George Kazantsev Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Dr. K was great, and was able top perform my surgery lap, and I know that is why my recovery has been good so far. I am very blessed to have had him as my surgeon. Even though he is a man of a few words, and has a dry sense of humor he is agreat doctor.

My first impression of Dr. K was that he was a little cold and distant, but knowledgeable. Dr. K is a very serious doctor, but he does have a pleasant bedside manner. His office staff are terrific. They always answer your calls and have your information readily available. D'Angela was terrific in helping me get through all the last minute paperwork and setting up the pre-op tests. Helen Johnson has been a Godsend!! She was there for me through every step of the process, from the appointments with Dr. K to Pre-op to Post-op and during my stay in the hospital. She was there when I felt panicky, she was there when I couldn't tolerate the hospital food. She went out of her way to buy me popsicles and bring me soup that I could manage to eat. Helen has a way of making you feel very special. The one thing I liked least about Dr. K was that he is a man of few words so you need to be clear and prepared when you speak with him. Otherwise, you should direct your questions to Helen. One of my nurses in the hospital said she had the opportunity to watch Dr. K perform the Lap RNY and her comment was that his performance was "exquisite"! His medical record to date is immaculate and his work is outstanding. Aftercare is critical. It is so critical, that the appointments are made for you before you leave the hospital. Helen is always just a phone call away if a question should arise. Alta Bates has one of the best support groups I've ever attended. Helen runs it, but really let's the participants do most of the talking. D'Angela attends along with the Psychiatrist who likes to remain fairly anonymous unless her advice is sought out. The attendee's are very honest and willing to express all of their feelings, good or bad. The only downside is that it's at the hospital and parking is a bit of a pain, but the drive is worth it! Dr. K was very direct about the risks of surgery. He went over them clearly and I signed paperwork stating that I read and understood what was explained to me. I also recommend anyone interested in this program to read the book "Weight Loss Surgery: Finding the Thin Person Hiding Within". It offers the risk information in great detail and encourages the potential patient to think the consequences through very carefully. Dr. Kazantsev is a "10" all the way!!! I would have to say his surgical competence outways his bedside manner, but that would be my preference. Helen Johnson is there to provide bedside manner and support. Her tiny little office was just outside my hospital room next to the nurses station so she's very accessible. Which would you rather have...a hand holding nice doctor with average skill or a doctor with outstanding skill and a terrific support team to compensate for his bedside manner? Dr. K was always pleasant during his visits, but again, he's a man of few words and prefers you to be direct. Trust me, Helen will hold your hand if you need it.

I thought he was very giving with information, and answering questions
He has the best staff, actually post-op staff members who are very helpful as well.
Him telling me i may have to get the procedure done regular versus lapriscopic(LOL)
emphasies heavily on after care
Fully made me aware of the risks involed
Yes has structerd after-care program


surgical competence is alwyas better

My first impression of Dr. Kazantsev was that he was intense and very serious.

My intial impression is the same, but the second time I met him, he was performing my endoscopy and he had sutble sense of humor that put me at ease.

I think that the staff at his office is just wonderful. Helen is incredible, she is very supportive and caring. D'Angela is incredible, and always helpful. They both make the journey much smoother.

My surgeon, Dr. George Kazantsev is the best, in my oppinion. If he is not the best I could say for sure his group is! The entire staff at the surgical office as well as at the hospital at Summit are tops. I have referred a number of people to them and if my mother, sister or daughters were considering this surgery I would refer them to him as well. I have been pleased with the surgery and follow up especially to the attention to detail, not a single concern has been left undiscusses and not a single issue has been over looked. We also have a very supportive support group. I would suggest anyone in the San Francisco bay area check out Dr. Kazantsev prior to making a final decission on who to have perform your WLS. The only thing that would maybe cause a person to not check out this surgeon is that he does not perform DS, if you want DS like I originally did you could still speak to him about the reasons. I felt good with his professional oppinion and opted to go with RNY rather than DS and have been extreamly happy with the results (so far 142 pound loss in less than 10 months).

I first met Dr. Kazantsev on May 6, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas. My first impression was WOW!!! He did not pull any punches about the surgery. There was NO mistake that this was serious and that I needed to take it as such. His personality is a little dry but I liked it. He told me that if I followed all the aftercare as directed I would have outstanding results but that was up to me. He addressed all the risks and what I could expect. I felt like he really cared and I liked his directness with me. He talked but then asked me if I had questions. I had several and he answered all of them. His staff in SA was outstanding and I am sure he has the same great staff in CA. Overall I am so pleased that I had Dr. K. as my surgeon and I really like his attitude toward me as if I really mattered. Would I do it again? Yes, if I knew Dr. K. was there. I have followed the aftercare exactly and pre-op I was 348 and now not even 10 months post-op I am down to 192 and physically better than ever. Thank you Dr. K for giving me a second chance at life!

I met with Dr. Kazantsev here in Oakland he has finally made it here from Texas, and he seems to be a very nice person, he is right to the point which I like, he did not try to sugar coat anything about the risks of the surgery and how it would be done. I like the fact that he lays it all out on the table for you so when you do have the surgery you are fully aware of what to expect, his nurse Helen was such a sweetheart I really like her, just like the doctor she does not sugar coat anything she told me what to expect and what I should do if I develop any problems to not wait get in touch with them right away or go to the ER as soon as I start noting any thing different and she told what symptons to look for. we talked for awhile and she is 8 months post-op and 80lbs down. we have not gotten to the all of the aftercare but I know we will, so overall I give him a 10 even though it was our first meeting because he did not control the conversation I told him some things about me that was not in my file and he listened and asked me questions about my previous surgery. I really have nothing bad to say about my visit personally I was glad he was as frank about the risks as he was so I know what I'm going into but with any surgery there are risks and complications I have been there before with my hysterectomy, so I know what could happen and he told me that by me being asthmatic I could end up in the ICU for a few days. so in all I was satisfied with him.

When I first met with Dr. Kazantsev I didn't think he was personable at all. I initially thought to myself, "this man definitely will not be performing my surgery". However, my perceptions changed. I had religious concerns/issues regarding this procedure in the event of any complications (blood)that needed clearing up. He returned my telephone call promptly and answered my questions. I will discuss this matter more fully during my pre-op meeting on 03/18/03. So far, I feel comfortable having the surgery. He did tell me about the risks of having this type of surgery. Debbie Coy has been very patient with me. My surgery date is scheduled for March 31, 2003. I will up-date after surgery.

Surgeon Update (3/6/03) - Had my pre-op appointment this week with Dr. K. My second impression completely erased any lingering concerns that I had. I am so comfortable that I am in good hands, plus his name keeps popping up in conversations that I have with people and everyone says to me what a good doctor he is. He was having a super stressful day as his partner was out of the office and he was probably covering appointments for him as well...but he didn't seem to have any worry about spending some time with me, answering questions, etc. As discovered with my first visit, his office staff is phenomenal. Everyone from the nursing staff to the office staff to the other physician who did some pre-op questions with me were all nice, friendly, professional, and most importantly for patients like us...not in the least bit condescending. They genuinely seem to be concerned about me and my well-being and not looking down on me as a person who let herself get into such a horrible physical state.

(Original Post follows) - I was at first nervous upon meeting Dr. Kazantsev. He does not come across as warm and fuzzy. He is, however, very professional, honest, and up front with you. He was straightforward regarding the risks involved, the commitment needed, and the requirements to have lap instead of an open surgery. I have had several other medical professionals tell me since what good hands I will be in and that he is a wonderful surgeon. I am very comfortable with Dr. K doing my surgery. The office staff was wonderful and so very helpful. I couldn't believe I walked out of my initial visit with a surgery date already scheduled. I was prepared to wait for at least another half of a year. Instead, I left with a list of appointments for pre-op procedures and a surgery date! I am very excited and I know I am in good hands.

Gosh, I want to say that I met my surgeon yesterday and I really liked him. By reading the other post about him...I was preparing myself for a "cold" doctor. He was 100% opposite. He was very friendly and very nice. Not only that but after the appt. I was set up with a few other required appts including my surgery date!!!! Unbelievable!! And is assistant Debbie Coye, was really on the ball with everything. I'm impressed and again, very happy with my selection.