James Givens Bariatric Surgeon M.D., FACS

Dr. Givens and the entire medical staff at Eouthern Surgical are very professional. They have very good bedside manners. They gave me a high degree of confidence in them which made me feel more relaxed and comfortable about the entire proccess. They have a good after care program and support group. They sponsor support group meetings. I do not have any negatives to speak of. I would highly recommend Dr. Givens and The Southern Surgical group.

I went to the first information meeting on Dec 11, 2002. It was very informational. I have done a lot of research so most of it was not new. The Dr. seemed nice friendly and willing to really work with ppl. I have my first appointment Dec 23 and I am ready to change my life.

I attended a seminar given by Dr. Strickland and Dr. Givens July 30th, 2001 in Lexington. I was very impressed. Both Drs. were very informative, compassionate, answered everyone's questions. They have a support group, which no one in CSRA (close to me)does
we met their nurse Amanda, the dietitian they want you to meet with and someone from the hospital. Amanda said she always returns her calls and she's returned my call twice and I'm not even a patient (yet). I've heard wonderful things about them and I definitely agree with everything I've heard. Someone asked the cost of the surgery and they came right up with their cost and the hospital's.
They even told us who what Ins. Co's were denying. I already knew mine was. When I do finally get approved and I WILL EVENTUALLY!! I will go to Dr. Strickland/Dr. Givens for sure. They said you would be patients for life with them. I can't say anything bad about them. They were wonderful.

A very warm and caring Dr., he and his associate Dr. Strickland made me feel very at ease, and not embarassed. Their seminar was so professional and informative, it really gave me a sense of comfort knowing I had chose the right place. I have only had one appt. so far one on one but my interaction with the staff was very pleasant. they went over all the risks and statistics of surgery at the seminar, and also the precautions they take to minimize the chances. I was very deliberate in finding a Surgeon with an aftercare program, and I am pleased with the requirements. One of the nurses told me that if you should get denied that both of the Dr.s would really go to bat for you to try and get it approved, that made me feel good knowing that if I am turned down they won't just let it go.

Dr. Givens is a very caring man that will not let insurance companies get in the way of your medical needs. He is a great listener and has a wonderful bedside manner. He is willing to answer all questions and is incredibly educated about this procedure. I would not trust this operation to anyone other than Southern Surgical. Dr. Givens has attended every support group meeting and has had his personal trainer speak on weight loss and how his company can assist in the weight loss after surgery. Dr. Givens is exploring the possibility of making the training a prescription for insurance reimbursment. I could go on about him and his staff...Thye are wonderful.

I am scheduled to attend a seminar with Drs. Strickland and Givens on 2/25/02. This is one of the requirements before you schedule your appointment with either of them. I have called their office several times asking questions, and have really been impressed with their friendliness and willingness to help.

3-2-02 Attended the seminar on 2/25/02. Dr. Strickland gave the presentation and answered questions from the audiance. Dr. Givens was present for a short period of time - he had a surgery scheduled that morning. I called a few days later and scheduled my appointment with Dr. Givens on 4-4-02 - first available. (Dr. Givens and Strickland assist each other on the surgery.)