James M. Kane Sr. Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.
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I heard about Dr. James M. Kane, Sr. thru a co-worker of mine. Dr. Kane, Sr. did her open Roux-N-Y gastric bypass and she recommended him highly.
Dr. Kane has several other doctors in his practice, including his son, James M. Kane, Jr.
I did not get to meet Dr. Kane until he was scheduled by his office (their choice) to be my surgeon. My one appointment with him was about a month ago (09/02). My surgery is 12/6.
I was impressed with Dr. Kane's bedside manner and his background as a pioneer in performing bypasses. Apparently, he's been doing it since the 1970s.
My co-worker told me that he does only open procedures, but I found out from his office that he is also doing laparoscopics. Apparently, he just started doing laparascopics.
He only had 15 minutes to spend with me but was patient in answering all my questions. Since there's only so much that can be discussed during that short period of time, I have scheduled a second appointment with him to ask more questions and determine whether he will do my surgery as an open procedure, with removal of my gallbladder and repair of esophageal hernia, or as a laparascopic, which he offered me during the first visit. I told him I'd prefer an open, to avoid further surgery down the road (i.e., if my gallbladder went bad) and because the doctors can see more things during an open and repair them, if need be (e.g., bleeding ulcers). He agreed to do an open, but I have further questions about whether they can determine the condition of my gallbladder sufficiently to not require an open, as I've heard of several people who still have lots of pain 6 months after an open. One other person had no pain. So, go figure!
My impression of Dr. Kane has not changed over time. Nor has my opinion changed about his office staff. They are extremely competent and responsive to patients' needs. If the doctor isn't available to answer a question, they can connect you to his nurse for a call-back. That impressed me.
Aftercare is extremely important in Dr. Kane's practice. He offers twice-a-month support groups at his hospital, where preops and postops can meet, discuss and interact. The groups are large (about 200 people), but have a skilled facilitator (addictions counselor) who is good at involving people in participating during the meetings.
Dr. Kane's patients have started 4 websites at Yahoo.com (under health/dieting category at the Home Page and then use "Kane" as the search word. They include: general, vitamins/minerals, protein and postops who are more than 1 year "out." The 1-year-out site involves restricted posting. Anyone can "lurk" and read the posts, but only those at least 1 year out can post.
Aftercare also involves mandatory attendance at a 3-hour meeting shortly after surgery to discuss exercise, diet and other concerns.
Dr. Kane did not address the risks of surgery during our meeting, probably because I had become well-informed ahead of time. I consulted his administrative office (located in another state; it handles all his paperwork and follow-thru of all preop testing). I asked if any of Dr. Kane's (and other doctors in his practice) patients had died. They were at first reluctant to discuss it, but finally said that the answer was "yes." Apparently, they lose very few patients. The person emphasized that the answer was "yes," but to ask the surgeon and he would tell me why. He and I didn't have enough time to discuss it at our first visit; I intend to ask him next week.
I would rate Dr. Kane excellent, so far. I know of his excellent reputation and I have seen his great bedside manner firsthand.
One area I wasn't completely satisifed with was Dr. Kane's info re: what vitamins to take. He said to only take a multi and calcium, and to eat 3 meals er day. The dietician (also a required preop meeting) said to eat 6 meals a day and take certain other vitamins/minerals. I think it may have just been a matter of a difference of opinion. Plus, Dr. Kane specializes in surgery, not the dietetics aspects.
New patients should know that they should do their homework well before their first appointment with Dr. Kane. Go to the support group meetings. Listen to the "posties" and ask questions. Find out what will be required as part of the surgery (e.g., giving yourself daily shots in the stomach of Lovenox, a blood thinner, to prevent possibly fatal blood clots). Exchange phone numbers or e-mails with as many people as possible and follow up. Talk to a good therapist about the emotional issues. The surgery can be sabotaged if the patient doesn't follow the "rules of the pouch." Theserules are in writing and people should obtain and copy it prior to the dietician meeting.
Surgical competence is definitely preferable to a good bedside manner, but I'm glad the office assigned me to Dr. Kane partly because of his great reputation and bedside manner. Getting questions answered re: this surgery requires a team approach and proactivity on the part of the patient. Seek out many different peoples' expertise about specific things.
One last suggestion is to not go "hog wild" before surgery. At least, if not losing weight, maintain, don't gain. You will have all the fewer pounds to work off afterwards and will have gotten started on watching what you eat. Also start exercising and plan to continue once medically cleared to do so after surgery. That way, you won't have to go "cold turkey" on changing your habits.
My comments are strictly my opinion and do not reflect other patients' experience.
I've only met Dr. Kane once, and he is kindly and professional and self-confident. I'm glad that he wasn't arrogant - can't stand doctors who feel they're better than everyone else. The nurse who took my vitals was aloof, not friendly, but not UN-friendly either; just not interested in you as a person. But, Mary, she was great. You knew you weren't "just another patient" to her.
Dr. Kane didn't go into a lot of details about pre and post operative things. You can tell that he relies on his staff, and Weight for Life regarding that... and that's okay. When I mentioned that I had seen some really upsetting things on the Internet about some of these surgeries that have "gone bad" he suggested I go to THIS website; he said that I would find encouragement and reassurance here (and I have).
I feel that I have the right surgeon for the job. He made me feel very confident in his SKILL, and that's the best feeling you can have.
I have only met with Dr. Kane Sr. once so far. It was to review the results of my upper GI. My first impression of him is that he is an extremely busy man. I feel that is definately a good sign. When I first met him, he was very nice, down to earth and very warm. I felt he was a little disorganized but that might have something to do with the fact that it was 9:10pm. I felt very comfortable with him and have no doubts about his ability. I would definately recommend him. I think his asst. Olga was very nice as well and seems to know what is going on. The day staff was not so nice. There was some confusion re: my appt time. I was there at 8:30 am instead of pm. The day nurses were not so caring even after I explained that I just drove 3 hrs to get there. I feel that Dr. Kane makes up for their incompetence.
My first impression of Dr Kane was his humbleness and professionalism. He is a very kind man and listened to all my concerns. There is an extensive aftercare program which he mentioned several times. I hope to have more info after surgery.
My first impression of him was that he was a very caring man. My impressing did not ever change. There staff was very pleasent and helpful. His age. His experance is what counts. Much about after care he went over taking the vit. over and over again. yes. Of course like many surgons telling me everything that could happen. But making me feel comfortable. a big fat10. I feel that both is needed in a sergon, but most of all his competence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have only met Dr. Kane,Sr. once, even though I have a date of 8/13. I felt he was very kind and knowlegable. He wanted to answer my questions and he did not rush me. He assured me that some of the additional testing I was having would not preclude me from surgery, just allow them to be better prepared for it. The staff is efficient, but rather hurried. It is a very large practice. Dr Kane is VERY keen on aftercare. He mentioned several times how important attending support meetings is and that he hoped I would take advantage of them. I will be required to attend one after care meeting 30 days postop. Other than than I dont think there is anything else they require. Dr. Kane did not address the risks of surgery at my visit, but I did not ask as I am pretty aware of what they are. I would rate him overall as very good. I would like to have seen him again as my date approaches, but I will not be able to as I will be out of town until 3 days before surgery.
07-17-02 ODAY I MET DR. KANE SR HE IS RALLY A NICE MAN. HE WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL AD HAS DONE PLETY OF THESE SURGERY I AM GOING TO FEEL REALLY COMFOTABLE WITH HIM DOING ME SURGEY
I really like my sergeon. He is so nice, and he was so quick to get me started and scheduled for a date. He did ask me questions to determine my knowledge of the surgery and he did inform me of the risk involved. But he said as long as I understand what is what I am doing and that this is a change for LIFE, he said that I would do fine. The staff at his office is very nice and they really understand what you are going throughand the ins and outs of this process. The nurse made sur that I knew who I needed to call next to keep the ball rolling. I don't have any complaints, at least not yet. Eveyone was a big help.
Dr. Kane was very kind. He spent a good deal of time discussing the procedure with me. The office staff has beed polite and helpful on each occasion I have delt with them. The chairs in the office are large enough for people of size and everyone really seems to care. Dr. Kane's age was worrisome at first but I now have all the confidence of the world in him. Dr. Kane uses "Weight For Life" program with excellent after care. The risks were discussed in the pre-consultation and given to me in writing in the form of my informed consent. I was also given a quiz to assess my knowledge of the procedure, possible complications and aftercare. Dr. Kane has a superb reputation and an excellent bedside manner.