Stephen C. Paulk M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center
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my first impression was wow-- he and his staff spent lots of time listening and answering my and my fiance's questions.
I liked him right from the start. His office staff has been so helpfull and wonderful during the whole process.
I brought my husband in to talk with Dr. Paulk because my husband didn't want me to have the surgery because of the risks. After talking to Dr. Paulk my husband was very supportive through the whole surgery and after surgery.
I didn't see a Dietition. After talking with others who have had the surgery. I was angry because I wasn't eating the right way. Proteins first, then veggies, fruits etc.
I wish Portage had a support group to go to.
Dr. Paulk is an excellent surgeon and I am very happy with the results.
Surgical competence is excellent and a good bed side manner on top of it all.
Approximately five years ago I saw Dr.James Starling (Madison WI.) He was very interested in my medical history, he asked questions. He answered all my questions without hesitation. I was the last appointment of the day and was 45 minutes late. The entire staff that needed to see me stayed to make sure I completed the consultation that day. They knew I had driven 60 miles and didn't want to waste my trip. Dr. Starling and his staff went above and beyond the call of duty in my eyes.
Dr. Starling felt I was a great candidate for surgery. He used props to show how the surgery is done. We talked about risks of surgery. As an LPN/EMT and having had eight prior surgeries I was very aware of the complications. Now that I am going to have the surgery and I think about surgical complications I know it is a risk worth taking. I am miserable. I hurt constantly physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Today I called Dr. Starling's office and was told his waiting list for an appointment is 1 1/2 years. So I looked on ObesityHelp.com and found a doctor just 25 miles from my home. His name is Dr. Stephen Paulk (Portage WI.) My appointment is February 4, 2002.<br>
February 5, 2002 I had my consult with Dr. Stephen Paulk, Portage WI. He was just a few minutes late so I took the opportunity to ask his staff questions. Dr. Paulk's nurse is Amy and the office manager is Sunday. Both were knowledgeable about WLS, particularly VBG, since this is the surgery Dr. Paulk performs. Dr Paulk put me at ease right away. He answered my questions and then he asked me questions. Like most Dr's he was impressed how much I knew about WLS, I told him I have a BIG family and left it at that. Unfortunately I forgot to ask about aftercare. I can check on that when I get my date. The risks of surgery were foregone, I am a retired nurse/EMT and have had 7 surgeries. I am well aware of the risks as I wrote above in my last entry. Although I am terrified of pain, I have a low to none threshold. The last surgery my morphine pump was programmed wrong and I was getting too much morphine. I was overdosed and the nurse had to administer Narcan. Narcan is an antagonist to narcotics. You come right out of the overdose with the Narcan. Now that gives me two fears to face. I am giving my fears to the Lord. I feel good about my choice. I was having second thoughts on VBG vs. RNY. I concluded, the tool (VBG) is only as good as the person using it. If the user of the tool uses the tool properly and with pride it will work. PEACE
My first impression was a very good one, he was very friendly and made me feel very comfortable as did his staff. Aftercare was stressed time and time again,I was fully aware of the risks involved before I even met with him. I researched the procedure extensively,he was very impressed with my knowledge but we did discuss the risks again.I would rate him very high. I personally don't care about a doctors bedside manner as long as they are good at what they do.
I have not seen him yet...I go next week 9/8/00. I have heard wonderful things about him. I'll update after my consult.
**UPDATE** I saw Dr. Paulk yesterday. What a wonderful man! Very nice, caring. Asked the right questions, had a sense of humor. Overall first impression was fantastic. He said I'd probably have "trouble" with my insurance company, but they are notorious for denying on the first try, and not to give up. Said with a little persistence on my part it should go through "with flying colors." I'm encouraged! Guess I'll have to get my fighting gear out and prepare for battle. I WANT THIS SURGERY VERY MUCH! Dr. Paulk said if everything goes as planned I can plan on a early November surgery date. Yippeee!
My first impression was very good. he was friendly and streight forward. Very knowledgable. He told me what to expect and exactly how the surgery was done. Also explained the downfalls. The staff is very helpful and friendly. Each time I talk to them they remember who I am without explanation.I am so incouraged! Can't wait to ge on with it.
I only had to wait a few days to have my first appointment with Dr. Polk.His surgical competence seems fine. His specialty is badned surgery. He has a very nice bedside manner.So far I give him a high rateing.