John Gleysteen Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.


I guess from reading all of your testimonials that everyone thinks he is great and wonderful. Well I dont he made major mistakes with mine and that is why he retired as early as he did. I was his first lapro he had another surgeon with him that had done the lap and watched Gleyteen procede. I lost half my intestines and am consitently sick, my stomack is directly connectly to my colon I eat I go to the bathroom immediatly. He would be busy as you all said I never got an after appointment with him he was too busy I received a telephone call from him and told me that I would have to keep myself monitored throughout my life. But he would not admit he made a mistake I had to go to another Dr. have xrays, colonoscopy etc to find the problem so no I dont like him he almost killed me I lost 180 pounds the only positive thing that came out of it.

I can sum up all the questions about Dr.Gleysteen In just a few words. He was and still is my hero. If it wasn't for him i would have died. There is nothing that i can say negative about him or his staff. If i had to do it all over again i would definatly choose him again. I also know that he and myself had the help of the one and only God Almighty. Dr Gleysteen has not only saved my life but he has also saved my dads life. He was also the surgeon that completed my dads surdery as well. Now he is retired and all i can say is that he deserves it and i hope he is doing well

First impressions: distinguished. When I had my first surgery in 1995(RNY), not much was known about gastric bypass. He made me feel comfortable about the surgery. When I went back to him in 2006 for a distal , he was understanding about my situation. Very knowledgeable. Always has med students with him, so you repeat your history several times. Very business-like.

My first impression of Dr. Gleysteen was a little ambigious. He was very professional and straight to the point. He sat down and discussed all of my options and his concerns regarding my having this type of surgery. He was through and forthcoming about what I should expect from this surgery. To be honest, I wasn't sure if he was trying to talk me out of having the surgery or what?rnMy impression change over time after I dealt with myself and knew within my heart that this surgery was my lifeline and my future. And nothing or no one was going to change my course. I feel after that point, my doctor also knew I wouldn't be moved from my decision. rn My doctor office staff consist of his receptiontist, who is certainly different. She is a one man's army staff. She is often very busy, but never too busy to help you out when there was a need. She was my mentor and talked me through all of the problems that came about before my surgery. His other staff in the Clinic was also very helpful and caring.rnIt was their attitudes and respect that showed the most.rn To be honest there is little that I like least about my doctor. Because, if he was not available, there were his residents, nurses or others staff to meet my needs.rn Future patients should know that Dr. Gleysteen is a professional and top surgeon. He is a very serious person, but caring. He really cares about his patients physically, mentally and spiritually.rn Aftercare is a must with my doctor. Before and at discharge I was given specific directions by the doctors and nurses about what to do and don't. I was instructed by PT and the Nutritionist. I made a big mistake and didn't make my first week post-op visit. (because of the motion illness/ nausea still lingering)rnAnd, before I could call the office , they were calling me (I promise I will never do that again!) It was explained that my aftercare process is just as important as my surgery. And it was important that my healing process be monitored as well as my weight loss future.rn Dr. Gleysteen carefully explained all of the risk factors to me and allowed me the chance to discuss any/ and all concerns.rn I would rate Dr. Gleysteen on a scale of 1-10, a 11 +++. He has my respect as a good doctor.rn He displayed great bedside manners and surgical competence. And all of his staff I salute also.rn I feel that everyone experience from this surgery may not be the same. I was determined that I would keep focous in a positive direction. However, I only had one negative experience, but the staff handled it so quickly and smoothly it doesn't matter. I am thankful that I was so blessed to have had a good experience.rn

My impression was that he is a very TALL and serious man. He seems very detailed and meticulous, although glancing at his watch was a little annoying.
His office is enormous. It's at UAB's Kirklyn Clinic. His assistant (nurse? ) Barbara is a hoot. The nurse that I met today Gina was very nice. She said I looked younger than i am (yeah!) and wants to use my hair stylist. I'm a sucker for compliments :o )
Dr. Gleysteen has been performing gastric bypass surgeries for over 20 years! He is a professor at UAB, he is published in medical journals and has completed multiple studies on gastric bypass surgery. his credentials are excellent.

When I first went to see Dr Gleysteen I was very nervous, however, when he first entered the room he put me completely at ease. He was completely up front with me about all aspects of the surgery. He went thru detail by detail every step of the surgery and what would be happening with me. He was kind, professional and personable from the first day I met him and I felt completely at ease with the decision I had made to have the surgery with him as my surgeon. Overall, my experience with Dr.Gleysteen and his staff, including Barbara his secretary was great. I wouldn't change anything including my decision to have the surgery. Thanks to Dr Gleysteen I have two beautiful boys.

My first impression of Dr Gleysteen was that he was a gental man. He explained the pros and cons of the surgery in Great Detail. He allowed me and my family to ask question and didn't mind. Dr. Gleysteen gave it to me straight. He told me that I needed this surgery and it would change my life for the better. I am so looking forward to this surgery. I know I made the right decision by choosing him. The only person from his staff that I have been in contact with is the nurse Ms. Judy, which is a very nice little lady. also Ms. Barbara, who I haven't had the chances to meet yet, but have talked to her on the phone many many times. She is a very kind, loving, and sweet lady. When I talked to her I fill like I am talking to my mother. She has really helped me out alot with her encouraging words and support.

10/15/2004
Had my first meeting with Dr. Gleysteen. I found him to be an intelligent, almost regal man in appearance, pleasingly handsome. His manner was unhurried and he reviewed all the information in detail, told me all the possible benefits and risks, and how good a candidate I might be for this surgery. His review and talk answered almost all the questions I'd had beforehand and he allowed me any question I wanted to ask. His answers were frank and complete. I was disappointed to learn that, because of a 25-year old large abdominal scar from a previous surgery and the residue of gallbladder surgery, I probably cannot have lap surgery, but will have to have open surgery because of adhesions. I think this is a kind, patient man and I left feeling even more secure in my decision to have this surgery. I have informed Barbara since then that I want to proceed and I'm starting the paperwork.