J. Wesley Alexander Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

8/1/03.... I met my surgeon today, he was an older man, but he new his stuff. He and his staff are great and very thorough. He wants to make sure you know that their are risks as well as benefits to this surgery. I feel totally comfortable with him and his knowledge about this surgery. Dr. Brown, whom I saw first was also very thorough in talkinga about the procedure. I really liked him and his staff.

I met Dr.Alexander on 5-5-03. He was very nice. He explained everything thoroughly. I asked my questions and my husband ask his questions. Dr. Alexander is a very honest man. His office hands out literature about the surgery, risks and benefits, etc. I read it all and signed a paper while I was there stating that I have read it and understand what this surgery is all about.

<b><font size=4>Q. What was your first impression of him?
<br>A. Very quite. A no nonsence type of person.
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<br>Q. How did your impression change over time?
<br>A. I got him to laught at the hospital, then I knew then he was a nice person.
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<br>Q. How would you describe his office staff?
<br>A. The office staff was very helpful with all my questions.
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<br>Q. What did you like least about him?
<br>A. The fact that the scar he made is so big.
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<br>Q. What should future patients know about him?
<br>A. That he is a very good doctor with few complacations.
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<br>Q. How much does he emphasize aftercare?
<br>A. Not much. He says if you can do it, then do. If not, don't.
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<br>Q. Does he have a structured aftercare program?
<br>A. No, but I would have liked one.
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<br>Q. How did he address the risks of surgery?
<br>A. He told me the facts.
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<br>Q. How would you rate him overall?
<br>A. 100%
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<br>Q. Which is better, surgical competence, bedside
manner, or both great?
<br>A. Both
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just submitted my packet to Dr. Alexander's office so i am awaiting info on if my insurance is going to approve me as well as my first consultation
Just had my consultation with Dr. Alexander's assitant Jo Ann Brown. The staff there are wonderful although i waited in the examining room an excessive amount of time and the directions to the facility and about parking werent very good. I ended up parking in the wrong garage and it cost me $6 ouch. I think more detailed information in their packet could have helped in this area.
They told me to wait one week for them to send out my information to my insurance company and then another four weeks to be approved. It is going to seem like forever. But well worth the wait.

Dr. Alexander came recommended to me by my family physician who is also a personal friend. I wouldn't have gone to anyone else. He is so capable and has done this surgery MANY times. Although the office staff is very busy, they try to help. Dr. A is VERY strict about following his rules and that includes liquid diet for 4 weeks post-op. Information about the diet is hard to get, hospital gave me one set of instructions and his office gave me different at my 2 week appointment (a little late then). He also says not to do anything that someone says from the internet without him giving the ok. He is so successful, I have listened. Bedside manner is ok - too busy for small talk but will listen all day if you have issues with surgery etc. Overall, I would give him a 10!!

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS, IS STRICTLEY FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCE. Dr.J.Wesley Alexander, is going to be my surgeon on 1-16-03, he will be performing my surgery for open rny. I have had only 2 visits with him. Both times, he was very business like, but, yet very kind and to the point. He answered all of my questions, and had already answered some that i forgot to put on my list of question. He also addressed the risk factors, in this particular procedure. My impression of him has not changed, if anything, i feel very lucky to have Dr.Alexander. He is internationally known for his organ transplantion and has 35 Yrs experience in surgery. He has done This type (open rny) of surgery, for the last 15-16 years.
His office staff is a very busy place. It has been a while, since i first called about info being sent to my home. At first,The woman i spoke to was ok. The next time i called, She, was abrupt, and made me feel like i was bothering her. I called, after receiving my packet, and spoke to her again, i finally said, i was sorry to bother her, and she replied, that, i wasn't bothering her and that it was her job to help me. Her name is Kathy O. I found her to be very plesant and in great need of extra help, which she now has, and haven't had any problems, with anyone else in the office. I would highly recomend him, for this surgery. As far as aftercare,not much was said, but, did say to see a nutritionist. No real aftercare program. I would rate Dr. Alexander, a 9 overall. Surgical competence is very important to me. It would be nice, if his bedside manner, will be just as good. Let you know after my surgery, on this thurs and a few days to recover.

I just loved him,he was very caring and understanding and he let me know that he was here to help me. The office staff was real helpful it took me 2 wks to get approved for the surg. He is a very experienced surgeon and i recommend him to anybody that is thinking about having the surgery. His aftercare program is great they sit down and explain it to you. I cant stress it more he is a great surgeon.

WELL, SINCE I WAS SELF PAY, I WAS CHOOSING THE DR. I HAD LOTS OF REFERRALS FOR DR ALEXANDER. THEY WERE ALL RAVE REVIEWS OF HIM. MY NEIGHBOR HAD EVEN WORKED FOR HIM AND SAID NOTHING BUT WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT HIM. SO, I ALREADY KNEW HE WAS TOPS IN THIS FIELD. SO, NEXT I WAS LOOKING FOR A SENSE OF HUMOR. I DIDNT WANT A DR THAT WAS A STIFF. HE CAUGHT ON REAL QUICK TO THE HUMOR, SO I HIRED HIM. HIS STAFF HAS BEEN WONDERFUL SO FAR. MY SURGERY IS WEDNESDAY, SO I WILL SEE ABOUT HIS BEDSIDE MANNERS AT THAT TIME. SO FAR, HE HAS EMPHASIZED THE AFTER CARE AND THE RISKS REALLY WELL. HE HAS HIGH IMPORTANCE AND CARE ABOUT ALL HIS PATIENTS.

My first impression of Dr. Alexander was pretty much the same as the other comments I have read. I was rather slow moving, but I just took this as being laid back. His age did not bother me in the least. I have really read up on his credentials and his age made me more comfortable. The office staff has been very nice, but very busy. I almost hate to bother them with questions, but they have assured me to ask away! I was so happy to read others comments about his practically non-existant after care. But what he says is true. After being on sooo many diets, I could probably tell him a thing or two. I am mainly just worried about immediatly after. I don't know what I am supposed to eat and how soon am I supposed to be back on solid foods. I will ask more at my appt 12-30-02, 7 days before my surgery. He was very upfront and secure in telling me the risks of the surgery. I would rate him, at this time, about an 8. Surgical competence is much more important that bedside manner, but bedside manner helps you to feel more secure. Everyone I have talked to at Christ Hospital just raves about him. Even my gynecologist thinks he is an excellent surgeon. This makes me feel much better.

I originally thought he was too old to be performing this surgery or any other, but I was desperate to have this done and thought he was the only one in the area that my insurance would cover. I think my impression changed when I was at the hospital being prepared to be taken into surgery. The nurses had wonderful things to say about him and there was also a volunteer that came to see me and showed me before and after pictures of herself, she had nothing but positive things to say about him. I wish he had more of a bedside manner, or maybe just more communication on both our parts would have helped. It was hard dealing with his office. I would call to try to find out the outcome of the insurance approval and I would not get a call back. I gave up after two attempts. They must have done something right though because I was approved after just one attempt.