them. My only complaint is that they wouldnt let my family come back into recovery with me. My pain was managed with pain meds through my IV. My nurses were pretty cool, and were very encouraging when I decided to get up and walk around. rnrnDr. Sabir was sure to exsplain what was going to happen durring surgery and always asked questions to make sure I knew the risks of WLS. Durring my visits I am reminded that I have many programs of help available to me. He and his staff encourage the use of the support group. One thing I appreciated was a hand out that went through each risk of surgery so that everything was covered. rnrnI recomend him all the time to my friends who are considering WLS, and specificly the band. There are other surgeons in the area, and I know that there are other options. I think that for banding Dr. Sabir is the best one. rnrn

My first impression was ok nice office nice office staff.. my impression changed in the sense that I learned how much they care about there patients. I would send an have sent friends of mine to his office. Patient care was always number one. Great doc great office staff

Dr. Pesta and his staff are wonderful. I would definitely refer him to anyone considering surgery. rnI had my surgery on July 15, 2008. I will admit, I was scared to death, but he and his staff took every precaution to make sure I was comfortable and relaxed. They helped me to remain calm inspite of my fear.

Dr. Kerry Kole was very informative. He is very down to earth and knowledgeable about the laproscopic procedure. I believe I'm gonna be just fine with Dr. Kole in my corner. I have a good feel for the Cori Center although I realize my experience is not always the norm. I have a wonderful patient care coordinator, he made sure things were all in order,Thanks for everything Chuck you are awesome.

Dr. Marshall is the most down to earth doc i no.. the way my husband put it is old school!!!! there is nothing i don't like about him.for future patients if Dr.Marshall is your doctor relax he explains everything to the way it is.his surgical competence, bedside manner are both great!!