Mahbod Mark Paya Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

My first impression of Dr. Paya was on this website. I was debating over having Dr. Paya at Northridge Hospital (my hospital of choice) or Dr. Qualici at St. Josephs in Burbank. rnrnAfter talking to a couple of former patients, there were very little discouraging words regarding Dr. Paya's care or office staff. And, best news of all, his office processed patients far sooner than the other option I was given. rnrnFor me, surgical competence is more important than bedside manner, but what is MOST important to me is my ability to contact the office for information. rnrnThe \"guy\" Dr. Paya is friendly, confident, professional and very cute. lol He was honest on how much weight I would lose, and how much weight I COULD lose. He is a busy guy and when I was in the hospital I only saw him pre-op. His associate, Dr. Kokkalera, saw me each day while I was in Northridge Hospital. Dr. Kokkalera is very nice and thoughtful and had a friendly sense of humor. rnrnMy medical group (Facey) has an extensive bariatric surgery preparation procedure, so I don't have a lot of information on what Dr. Paya's office offers. I did meet with a nutritionist with detailed pre-op/ post-op/ maintenance diet information. I met with a Dr. Paya's nurse with a detailed explanation of pretty much every aspect of the process, which included all the \"realities\" of what does/doesn't work with bariatric surgery. Finally, I received a simple psychiatric evaluation from one of NR Hosp's staff psych MDs.rnrnThe office staff was stellar when I was in the hospital. Crystal and Shelly visited me every day at least once. Both doted over me in pre-op, making sure my husband saw me before surgery and having my paperwork for disability processing the minute I was in surgery. They made sure my post-op pain meds were waiting in MY pharmacy for pickup on my drive home!rnrnI would be remiss without mentioning my frustration when someone made my first appointment with Dr. Paya for 4PM, but it was entered in his system for 3:30. I was deemed a \"no show\" and he left before I arrived at 3:43. I was DEVASTATED! Fortunately, Crystal made an appointment for the very next week, so I had my surgery exactly when I was planning...the last week of April! The one way out of this frustration is to make sure to call the office and verify the appointment before going in. The office staff is professional and friendly and phone messages are returned quickly. rn

Dr. Paya has been excellent! rnHe really makes you feel comfortable, and well taken care of. The Office staff @ Northridge is amazing. All of them are super nice, and are there to help.

My surgeon is the most excellent, comforting doctor I have ever met. He took time to see me and speak to me about my anxiety in the waiting room of the OR. He assured me he had been doing this for 10 yrs and never had someone not wake up. After all was said and done, he came to my room twice to see how things were going. He makes sure he takes time out of his bust schedule to have 2 seminars a month where he discusses everything and answers all your questions. He also has a dedicated staff of people to answer any other questions.

My first and lasting impression of Dr. Paya is that he is caring, knowledgeable and friendly. Everyone in his office is very supportive and couldn't have been nicer. Dr. Paya's support team (nutritionist, psychologist) was also very helpful, especially Wendy, the nutritionist who sat with a computer to show me places to go on the internet to find the protein drinks, vitamins and other specialty items I needed. Dr. Paya spent a lot of time explaining the surgeries he performs, the differences and his recommendation for me. I never felt rushed or that he had better things to do. Quite the contrary, he made sure to spend a lot of time answering questions. Even when I called his office, I was treated well and my questions were answered quickly. Not only do I recommend Dr. Paya, my sister is going to have her surgery with him in a month or so. She, too, loves Dr. Paya and has the same impression of him that I do. The hospital also has on-site support groups and Dr. Paya often stops by to contribute. The only negative is that he is only in the office one day a week and be prepared to wait for your appointment. His tendency to take time with his patients means he usually runs late but he's worth the wait.

I LOVE Dr. Paya! He actually takes time out of his day to come down and host seminars for weight loss surgery candidates personally. He is extremely professional and knowledgable. He came personally to visit me in the hospital after the procedure, and was very comforting. I would choose Dr. Paya again in a heartbeat. I cannot thank him enough for saving my life!

A great experience with Dr. Paya and his staff. Everyone was very heplful and understanding. rnThe office treats you like you are special and you feel that they really care about you and your progress. Dr. Paya is not only a competent surgeon but he has a great bedside manner.

Awesome surgeon

I just have to say, what a pro!rnrnI have spoken to many friends and co-workers who have had this procedure, and while most have had no complications at all, some have, and are suffering up to a year later.rnrnAfter Dr. Paya's work was completed, I was out of the hospital literally a day and a half after the surgery was complete!! I have had NO complications, and am emotionally ready to return to work just 8 days after the surgery. rnrnHis staff is very professional, couteous, and a fun group to visit! They are very attentive to the needs of the patient, and even knew me by name when I would call!rnrnI would recommend all my friends and family, and even strangers, to have their work done by Dr. Paya! I just can't speak highly enough of this team!

I feel like my finding out about Dr. Paya was heaven sent. I met Debbie from his office at a store and she raved about his work and gave me his phone #. When I met Dr. Paya in his office I immediately felt a connection. He promised me that he would be there for me throught my weight loss journey. It's been almost 1 year and I've seen Dr. Paya many, many times for follow-ups, to weigh in or just to say hello. Dr. Paya continually makes me feel welcome to come see him with any concerns. I feel very blessed to have met Debbie that day and to have been fortunate enough to have a doctor like Mark Paya!!!!

'My first impression was great. Dr. Paya seemed very professional and he was patient with my many questions. While I was waiting to meet him