Bruce Wolfe Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

My first impression of Dr Wolfe was that of intelligence, competence and compassion. My impression stayed the same. He was understanding of the fact that I couldn't lose weight as another doctor had stated I would have to happen before I could have the surgery. He was understanding about my past mental health issues and said, "We don't penalize people for their pasts when they are honest enough to tell us about them" His office staff was friendly, competent and understanding no matter what the question. I think the main thing that matters about a surgeon is their competence in the OR. He did an amazing job with me. Despite my BMI of 60.3, he was able to do the surgery laparascopically. Apparently no easy task as the surgery took 4hours and they had to make one extra incision. He addressed the risks before surgery, which I already knew about. His office does emphasize aftercare. They have started monthly support group meetings for their patients. Both pre and postop can attend. They have email set up so one can email a question to anyone in the office and the two times I did it the answer was prompt. His surgical competence was better than his bedside manner which was competent, complete and quick. Overall I would rate him very high and tell anyone to feel safe under his care.

I met with Dr. Wolfe for my initial consultaion on December 18th. While his personality is a bit dry and mine is very, very wet, I was impressed with his knowledge. I know he's not going to hold my hand through this, but I know he will do a great job. He is highly intellegent and has a great degree of respect for people. I know above all else he really wants to help as many morbidly obese people as possible. I look forward to my surgery and know I am in very capable hands.

A kindly gentleman, a very competent surgeon who sincerely cares about the outcome of his cases.

Dr Wolfe and his staff are incredible, all I have to say is the woman who does the scheduling is an evil witch alot of patients have said the same while waiting to see the surgeons. They answer every question you have, you never feel rushed and when i was having problems getting ahold of someone the opther staff stepped in and even emailed me with in 1/2 hour after i had emiled them, some even gave me person emails to get a hold of them right away. From what i understand other surgeons have flown in their RYN patients for Dr Wolfe to help regain their lives. I know I'm in the best hands ever, and how do you really thank this person for putting in this tool to help you regain your life.

Dr. Wolfe is very busy, but is still senitive to your needs. My impression of Dr. Wolfe has only became better since the surgery

I had read a few reviews on Dr. Wolfe before I met him, so i was prepared for his understated manner. He is not over the top in character, I did find him very knowledgeable. He was forthright and upfront about the risks, and determined to make sur I understood fully the risks involved with the surgery and also the importance of my participation not only before surgery but afterward as well. While in the hospital he was very cheerful and encouraging. I have really enjoyed his staff and their competence.There is a very structured aftercare program in place and he as well as his staff discuss the things a patient must do to make the surgery successful. He was very honest about the higher risks I personnally faced, but also very suppoertive of the efforts i have continued to make since I met him.

Dr Wolfe is very personable and very compasionate. After my first visit with him, I felt extremely comfortable with his confidence, and experience. His staff was great and very attentive. There was nothing to dislike about Dr Wolfe. Future patients should know that he is a professional, who enjoys and takes pride in his work. Dr Wolfe bases his success on your success. He highly emphasizes aftercare and requires that you read all materials, and know the procedure, what to expect, and what will be expected of you. He clearly explain the potential risk of the surgery, and explains exactly what the procedure that you have selected entails. Step by step. Overall on a scale from 1-10, I have to give Dr Wolfe a 10. Both his surgical competence and beside manner are great! I highly recommend him.

I have heard a lot about the UCD dr.'s, mostly that they have no bedside manner, so to speak. I have to say my first immpression of Dr. Wolfe was great! He's a kind, caring older gentleman with a great sense of humor. He has a funny little habit of chewing on his tounge while he is listening, which amuses me to no end. I am confident he will take good care of me. The office staff lags on their phone calls, but they are SO busy. They are all great when you go in for an appointment, very friendly.
At six months out, I have yet to see Dr. Wolfe since my hospital stay. My appointments with the clinic are every three months and I see someone different each time. I would rather be seeing my surgeon, but I don't feel like my aftercare has suffered because I have not been able to. They offer a support group that meets once a month, I have yet to go. I would have to say my experience with Dr. Wolfe and his clinic was a good one. I was told I would have to issue my health problems post op to my pcp, which surprised me at first, but I understand that is common practice.

I have found Dr. Wolfe to be a no-nonsense straight-shooter. He is direct and extrememly knowledgeable about bariatric surgery having performed thousands of surgeries for more than 20 years. He will only meet with a patient only after you have completed all of the pre-requisites prior to surgery. He is short-staffed, and although he has been giving the green light to hire additional staff surgeons, he explained that due to the particular way California health care salary structures are implemented, most of the best talent are hired away in other states who can offer at least $18-20k more per year for the same position. As a result, the department is swamped with people like us needing the surgery and dealing with a very long waiting period.

My first impression of Dr. Wolfe was that he was very nice. He answered my questions and made sure I understood the risks involved. The clinic is extremely busy, but the staff is very friendly and willing to help. The thing I probably don't like most is that because the clinic is so busy, I don't always get to see Dr. Wolfe personally and when I do, he seems a bit in a hurry. Dr. Wolfe has been with UC Davis Medical Center since 1977. He has been the Chief of the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery since 1986. He was instrumental in developing the Laparoscopic Surgery program at UC Davis in 1990. Follow-up visits are scheduled on a regular basis and are usually with one of the nurses that work directly under Dr. Wolfe. A nutritionist is also seen during these visits. The risks of surgery are explained in detail during the first visit with the Doctor and a mandatory orientation is required during which the surgeon speaks as well as the nutritionist about the procedure and what to expect post operatively. I find Dr. Wolfe to be extremely focused and dedicated to his profession. I felt very comfortable with him and his ability to perform my surgery. He ranks high with regard to surgical competence (which to me is most important).