James Ellsmere Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

My first impression of Dr. Ellsmere is he was very soft spoken, kind and honest. He was very educated and believed in the procedure he was going to perform.Everything was explained fully to me about what was going to happen and how. All the risks were explained to me. I did not see Dr. Ellsmere much in the hospital as I had a resident instead. I do have a couple of complaints about her but that cannot have any bearing on Dr. Ellsmere.

I first met Dr. Ellsmere in June 2011 when he pronounced me "doable". I met him again after my surgery On Aug 16/11 and saw him a couple of times for followup before leaving the hospital. He was very approachable with a sense of humor. Although I was scheduled to see him again for followup, winter snowstorms and other unforeseen circumstances did not allow for that. I have, however, been doing really well with no complications whatsoever so I'm happy.

The whole team at the VG Hospital were amazing. Dr. Ellesmere, Diana Lawlor, and Janet took me through the process and made me feel human again. Dr. Tom Ransom was the original physician I seen at the hospital who referred me to Dr. Ellesmere and the Obesity Clinic.

I cannot say enough good things about these people. They are professional and approachable. They are responsible for allowing me to get my life back.

I only wish you didn't have to wait as long as I did - once I made the decision that this was the tool I needed to get myself back - it took almost 5 years from the referal date to the actual surgery. I understand that it takes time, but this really was not the best use of the time -- I would like to see 1-2 years maximum as wait time.

As a surgeon, he's a fabulous at his work. He's direct and to the point and will tell you what you need to hear. Bedside manner is okay, but he's used to dealing with patients who are asleep....lol, so I would say his surgical competence is more important than bedside manner.

All risks for this surgery were discussed and I was always asked if i had questions by the surgeon, his nurses and staff.

I couldn't have asked to be associated with a better surgeon to perform my surgery. His staff were all super and there to help with answers and advice. The care and aftercare I had was perfect, allthough the attending physician forget to mention when I should have my stitches out. No problem though, had done by family doctor. I came through with flying colors due to the excellent care of everyone.

My first impression was that he looked very tired, and shy.rnover time, my impression has not changed, he is shy, but works very hard, so therefore he is in fact tired. he teaches the assistants very well. his staff are great, which in turn makes him a fantastic surgeon he surrounds himself with strong and able people. The after care and follow up is great, not only available on email, but full disclosure in binder form to advise what to do after care. they have scheduled meetings for the follow up care both with the dietitician and the doctor. the risks were very emphisized before the surgery.rnI am happy to be part of his team.rnboth his competence and bed side manor are excellent, He is a great surgeon as well as respected by his staff, he earns our respect as a patient as well just by helping and supporting with the team. I am so pleased i chose this surgeon and his team to be part of my life.

Dr ELLESMERE is my hero...I feel he and his associates took extremely good care of me and kept me informed at all times.

I have nothing but good to say! (although I must admit I was suprised at how young he looks) He is a very nice guy, bedside manner was great. I just had my surgery 2 weeks ago. I had my first meeting with him the end of January, he answered all my questions and never made me feel rushed in any way like most specialists do. I felt that I was very informed after completing the consult. He was very kind just before my surgery as well, making sure I fully understood what the procedure intailed and the after care to follow. He was a man of few words though, I had to iniate the conversation. Dr Klasson also performed the surgery. Both Doctors came to see me every day while in hospital, and again allowed and answered all my questions. Both Dr's had great bedside manners! Your in good hands if you have either surgeons. Both Dr's also have wonderful secretarys, and staff.rnrnI guess the only negative I have to say is that I was not told anything about the tube that would be up my nose and down into my stomach to drain out the \"fluid\". It was not too bad at first, but later it got extremely uncomfortable, it felt like it was coming out, and I was gagging every time I tried to talk. It was horrible. I told the nurse and she just taped it to my nose again. I told one of the interns that it was still bothering me the next morning and he discovered the tube had indeed come partially out. They could not remove it until I had my swallow test though, which wasn't until that afternoon. So I had to speak as little as possible and I could not even get down any water. After my test was completed the Dr was up very quickly to remove it. then I felt soo much better!

Seems very competent and knowledgable. Addressed all my questions.rnOn time for appointment.rnStaff are very pleasant.rnHas an aftercare program.rnCompetence and bedside manner are both very important to me as a patient.rnThe only negative is that he isn't a big talker - he answered all my questions but didn't volunteer any information other than I am the poster child for this surgery.