David Kim Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Horrible Experience. I can confirm as of July 2013 that the what you read about the bedside manner and rudeness is all true.

I have met with 4-5 teams and Kim himself was rude, arrogant, and not supportive.

He made it very clear that THIS IS A BUSINESS and you will more than likely never see him again. The precious 10 minutes that you get so you or your insurance company can fork over $10-20K is not worth it in my opinion.

His staff is OK. My appointment started 45 minutes late and his PA made me take a barium drink and never explained why, what we would do with the XRAY. His PA said 3 sentences, that was it.

They whisked me to a "consultation room" and he was good for the first minute. But BEWARE if you TRY to ask a question. He was pissy.

Prime example- calling in they asked what surgery. I said I did not know. They said if you have over 100lbs to lose, sleeve was not an option.

I told him that his office said that VSG was not an option and he tried to blame me!!! "Why would someone call in and ask a receptionist what surgery to have".... They told me and asked me, but he was defensive as if he and his practice could do no wrong. Maybe he needs to downsize and focus on his business.

I asked him what the best way to succeed was and his only response was... We can't control what people put in their mouths.... WTF.

This is a guy who has built his business and probably his fortune on weight challenges people have and he has no sensitivity to the issue. On top of that, he reminded me that he sees thousands of patients, so he can't be expected to remember each one.

PS- he made it very clear that this was the only time I would see him. I made it clear to his staff that he is correct because I am not coming back.

You should go here if you are an ex-Cowboy player and he can profit by using you in advertisements. His videos monitoring progress are BS. Also, go here if you feel that you want to be insulted, treated like a number, and realize that for a surgeon to support his growth, commercials, and staff, he will need to play bully you into using him.

Oh yeah... his office is in BFE so good luck trying to follow up.

Interview a few surgeons before you decide. His work may be fine, but if you want someone who actually cares, my opinion is that there are much better, convenient options out there.

I'm going to try to be as truthful as I can without coming across as calloused or rude. When I first met Dr. Kim int he consultation he just seemed abashed at my weight. He had nothing comforting to say he just said he what he wanted me to do and left the office. It took an entirety of five minutes. I understand that Doctors are busy, so I let it go, and seeing how nice the staff was I decided to go with him.

I never saw Dr. Kim again until the day of the surgery (about 3 months later) -- I don't think he even recognized me. I was scared, and pretty lonely and he had nothing positive to say. The entire time the only impression I got was "how could you let yourself get this way."

I've been struggling with ulcerative colitis my entire life, and he seemed to have forgotten that aspect. With most UC patients, even though I don't eat much and live a somewhat healthy lifestyle -- the steroids and other problems cause weight gain or loss. I got the weight gain end of the stick. I'm not trying to make excuses, I just wish that I had someone there that was a little more comforting since I was about to do something that was life altering, that I've been waiting for for 10+ years...and hoping and saving all my money (I paid out of pocket) -- I had just hoped it would have been taken a bit more like it meant something.

After surgery 6 other patients and I were herded like cattle into a room to do a check to make sure there were no leaks (as they always do) -- but that was the first time there was something wrong. All the other patients could walk faster than me, and my parents literally had to told me up by my arms to help me down the hall. When I sat down, I wasn't allowed to have clothes under my gown -- so everyone there got to see my pretty bum. Either way, no other person that was there, who had the same procedure as I had, had near as many problems making it from point A to point B.

I wanted, so bad, for things to be okay -- for this to be my big life changing goal -- that I just ignored it. I figured I'd go home and be fine. Maybe my pain tolerance was just a lot lower than those around me? Either way I shoved it off, and convinced myself there wasn't a problem.

Once I was home from the hospital I started experiencing very odd things. The main thing that I was somewhat "throwing up" white foam. I looked it up online and some people said it was normal so, once again, I paid it no mind. As the week went on, I was in more and more pain. Nothing seemed to help. I was becoming more and more scared so I called the doctors office everyday trying to explain that I was beginning to think something was wrong. I was assured everything was fine, and that it was normal. To be safe they wanted me to come in the following week.

I didn't make it to the following week. I ended up passing out in my apartment alone. I threw up foam, I couldn't keep any liquids down, I could barely move. My Mom ended up flying in from Florida (I live in Texas) to get me to hospital where they found out I had developed many infections from the surgery.

My kidneys, uterus, and stomach were all compromised in an entirely new way. I was hospitalized for three weeks -- and I saw Dr. Kim twice in that entire time. He made it very clear that he didn't want to speak to me. So I finally decided to stop asking questions and just asked the other doctors on the floor. I learned later, through other reviews, and other forums -- that Dr. Kim absolutely DOES NOT like it when complications arise. It doesn't matter what the complication is. In this case it was completely out of my hands, I stuck to my diet (I could barely keep down liquid anyway), did everything I was supposed to, and called every time I was scared.

By the end of the entire ordeal, and three more painful surgeries later, I developed a severe form of PTSD. It has been about a year and a half since my gastric bypass -- the office stopped calling me to make appointments. When I called to make appointments, I was told I would get a call back, and never did. I've decided to find another surgeon to manage my wellness. He is also suggestions that I get a correction done to the original procedure so that I don't have to be in constant fear of infection.

I've been suffering since 2011. I did lose weight, but I didn't lose it in a good way. I wasn't allowed to eat solids for almost 4 months, and there were two weeks while I was in the hospital they wouldn't let me have liquids. All my nutrition was through a TPN bag. I'm not scared of hospitals and doctors to a point that I panic. I nearly lost my life. Dr. Kim never offered any apology, and explanation or any care for me what so ever. I understand it's his job. I understand he sees lots of patients everyday...I just wish I got somewhat of a care. I felt like he gave up on me the moment he met me..he just wanted my money. I also feel like he may have wished I would have just passed away, in order for him to not have to deal with me. That may be pushing it, or paranoid..but when your'e laying in bed for weeks on end with no direct answers and your kidneys failing -- when all your hope was to get "better" -- and no one seemed to care. Thats really all that will run through your head.

I do not recommend this doctor. If you think that you will make it through the procedure with no complications whatsoever -- i've been told he is the most amazing surgeon ever. If you have any sort of complication though -- plan on being treated with no respect. No dignity. You're just another shadow.

I cant believe how awful my experience has been here- not only with Dr Kim, but with his staff. I kept thinking he is one of the best surgeons- and so I kept going back- originally once in 2010, once in 2011, and twice this last month. All my experiences have been the same or worse. He makes rude comments, is short, does not answer questions and dismisses them, is not sensitive to being overweight, and has poor body language- even sighing. At first I thought maybe it was a bad day- but honestly all four times across different years- same experience. The front receptionist is the rudest i have ever come across in the industry. Speaks in a hateful, snappy, short tone. Tried to check me in for an appt that i was not there for when i corrected her, she continued to tell me i was there for a follow up. Another day she told me i was there for revision.... it was a consult both times. I would try to explain and she would raise her voice and roll her eyes. I realize a good surgeon is important, but so is staff considering aftercare. I have never felt so low or unimportant in a doctors office. After asking around- I have learned this is his reputation, and apparently on here it is well known. DONT GO HERE- there are plenty other reputable doctors.

Before I say my negative, I want to say that Dr. Kim's staff is amazing. They are friendly and very helpful. It was shocking to find that Dr. Kim was not as amazing. He is a great surgeon and my surgery (vsg) went great. I couldn't be happier on how that part turned out. But I feel I was promised more.

When I got out of surgery I was in HORRIBLE pain. I told the nurse like I was told to do if I was uncomfortable. She did nothing. Dr. Kim came in to tell me how the surgery went. He did not seem to want to give me the time of day. He pretty much said "surgery went well and ah..." and then he walked away. REALLY?! My parents said that he gave them the same impression. My mom was asking him a question and he answered it as he walked out of the room back facing her. RUDE.

Once I got into my room, I was still in so much pain. I was moaning and on the verge of screams. It was then that the nurse told us that they could not give me anything because Dr. Km only allows his patients to have the lowest amount of pain medication in hopes that they are not groggy and are able to get up and walk. I was in way too much pain to even walk. The hospital doctor had to come in and change my hospital prescriptions so that I could have some relief. This took over an hour and a half. That's over 90 minutes of intense piercing pain.

My last complaint. The nurse told me that Dr. Kim had written in his notes that he fixed a hernia in my esophagus that was discovered during surgery. NOT once did he mention that to me or my family. I feel that is a detail the surgeon should have said. If the nurse had not said anything. I would have never known.

I know from here on out I don't have to deal with him and instead I can be seen by his amazing staff. I am disappointed I did not get the experience I expected from this surgeon. I am not saying don't go to him, but I am saying, be aware.

Staff? Exceptional. Dr. Kim? A nightmare! Only saw him once...during my initial consultation. He told me if I didn't have the surgery I would be dead by 50. Talk about bedside manner!! Since the. He has been MIA. I have severe abdominal pain 2 months after my gastric bypass. Do you think he cares? Not a chance. I'm just pawned off to his staff. I'm scared, exhausted and confused about what's going on with my body and I cannot get any answers. Thanks Dr. Kim for turning into a ghost when I need you the most. BEWARE!!

Added at 4 months out:
I have had ZERO complications which I can't believe. I have lost 55 pounds and gotten off ALL medicines except an antacid and allergy meds. I am so thankful I had this surgery. I am so grateful to Dr. Kim, Dr. Holden, and Dr. Hamilton and their staff.

Original: I have an entire team of doctors because of so many issues. I have had several surgeries. I was in my forties, a size 22, and exhausted all the time. I had chronic pain and was just sick and tired of being sick and tired all the time. I wanted my life back. I wanted ME back.

When I read some of the reviews I was concerned, but I met him myself. I found him caring and willing to take as long as I need to understand my choices. His education and experience meant I had the best surgeon with me during this important time. His staff was always willing to talk to me and answer my many questions. I needed to understand I could do this because at first, I didn't know how.

I left some problems off my health history partly because I ran out of room and partly because I don't want to go to another two more doctor who will prescribe even more meds. He actually explained to me one of my problems in a way I could understand it. He also encouraged me to deal with those problems.

I was scared to have this surgery. I was terrified of getting worse or dying and leaving my child motherless. His skills gave me the lowest chance of that happening. His skills and experience, especially bringing his team to the OR, meant they would be ready to deal with any complications.

I am two weeks out and so far, things are great. After day 5, I have this burst of energy and happiness which I hope lasts. I have lost 20 pounds in 20 days.

His staff and the book they gave me tells me exactly what to do. I didn't get that from another surgeon I visited. If I am tempted to cheat, I real about failures and troubles others have on this site. I need a win and have to do my part.

I thank Dr. Kim, Dr. Holden, and Dr. Hamilton plus their entire staff for giving me a new lease on life. It is totally worth flying to Dallas for appointments.

He was very nice during the consultation. That would the last I ever heard from him. His as stand, Kathleen, messed up my patient information at the hospital, as well as info on others. The office became livid when I pointed it out as something that concerns me. My post about it on their fb page was removed, anything neg you post will be removed. I had a fever of 102 for an entire day, stayed in the hospital way longer than I should. Horrible nurses and care. Kim's office called me the day after surgery and said it was my fult for feeling so sick, because I wasn't drinking enough. I was still hooked up to son iv. She was shocked I was still in the hospital. She hung up on me, called the nurses desk and told them I called Kim's office ranting and raving about the care I was getting. This made the charge nurse get within inches of my face, yelling at me. Her retaliation was to insist I needed too new ivs and three separate sets of lab done. She would not respond to the nurse buzzer, and refused to give me sent Meds until the next shift, of whom she would tell them I already received the Meds. I literally thought I was going to die there. His office was cold and callous. Not this friendly group they appear to be during consults. I have to have scans done to make sure I received a ds and not just a sleeve, he apparently has a history of not doing the full surgery. Pick a doctor that cares about you and does not see you as a number. This has been a downright terrible ordeal, one I regret because of the fear he did not do the procedure correctly

I was an out of state patient. dr iim was very thorough and wanted to ensure my success. i felt safe using him. His technique on sleeve is excellent, and i had a great experience. I had gone to Mexico the year before, but backed out because the place was sleazy and seemed like a scam, but going to Kim bariatrics wholly put me at ease. Did not spend much time with doctor kim at all, but staff was very helpful. They had a summer special, which was almost half the cost of doing it in AZ and made the traveling worthwhile. I lost 48 pounds preop, and 22 in the 12 days since. I am very happy. Be aware, Dr. kim will expect you to do your part and follow the plan because he wants your success.

Dr. David Kim is by far one of the best surgeons I have met. Granted I have never had a surgery previous to my VSG he was polite, respectful. and answered all my questions. His staff is just as exceptional they wet above and beyond what they had to too ensure that I got my surgery, because once again insurance was trying to screw me. I had my surgery 4 months ago and I feel amazing I am so glad I did it and that Dr. Kim and his staff are always there for me makes it even better. I got my life back thanks to this surgery and thanks to Dr. Kim.

I'm almost 9 yrs. post op RNY gastric bypass....Dr. Kim is the best!!! He is the most caring surgeon IMHO that there is. He has not only done my RNY but 4 yrs. ago he removed my gallbladder, and he has repaired 2 intestional hernias as well. Both the hernia surgeries he worked in between doing his bariatric surgeries due to the fact that they were emergencies. There are not many doctors that will seriously work in a emergency surgery when their day is already full doing other surgeries. That just shows how much Dr. Kim cares for the health and well being of his patients If you want to have surgery with a caring surgeon who will take great care of you for a lifetime...then use Dr. Kim. He is one amazing surgeon !!!