James D. Atkinson Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

Dr. Atkinson is wonderful, as well as his associate, Dr. Soong. The office staff could be a little more organized, but mostly everyone is nice. rnrnIt is not unusal to see a Nurse Practioner after your surgery when you go in for your wound assessment - in fact, it is more likely that you will NEVER see the doctor again, as he dedicates most of his time to surgery. rnrnHe is phenomenal and I highly recommend him and his team. Just be prepared to wait in a bit for any appt you may have. It is well worth the wait.

Trained under the best. Very soft and gentle.

I actually only saw my surgeon four times. Once for the office consult, once at a group pre-op session, just before going into the OR, and the next morning when he said I could go home. Besides that I have seen his staff for all my follow-ups and with any questions.rnrnDr. Atkinson came highly recommended by my PCP. When I met him at the office consult, he was very nice, wanted to make sure that I was ready for this big change in my life, and seemd a bit concerened that I did not have anymore questions than I did. rnrnThe surgery went off without a hitch. I was in the hospital less than 24 hours. The nurses at the hospital (Desert Springs) were great.rnrnDr. Atkinson and his staff really pushed the fact that there we always available with any questions that I may have. Really wanted me to attend the support group meetings, and really emphasized their 9 rules for life after surgery.rnrnThey did review all the possible risks and complication, so much so that when I had problems and they told me it may be a stoma I knew what it was and what the treatment was. Nothing was really scary.rnrnOverall I would rate him an 8. I wish I saw more of the doctor, but that would be my only complaint.

Very nice and professional. The office staff does not fit how great he is. They are only moderately nice and a little unpolished. The office is in a crumy area of Las Vegas, don't let that scare you, the surgeon is great. Total aftercare support both internally from a work group and from the surgeons office. There is a structured aftercare program. Both surgical competence and bedside manner are excellent.

I've not yet had the opportunity to meet him on a one on one basis. I have only met him at the seminars and support group meetings. He seems very sincere in his desire to help his patients reach their goals and is well qualified. I haven't even heard much from anyone who actually had him as a surgeon . . . I'm hoping someone here will have a more informed opinion of him as a Dr. I chose him simply because he is who my insurance will cover. I couldn't even think about having the surgery if I wasn't covered by insurance. I have had to go through a required 10 week program of group counseling type classes that prepare you for the life changes that surgery will necessitate. I hope that he turnes out to be kind and friendly in his bedside manner as well as a competent surgeon.

Dr. Atkinson was wonderful. From the moment I heard him talk about helping people with weight issues, I could tell he was honest and sincere and not really in it for the money aspect alone. He answered all my questions and I felt very comfortable with him. He did a great job on my surgery and I had no complications. I would definately recommend him.

When I first met him I was very impressed. He is a gentle man, well informative. The staff was great, gave me alot of information. Just waiting now..

In my opinion, Dr. Atkinson is one of the kindest physicians I have ever encountered. I felt at ease with him from the first time I met him at a WLS seminar. I decided not to have the surgery at that time (7 years ago), but kept up with the changes taking place in the field of bariatric surgery through the SWCC where Dr. Atkinson works. I am 3.5 weeks post surgery and feeling great. I have had no complications which I contribute to the skill of Dr. Atkinson and his team. I think the SWCC's staff and doctors are some of the best in the business. I was made aware of all the possible complications, including the possible emotional side effects. I was given detailed literature and instructed to call if I had any questions or concerns. They, including the doctor, said no question or concern was to small. If I had any doubt call. They would rather me call and determine it was nothing then have me wait only to find out it was something serious. I did call the first night I was home, over concerns about infection. Dr. Atkinson called me back almost immediately and put my mind at ease. I have yet to attend one of the support group meetings that SWCC offers, but plan to as I am sure they will be helpful. I highly recommend SWCC and specifically, Dr. Atkinson. They only negative thing I could say in all honesty is, the air conditioning system at the SWCC office needs some work. It is often cold in the conference room, warm in the lobby and really warm in the psycologists office. There is some miscommunication between staff members every now and then, but I equate that to the office being very busy, not to a dispassionate staff. Everyone I met there was kind and attentive, but on occasion there was some confusion (while going through the insurance acceptance procedures, which in and of itself can be confusing and disheartening). I only mention these minor negatives because it was suggested that a fluff piece might make this recommendation sound to good to be true. My experience with SWCC was really good as a whold and as I said earlier, I would recommend them to anyone who asked.

Dr.Atkinson in Las Vegas....He is wonderful...very careing..He never changed over time..His staff is also very informed and polite...I liked how he took his time with me..answered all questions..The surgery group has a very structured program..Starts from the get-go and follows through forever...very strict rules to follow so you never gain back weight...Support groups available through all stages of the procedure...His bedside manner was superb...Great Doctor..The whole group is wonderful..Nevada Surgical Weight Control Center.

My surgeon was awesome! I felt like I was in very safe hands.