James D. Atkinson Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

The staff here is awful and they lie, they never let you meet the doctor and they just give you more things to do. They want all the test, blood work, and psych evaluation before they book you an appointment to speak with the doctor. I asked to speak with the manager and they said it would take her a week to call back. He might be a decent surgeon but his customer service is awful! Many of the reviews speak of people who met the doctor on the day of surgery and never before.

I have never been able to meet him or talk to him despite multiple, multiple attempts, so I can't say what my impression is. The office staff tries to be nice, but they are clearly overwhelmed and can't give quality service. I'm sure he's a fantastic surgeon from what I have heard from other people, but if you can't get in for the surgery and can't get a return call after 247 tries, that doesn't do you much good. Overall, epic disappointment.

I give this clinic 1 star because of the horribly rude staff. From the PA to the Nutrionalist, and everyone in between. Melissa at the front desk tries to make you feel very uncomfortable. Perla (patient advocate) never returns calls, takes weeks to schedule you and doesn't have your best interest at heart. The Doctors themselves are top notch but staff is really bad. They are also out of the office a lot making it hard to get an appointment. There is another doctor here in town with far better ratings. Do your homework. This Doctor needs to clean out his office. Oh, and they try to find ways to keep charging you more money even after the "all inclusive surgery".

I went there for 5 months. I never ever saw the Dr. ever. I requested to see him twice and was told he only does the surgeries and the PA does everything before and after. The staff was very nice especially Maria. But they did nothing for me but take my money. I am happy to report that I have found a new dr. here in Las Vegas and I am scheduled for surgery. Thank god.. I highly question any type of medical office that does not allow you to see the Dr. until you have surgery...

I had the best experience with Dr. Atkinson. He answered every question I had .He explained everything , the staff were and is great. I wouldn't change one thing. Im thankful that he gave me the opportunity to have a tool to help me regain back my life.

I was sleeved 4/2/14. I am currently 17 days out and doing great! Surgery went just fine, and recovery has been easier then expected. This has went smoother then I ever could have imagined thus far. I am 20 lbs down so far.

Editing to add new update - 1/11/15:
I am now almost 9 months out, and have had zero complications. I am down 80 lbs. Started at 268, and now 188. Would be down much more, if I had not had personal slip ups with eating choices. My sleeve is awesome, and I still have great restriction when I eat right. If I never lost another pound in this journey, I would not change a thing! One of the best decisions I made for my self! Thank you Dr Atkinson!

I was impressed. He is the number 5 surgeon bariatric in America. I was impressed.I didn't chose him actually he is required by my insurance. I just wish I wouldhave got to see more of him instead of his crew. Although, the crew was great.

Dr James Atkinson has shown he is a skilled surgeon. My Gastric Bypass was performed easily and by following the guidelines at Bariatric Eating.com, I have maintained my health and weight loss without incident.rnDr Atkinson is a bit aloof and my impression hasn't changed over time. I only saw him at surgery time and one time afterward.rnHis staff is very welcoming and generous with their attention.rnWhat I like least about Dr Atkinson is that I don't get to see him more. But his Physician Assistants are wonderful and listen well.rnFuture patients should know that if Dr Atkinson performs their surgery, they should feel safe with his ability to perform sound surgery. No one does it better.rnAftercare is not highly emphasized as I have not been encouraged more than one time to go to support group meetings. But bariatric eating.com has a support group every Wednesday night so that takes care of me.rnI was told about risks of surgery. rnI think Dr A is the best bariatric surgeon in the country. Everyone at the hospital praised his skills.rnSurgical competence is the primary goal. Bedside manner does not one any good if the surgery is botched up.rnDr A is primarily a good surgeon, the best in my opinion, and has the good conscience to visit after wards as well as his partner Dr Soong which was a pleasant surprise.

I haven't met Dr. Atkinson yet-I will meet him the day before surgery. rnrnI chose him because my father and his good friend went to him. They are both doctors and did extensive research on who the best person to see was and time after time, Dr. Atkinson was the answer. It made MY research quite easy. :)rnrnThey both look great and I'm looking forward to moving forward with my life.rnrnThe one negative thing I would say is that when I went for my initial meeting with them, they didn't tell me much of anything about what to expect. Whether this was because they expected I got the full scoop from my dad (which I have) or not, I'm not sure. But if I hadn't done a LOT of research on my own and watched a close family member go through it, I would be very uneducated. They do have informational seminars to attend which I didn't. They told me they would do a 1 on 1 with me since I was out of town, however I didn't get much info.

I really did not \"meet\" Dr. Atkinson until day of surgery. I did attend his seminar and knew who he was but met him right before- he was very nice and answered all of my questions as well as my family's. He is great still now after surgery... during my recovery I had severe nausea and anytime (even on weekends and after hours) that I called... I would get a call within 10 minutes and RX'S were called in to the pharmacy of my choice. Office staff is professional. There is an aftercare program and I have am too soon after surgery to know the benefits. I would give him a 10 out of 10 and recommend him highly. I believe surgical competence is more important than bedside manner but with this surgeon you need not choose- he is great @ what he does and how he does it!