F. Edward Tenewitz Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

First went to see Dr. Jones in Dallas, TX because I thought I was going to move there for my job. It was right before the holidays. I then found out I would not be moving so I started to look for a doctor closer to home.
Mid February 2001, I called Dr. Tenewitz's office and was told I had to attend a support group meeting before I could make an appointment with him. At first, I was concerned about this since the support group meetings are only on the first Wednesday of the month. I travel for my job so to be home on a Wednesday night in the middle of the week is not an easy task for me. I was able to make the March 7th meeting and felt very comfortable with Dr. T and his staff. There were so many people like me who just wanted help. That night I met Lisa who was a patient of Dr. T and had surgery 1 year ago. She was an inspiration. After the meeting she had those of us that wanted appointments with Dr. T to give her our numbers and she would set up appointments to meet with her first. I figured it would take weeks to hear from her but by Friday of that week she called and I was set to meet with her on March 21st. She met with me and we talked about her experience and how it is not for everyone. She told me I could call her and see her as much as I wanted without being charged since she is paid by the doctor and she is his support care giver.
She is great and so easy to talk to. I finally met Dr. T on lucky Friday, April 13th. He was running late and then very apologetic when he came in to see me. He was personable and professional. He talked through the surgery and answered my questions. I feel very comfortable with him and his entire staff.

I was very impressed on how he was involved with the support group.
I liked him more each time because of his honesty.
His office and staff are wonderful, very friendly and we even have our own patient care consultant that has had the surgery herself.
That he is a very carring individual that cares about the needs of the obese.
He doesn't minces words he tells it like it is, he doesn't candy coat it like some doctors do.
Yes he does and that is where our patient consultant comes in along with the support group.
Again he tells it like it is but he also tells you that they will do everything they can to keep these things from happening.
An excellent surgeon and a wonderful caring person.
I believe both are very important not only do you want a good surgeon but you want to be comfortable around him and to know that he cares.

I first meeting with Dr. Tenewitz was during his group support meeting approx. 2 weeks prior to my consult with him. He was very friendly and direct. He has been a surgeon for 18 years and has been interested in WLS since his residency. He does the open RNY Gastric Bypass. During his support group meeting, btw he had just started this group and this was the second meeting, he stated that he was unaware of the severity of the depression that some patients report post operatively. He does recommend that his patients see a therapist to help them deal with the emotional aspect of this surgery. A psychiatrist was present at this meeting and would be available to assist patients if needed. A nutrionist is also part of his team. He stresses aftercare and he has two rules No calories or sugar in liquids and liquids only for the first month. Dr. T was very straight forward about the surgery, he said that there can always be complications and if there was a leak it could mean reoperation and a possibly long time in the hospital or death. He stressed that this surgery is for people who have tried everything else. Surgery is the last resort.
I can't say that there is anything about him I didn't like.

The one negative thing that I must say is that his office staff were somewhat inefficent and did not follow up on my referral they only had it as pending. Had I not known for a fact that my visit was pre approved, the doctor would not have seen me. This is a very costly operation and Doctors can't take the chance they won't be reimbursed. So do your homework! BE PREPARED...LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE. I even had the Nurse Reviewers Name and phone number with me in case of a problem. I should have checked to see that they had the approval for the visit at Dr. T's office...I had checked with Humana and they assured me it was approved. So with even the best pre planning there can still be bumps in the road.

My surgery went well I would recommend Dr. Tenewitz to anyone as a surgeon he is very skilled. His office staff need to make some improvements. He is very straightford and emphasis aftercare and a strict clear liquid
diet for 6 weeks after surgery.

Dr, Tenewitz seems to be fairly matter of fact abou the surgery. He seems pretty confident about what needs to be done,how and when. I'm pleased with that.I love his staff. Freindly, but not to a fault.He didn't actually volunteer the risks of surgery, but I asked him some questions and he was more than happy to answer them satisfactorally.He did lay out his ground rules for post-op and what he expects of me.Surgical competence is 1st in my book, but so far I'm feeling quite pleased.

My first impression of Dr. Tenewitz is that he and his staff are dedicated to this surgery and helping people with severe weight problems! I found him and his nurse/assistant, Becky to be very informative and sensitive to me and the stacks of questions I arrived with at my initial consultation. I have started all of the tests that they require. Apparently they have changed their methods and are now starting a comprehensive aftercare program, a new support group, registered dietician help and physcological support. I have spoken to other patients of his and they are happy about the new changes! We will all benefit from these improvements. He took the time to explain all the possible complications and risks associated with surgery and then added that the risks I take with my uncontrolable high blood pressure far outweigh the risks of surgery.