Julie Leverton Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

My first impression was that she looked so young. But, she had done over 300 of these type of surgeries, and she had a double board certification, so she knows what she is doing. She put me at ease, and answered all my questions, even ones I thought might have been stupid. She never patronized me or made me feel "bad" about being so large. The risks of the surgery was explained in great detail. We discussed about what a life changing experience this will be. She emphaized several times that this is hard work, that the surgery, in it self, will not be enough. I had to work at it too, and follow the diet, get in the groove of doing an exersise program, and having the right frame of mind. That it was going to be work. The whole staff at the BTC clinic treated me with a great deal of respect. They were all kind and courteous. Aftercare is heavily emphaized. The training by a dietian, monthly meetings, and support within the group was something I would need, and they offered it. I was assigned a patient counselor the same day I went, and she was great also. She had the surgery herself, and was also able to answer questions like, how much pain, what type of clothes to you shop for since you are still losing the weight, and other non-medical type questions.
I haven't experience her bedside manner yet. I am still waiting for approval from my insurance company before I will be able to experience it. However, I felt that her medical knowledge was first rate.
The negative thing I had to say, from my first visit, it that the signs to the clinic and hospital are hard to see. Of course, in a way that is good, because I don't want everyone in the world to see me going to a "fat doctor" (as some of my well meaning friends say), but it did make it hard to find. I had to drive around the building a couple of times before I figured out where to go.
However, my over all impression was that this was a clinic filled with people who seemed to know what they were doing, and respected my largeness.

I was extremely impressed with BTC staff and Dr. Leverton. Dr. Leverton was very knowledgable and went over my health history and diet history with me completely. I knew I wanted a consult with her after reading all the wonderful postings about her on this site. I was not disappointed in the least. I am impressed also with the fact that Dr. Leverton is double board certified and her residency was done at Baylor Medical Center. Dr. Leverton's personality is very friendly. I have been to plenty of rude doctors and I am glad to say she is not like that. Kimberly, on the staff at Dr. Leverton's office came in and spoke with me at length about her experience with the surgery (she is 7 months post-op) I did not feel rushed at all and was able to ask many questions and Kimberly answered them all very well. Not to mention that she looks great!!!! Also, Teresa, my patient rep. at the Michigan office has been very helpful to answer any questions I might think of, she feels like a friend. I am looking forward to a long relationship with Dr. Leverton and BTC staff.

The first impression I had of doctor Leverton was she is very nice and sincere about helping me and she never changed. The staff at the Bariatric Treatment centers are wonderful everyone seems to love their job. These people are big on aftercare and they follow their patients closely. Anytime you have a question or concern just call them and they're response time is almost immediate. I would give them an overall rating of ten, and their surgical competence and bedside manner is always at 100%.

My first impression of Dr. Leverton was great she was very knowlegable Ive only met her once at my consultation but will met her again on Oct 11. Her staff and the hospital has been very nice. She stressed the after care program at BTC. She went over all the risks of surgery in detail and also drew pictures to show you what she was gonna do I would rat her and her staff a 9

1. What was your first impression of him/her?
Julie Leverton was excellent, very intelligent, helpful, wonderful bedside manner...didnt talk down to me at all...made sure that i understood everything thoroughly

2. How did your impression change over time?
The only thing that changed overtime was my weightloss!!! The staff at the Bariatric Treatment Center in Texas are all absolutely wonderful!

3. How would you describe his/her office staff?
In one word? Extraordinary!!! They are wonderful. EVeryone there is so nice and wants to help you...they cheer you on when you come in to weigh...they are a very positive groupof people.

4. What should future patients know about him/her?
That they are lucky to have someone great like this as their surgeon!

5. How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
Julie Leverton explains how important it is to follow the instructions that she gives you and if you dont follow them what might occur.

6. How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
Julie Leverton is very open and honest about everything...she tells you the risks but isnt crude about it. She tells you matter of factly what can happen but you dont get an uneasy feeling...i totally trusted her from the beginning.

7. How would you rate him/her overall?
Hmmm...amazing, wonderful, perfect 10!!!

The only people at the office that didnt seem helpful and caring were the Onsite physician and one of the Nurses. You see them when you go through the presurgery testing....he just kinda gave me the creeps and didnt really care if i had anything to say...he would ask me questions but then basically ignore the answer...and had something totally against tongue piercings...he was creepy. The nurse was just plain rude. Not really a person that you would want taking care of you that is for sure. However, she was only there during pre-surgery testing...she was really harsh and noninformative...

other than those two the staff was great...

I was very impressed with Dr. Leverton. She was very professional. She laid it all on the line for me and I understood. I had a few problems with getting everything approved in a timely manner but I think in this situation it can never be done quick enough. I have not had surgery as of yet so i will post afterward for my full detail. I had my surgery on the 17th and Dr. Leverton was much more than I ever anticipated. She was so great. She was understanding and when I went in to see her for a follow up she was so happy about my progress. Granted that is her job but it is all about how you are treated that makes your happiness. Right? I can not say enough about her and her manner and I only wish there were many more like her. Too sad.......I have lost over 20 lbs in 2 weeks and feeling good.

I met Dr. Leverton 8-29-01 for the first time. After that big scare with my previous surgeon, I had very mixed emotions and strong doubts I would ever have this surgery. Dr. Leverton was superb. She soothed my doubts and calmed all my fears. The only disappointment was thatI wanted to have the lap, and BTC only does the open at this time. She answered my questions with authority which reassured me of her knowledge and professionalism. Although I having to wait another month, I am confident that I have made the right decisiion for me.

My first impression of Dr. leverton is that she was very caring. She didn't make you feel uncomfortable at all. She took time to explain the surgery and after care thoroughly. Overall, she was very good.

I met with Dr. Leverton. She was especially warm and friendly. She did not come across impatient or condescending at all. She took her time with me. I was so impressed. I was also impressed with the Bariatric Clinic -- they were definitely friendly to the obese, from their chairs, etc. They had a patient adviser who had been through this. She was also wonderful. I've seen both Dr. Barzune and Dr. Veninga here in Dallas. Dr. Veninga was very nice too, but I liked the experience that Dr. Leverton had. The only thing I wish was that I had been given a definite plan to prepare myself mentally and physically for the surgery.

My first impression of Dr. Leverton was wonderful! I felt immediate compassion and acceptance from her. The first time a doctor didn't say "Just stop eating." She has been great, and still is. I had my surgery at Bariatric Treatment Centers in Texas. The staff (in all areas) have been beautiful. They are all friendly, compassionate, understanding; you name it, they're it! I can't think of a single negative thing about the doctor or any of the staff.
Aftercare is a huge part of the Bariatric Treatment Centers program. They give you tons of info, you have consistent follow-up visits, and they are there for you any time you need them. It's been extremely helpful for me.
Dr. Leverton was very open and honest about the surgery risks. As a nurse, and because I had done a lot of research, I was already aware of many of the risks, but she really filled in all the holes. I left my first visit with almost no questions.
Overall, I really like Dr. Leverton. Her bedside manner is very good, unlike many surgeons I've met before. I think her surgical skill was great, too, as far as I can tell.