Donald Scholten Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I was very pleased with Dr. Donald Scholten and his team at Blodgett Hospital. Everyone was so supportive and helpful in walking me through the steps. They made sure that I was comfortable and that I was ready to leave when I did.

I had my first consultation with Dr. Scholten on February 14, 2001. Everything seemed to go well. His office worked hard to get my approval for my surgery. Dr. Scholten was professional but seemed to be in a hurry when I wanted to ask questions.

I had my surgery April 30, 2001. I developed complications from the surgery (abscess) and had to have an open laparatomy 3 weeks after my WLS. What saved me was being on antibiotics for 3 weeks after my WLS. I was treated for UTI, Post-op Pneumonia, etc. I think being treated for these conditions masked the real condition. I was sick right from the beginning.

I am not blaming anyone for my complications, sometimes things like that just happen. It was a long road to recovery and I also had to have a total hysterectomy 6 months after my WLS. But, I got through it. Would I do it again? MOST DEFINITELY!!! You have risks with all surgery. But the way I feel now, compared to before surgery...it's totally worth it!

As far as aftercare, I think the office lacks. There are no recommended appointments after the first year. No labs, nothing. It kind of made me feel alone, especially when dealing with my primary physician. If I had to do it again, I would go to a specialized bariatric center.

He's really good at what he does he is not the greatest people person, He did an excellent job.I have had no complications and have followed his advice , which has been excellent. i belive surgical competence and training to be the most important. His bed side manner is breif and gruff but the information given and surgical aspects are truly informed and excellent.

Hi my name is Shawn R i have picked a surgeon his name is Donald Scholten he's from Grand Rapids i have heard bad things about him and also good things i was told that he is the best and i have talked to alot of people who had him for their surgey and he's not that bad as some people don't like him but some people have different opinions i will have to decide for my self if he will be the right surgeon for me

I called Dr. Scholtens office on July 10 just trying to see how long of a waiting list there was for surgery. Ann was the person I spoke with, and you could tell she just loved her job. They got me in the same day!! and here I am a month after first deciding to have bariatric surgery and its already tomarrow. I cannot believe how nice the Dr. office is, and even better Dr. Scholten has one of the best records for doing the surgery. He is also a critical care surgeon, so I truely feel I am in the best hands. I am so glad that I went with this Dr, I couldnt have asked for anything more.

My first impression of Dr. Scholten was a little mixed up because I took my mom with me to my pre-op appointment. My mom has WLS 20 years ago and did not have great results. I know she had my best interests at heart, but my appointment was a little awkward. The more I have seen Dr. Scholten, however, the more I love him! He's fantastic! I chose Dr. Scholten because I had received great referrals from his other patients. He also had more experience (over 10 years) with the surgery I was interested in than any other surgeon I looked in to. His office staff is very friendly and encouraging. They want you to succeed. They really try to make sure you are well prepared before the surgery...and that you have the tools you need to do well after surgery. They have monthly support groups that are a great source of support and ideas. Dr. Scholten had a great bedside manner and really put me at ease. Overall I would say he's GREAT! and I would recommend his office to ANYONE who is interested!

5/12/05 -- I had my consoltation with Dr. Scholten. He explained things very well. Everyone in his office has been extremly pleasant to work with.

They have a very structured aftercare program, including their "Circle of Friends" support groups.

They will fax my documentation to BCN on 5/13/05. They told be it should take 2-3 weeks to here.

5/20/05 -- Dr. Scholten's office called today and said I'm approved. They say they have never had anyone approved that fast by BCN, and rarely on the first try.

Dr. Scholten Was wonderful. His staff was just as great as he is. He is a very caring and compassionate person. He emphasized aftercare very much. He put out all possible problems right out there and told me how to avoid problems. On a scale of 1 to ten I would say he is a 10 and the staff at the hospital is wonderful. His bedside manner and competence were both very amazing.

Dr. Scholten is a compassionate person and he gave the me upmost consideration at my first consultation with him. I asked him questions and he answered them frankly and in terms to my understanding. First opinions are the best. His office staff is friendly and considerate. I see them as team members with Dr. Scholten and his associates. After care is important. He can do the surgery but he also makes you aware that without your hard work the effects of the surgery will not be successful. His office has an open door policy. If you have questions you only have to ask. He also requests a line of open communication with the primary care physician. Surgical competence is important just as your faith is to bring together a joint effort for becoming healthy!
Update: A huge thank you to Dr. Scholten for his expertise and professionalism regarding my surgery. What an incredible surgeon he is not to mention a wonderful human being. Thanks so much Dr. Scholten!!

You could not ask for a better surgeon or doctor. Dr. Scholten has been wonderful, as is his staff.I highly recommend him. He listens to your concerns and has the answers.