James Rifenberry Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

My first impression of him was that he seems to be a very nice guy, he makes you feel pretty comfortable about the process. He also have a really great office staff. :-)

He is very thorough, very friendly, easy to talk to, and ask questions of. His staff is excellent. They are very friendly, and will bend over backwards to help in any way. I think I have chosen the right people for my future surgery.

Dr. Rifenbery has been wonderful so far. I have had one visit with him and he answered a lot of my questions. He took the time to listen to what I had to say. His staff is extraordinary!! He was very informative and told me about pre and post surgical stuff.

February 28, 2003: I have talked to Dr. Rifenbery's staff, Misty and Amy, several times on the phone. They have been patient and understanding with my impatience and excitement. They have answered all of my questions, and have always taken my calls. I am glad that they are an important part of my journey and that they are on MY team!!

March 20, 2003: Dr. Rifenbery has been wonderful!! Before surgery he came to see me, answered any other questions/concerns I might have had. I felt so comfortable with him being my surgeon. After surgery, he was available to my nurses, had initiated several preventative measures while in the hospital and was great to have as my surgeon. I would definately recommend Him and his team to anyone looking to have this surgery! Today is post op visit #1 and his office staff was very accomodating to my schedule. Thanks to all of you!!

A very nice, calm man. Made me feel that everything was going to be okay.

1/29/03 I talked to Amy and she assured me that Dr. Rifenbery's office took my insurance, Tri-Care, and that she could give me an appointment within two weeks. I called Tri-Care and told them that I had found a provider. They gave me a lot of grief over the fact that Dr. R is a Tr-Care Standard provider not a Tri-Care Prime provider. After I had a little temper tantrum, they relented and allowed me to use Dr. R. I called Dr. R's office back and Misty gave me an appointment for 2/12/03. Both Misty and Amy were very friendly and courteous. Both assured me that they have dealt with Tri-Care and that their patients did get approval for the procedure.
2/12/03 I got a call this morning that my appt had to be resheduled. Kind of bummed but Misty was very apologetic and resheduled me for the next day. Well, we'll see how it goes tomorrow. 3/11/03 I met with Dr.R, he was professional and very thorough. I have made the appts for my labs, the nutritionist, and the psych eval. All of those appts will be done this week and then we can get to scheduling the actual surgery.

I made an appointment to meet with Dr. Rifenbery before I met him. I first met him at a seminar he gave on wls. At my appointment with him he answered every question I had with confidence, however he did not try to glaze over the truth of how serious this surgery is and exactly what the risks are. His staff is excellent, friendly and no question is too small. I have never been made to feel like I was a bother or my fears were silly. I didn't like the psychological exam but I felt it was a very good idea for anyone seriously considering wls to have one. The nutritionist was informative and she was nice too. His aftercare is structured and he is strict about no beef for at least one year. Since it's one of the hardest things to digest that sounds like good advice. He explained everything in great detail and in terms we "un-medical" people can understand.
His staff was very quick in requesting authorization and kept on top of the insurance company to get an answer. So far, knock on wood, my experience has been smooth sailing. My insurance is United Healthcare.

I have not met with my surgeon yet. Just made my appointment yesterday.
I spoke with Misty to set up the appt. and ask questions. She was very helpful - because I live out of state it makes it a little harder to arrange some of the appts. etc. My consult is for March 24th and I will update after that.

So far I have only spoken with people on the phone but they have been the best ever.
I have my first appt with him 1/9.
will post more later!!
1/10/02
I felt very good meeting him and feel that i can trust my life in his hands.
MIsty and Amy <in his office> were the best.
So far i would recommend anyone to him.
2/4/03
I went in for my preop appt.and as usual he was nothing but the best.
He has a sense of humor and is very easygoing which is good to know.
He is very upfront about what you should do and doesn't dance around issues.
I am so not afraid of having him do this surgery on me.

Really was impressed! He answered all my
questions. Said everything looks good as
soon as my labs get in the letter goes off
to Ins. Office staff very upbeat and helpful.
Go in with a list of your questions that helps
him too. He tries to remember everything to.
He doesn't go into after care at first apt.
doesn't want you to be to overwhelmed,plus
I think if you are turned down by Ins. its not
much help. He said once everything goes thru
he does alot more. Complete chech up and ultra
sound and spend even more time with you. He
said to call anytime I had a question!!

Dr. Rifenbery was very nice and easy to speak to.He explained everything clearly and when I was leaving he said "we'll make you better". This meant alot to me. His office staff has been great so far, always very pleasant and caring. I had an appointment on November 16,2002 I have been to the support group meetings, and the nutritionist.I had an appointment to see the sleep apnea Doctors, but had to cancel for family reasons. I hope to reschedule again. My insurance was sent off in December, I hope they will approve this soon.
I have heard very good things about Dr Rifenbery from others in the support group as well.