Jon Bruce Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

Dr. Bruce performed bypass surgery for me 6/21/2010. I must say that from the very beginning, he was up front with me about everything involved. He is a very pleasant individual. If I had this to do over again, I would want Dr. Bruce there. The only problem I can find with him is that I have had a long wait when I have been back for post op appointments. However, he and Will (his PA) or just great. I highly recommend them to anybody.

My name is Polly Sherman and I am a patient of Dr Bruce's. I am 41 years old and had a RNY done on July 20,2009. At the time of my surgery I was 326 lbs and had high blood pressure, dangerously high cholesterol, very weak knees, hips and ankles with a lot of swelling in those areas. I took 11 prescription medications a day and was working on the possibility of having to increase that number to as many as 13 daily.

The surgery was initially recommended to me by my primary care physician approximately 8 years ago when I was living in Rhode Island, prior to moving to North Carolina. Initially I had pushed the whole idea away saying to myself that I 'wasn't THAT heavy" and feeling that I could and would lose the weight on my own. At the time I lead a very sedentary lifestyle as I do office work for a living and sit at a desk for the majority of my day. After moving to NC and still working at a desk yet again, I eventually realized that I was unable to exercise due to my weight and the strain that exercise put on my joints. I was forced to face the fact that I was trapped in the 'revolving door of obesity'. Finally I was ready to start looking for a way to get out of it.

I had done quite a bit of research about the different types of surgery and what to expect prior to surgery as well as afterwards and the life changes that needed to be made. I had been contemplating this surgery for about 5 years but quite frankly I was scared to death of the life changes and how I would deal with them. I had quite a bit of misgivings about whether I would be successful due to the psychological aspect that affected my eating habits and had decided to address those through counselling prior to seeking out a doctor to help me on my journey of surgical weight loss.

When had been involved in counselling for about 2 years and I finally felt I was ready to start my physical journey I asked around to some of my friends and coworkers who had already had the surgery and heard very good things about Dr. Bruce and his colleagues in his office. I was seen in Dr. Bruce's Cary, NC office, but I now will be seen in his Graham, NC office, as it is closer to my home and much more convenient for me. Upon my first visit to his office I was initially seen by a nurse who is also a successful gastric bypass patient. She was very informative, sweet and made me feel very comfortable.

After talking with him on that first visit I realized that Dr Bruce is a very patient and understanding doctor. From that very first visit he has always been very positive, honest, and understanding He didn't mind answering my millions of crazy questions. Always very upbeat and professional. The office staff was very efficient and everyone had a smile on their faces. I felt like they were very happy to be there helping me. The young lady who handled the insurance was very thorough and kept me informed as to the progress that we were making and the additional items that we needed to get approval. The office scheduled all of the testing that I needed to have done and the psychological consult that I needed and called me to give me the times, saving me the hassle of trying to do it myself and getting me in much sooner that I probably could on my own.

From my first inital appointment call to surgery it took me about 4 1/2 months to get in for actual surgery. On my last appointment before surgery Dr. Bruce went over risks, benefits, pros and cons of the RNY as opposed to the lap band and gave me all of the information I needed to make a well informed decision. He also gave me his professional opinion on what HE thought would work best as well. He asked me what I wanted to see as a goal weight and when I replied that I thought 170 lbs for a 5'4" woman was realistic he said that it was definitely doable. And lo and behold....I've made it there!!!! :)

Surgery went very smoothly and I was kept very comfortable afterwards. I spent two days in the hospital and saw Dr Bruce both days. He asked if I had any questions and answered them very patiently. Even though on the second day I asked some of the same ones that I had asked immediately after surgery because I couldn't remember what he had said he patiently repeated himself with a smile on his face!! :)

NOW???.....well, now I am 168 lbs, no longer have high blood pressure issues, my cholesterol has been in normal range for over a year and a half and I feel like a new woman. I now weigh what I weighed in high school!!! And best of all, I only take 2 prescription medications a day!!!! It has taken a lot of work, perseverance and has been a long road. I am not here to say that surgery is easy. But it is sooooo worth it!!! I do so many things that were just a dream when I was trapped in that revolving door that I spoke of above. I play with my children, I walk, ride a bike, swim and even have begun running recently!!! I no longer worry every time I sit in a chair if it can hold my weight!! I no long fear being in public because I feel like everyone is staring at the fat lady! And perhaps the best thing is knowing that my children are learning better health and life habits from me! And that they are proud to tell others that I am their mom!! That's the BEST!!!

As far as aftercare is concerned, unfortunately I have not had the best.........THROUGH NO FAULT OF DR. BRUCE!!!!!! I cannot stress that enough!!!! Due to layoff I have lost my medical benefits and I am a self-pay patient now. I have managed my aftercare through my primary care physician until very recently because she has a sliding scale fee and it was more affordable for me. Recently I had some problems with an ulcer and my gastroenterologist wanted me to be seen by Dr. Bruce so that he could have some input from Dr Bruce about how to treat my ulcer. I went to see Dr. Bruce and his office was just as pleasant as always. Dr Bruce however, gave me the what-for about not continuing with aftercare. I explained my situation with benefits and he said, and I quote, "Don't let that stop you!!! Just come and I will see you and don't worry about it!" I was so touched that I nearly cried!!!

The only complaint that I have about Dr. Bruce is about things that are probably completely out of his control. Twice when I have gone to see him I have had to wait in the waiting room for at least an hour. I was offered to reschedule but CHOSE not to. I lived an hour away and did not want to have to make the drive again, so I waited. My understanding was that both times he was in surgery and it took longer than expected because there were unforeseen complications. Obviously, if I were the patient on the table I would want him to put me first and take care of me in the best possible way, so I can totally understand why he was late and do not fault him on that.

All in all I can rate this one of the most positive experiences of my life, and I can thank Dr Bruce and his staff for that. My choice to have this surgery was a long time coming, with a lot of research and education behind it. I wouldn't change the choice I made for anything and I DEFINITELY wouldn't change my choice of doctor. I would recommend Dr. Bruce to all of my friends and family, and as a matter of fact I have done just that!!

I am hoping that my review will help someone else to make this life changing choice and to benefit from this wonderful doctor's experience. Best of luck to all who read this and who are contemplating the surgery. I have been there and I soooo feel your pain! But, as someone who is on the other side of the surgery I can honestly say that it was definitely worth it. Take a chance on yourself and give yourself a new lease on life! Educate yourself. Evaluate yourself. And most important of all, realize that you are worth it and open up the opportunity for you to live a long and healthy life!!

What was your first impression of him? Very caring but straight forward
How did your impression change over time? My impression never changed. He is the same all the time.
How would you describe his office staff? Wonderful
What did you like least about him? As of right now nothing :)
What should future patient know about him? He knows what he is talking about so please listen to him.
How much does he enphasize aftercare? This is the most important part of your lifestyle change. He is very serious about healing and results.
Does he have a structured aftercare program? YES!
How did he address the risks of surgery? Very straight forward and honestly.
How would you rate him overall? I would rate Dr. Burce truly a 10. I have talked to many of doctors and he is the most honest, realistic and trusting doctor.
Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great? Both are great!!

Some patients may say he has odd office hours. He is actually in the office in the mornings but he heads the sleep center. As I said be fore he is ver involved.

I had my surgery on 12/20/10. Having gbp was the easiest decision I have ever made but the begining was the hardest thing I have ever tried to do. I weighed 257 the day of surgery and today 4/12/11 I weigh 177. I have found that people do not realize the things you can eat. It truly is the way of a healthy life. Also, som many people say you can do this on your on. Well, I could not!!

Honestly......there't aren't enough words in the English language to describe how wonderful this doctor is!! I was impressed with him on my very first visit. I was a revision patient and I had just moved to NC. He asked questions that my dr. in Texas never asked, scheduled important tests, that my dr. in Tx. didn't schedule, and before I left the office, he was on the Internet researching the previous procedure that I had had.(Molina band). He was deliberate in mentioning the risks of revision,and even admitted that I would be among the first of Molina band revisions for him to do. I did not hesitate to tell him I was willing to assume the risks. I knew I was in good hands.
Dr. Bruce has an excellent bedside and office manner. He is most frequently smiling, and it is obvious he genuinely cares about his patients.
Will, the PA, is great as well. The office staff are personable and professional.
At the age of 60, i am finally living life as a "normal person." My WLS journey truly has been without complication. At my 6 month checkup today I am down 60 pounds. I feel great .........I owe it to Dr. Bruce's skill. Thank you, Dr. Bruce!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With my 1st year anniversary following Roux_en_Y coming up, I wanted to take a minute to thank my surgeon, Dr. Jon Bruce and of course his PA Will. I did not come to my decision to have surgery easily and after my first visit to Cary Surgical I knew I was in the right hands. Seems I have always been overweight and thought I was destined to remain that way before meeting with Dr. Bruce. From the moment I walked in, I felt comfortable. The front office staff was so welcoming and friendly. Much appreciated I assure you. My initial consult was very thorough and I was given everything I needed to start my journey on the way to being scheduled for surgery. I was given a handbook that I call my bible, as it contains the information you need to use the tool the surgeons give you correctly and for life. Once i completed all of the pre-operative clearance.. visiting a therapist, GI doctor, nutritionist, etc... I was scheduled very quickly. The whole process was so smooth and the office was supportive, my questions were answered and I never had a doubt. Now, almost a year out I look back and the most important thing that Dr, Bruce said to me, was that they were giving me a tool and that it was not a magic fix. It required work and learning to use the tool I was given. The suggestions given in my bible (as I call my handbook), not just the foods to eat, but how important it is to be accountable daily is priceless. I know everyone's reasons for gaining the weight or not being able to lose it are different, but one thing I know is that it's okay to ask for help (in fact I recommend it.) I use all the tools given me. I stay accountable by following up with the nutritionist monthly. I continue to see the therapist, I attend the monthly support groups....and of course I follow up with my surgeon. I put my health and well being on my list of things to take care of instead of ignoring them. My journey started at 241 lbs, I now weigh 143lbs. My goal is 135lbs. So close. THANK YOU DR. BRUCE!!!