Manuel E. Castro-Arreola Bariatric Surgeon MD, PhD, FACS

Positive first impression, my opinion never changed. Office staff efficient and helpful. Surgical skills are excellent as well as bedside manner. Stressed education and gives a test to make sure you understand the risks.

Good f/imp. Hasn't. Very professional. Nothing comes to mind. Good bedside manner. Extremely, very much, so far at least. Yes. In an informative pre-op meeting, with a powerpoint slide show, given twice a month. On 1 - 10 scale, 10.
Both are extrememly important and he has both.

My first impression of my doctor was a good one , he was very knowledgable about the procedure and took his time explaining the process. My impression of him remains to this day as positive as the first time I met him. His office staff were all very kind and considerate and answered without any delay any concerns with this procedure. I found everything about him and his staff positive. Don't hesitate to ask any questions, they are there for your benifit, and peace of mind. He stresses the importance of keeping up your follow-ups and tells his patients to keep up there positive attitudes about this procedure. Yes, he emphasizes on the importance of his aftercare and has a well structured aftercare program. He explained the likelihood of possible risks and what were the consequences of such risks, he was very knowledgeable and to the point exact about such risks. A very good doctor someone I would trust, and reccomend to others, who are considering doing this surgery. I think that both the surgical competence and bedside manner are important.

I really liked Dr. Castro. At first he seems shy, but he is patient and has a good bed-side manner. He is very soft spoken, but will listen and answer all of your questions. I have found his after care to be great. I recommend him highly!

My first impression of Dr. Castro was that he seemed very shy, somewhat reserved, but with a kind smile. Over time his kindness and caring proved genuine. He was also quite patient with me because I had several questions (a notebook full in fact) and he sat for a LONG time answering each question.

His office staff were knowledgeable and helpful as well.

There really isn't much I can say that I didn't like, but if I just had to mention one thing that concerned me is that between his partner and himself, they have only performed a little under 400 Roux en Y's and have only been performing them for about 2 years. But I can't complain about the results because to date there have been no deaths and only 5 leaks. And in my case, there were no complications and very little pain.

Aftercare is encouraged. Support meetings are held monthly and fashion shows are held annually. They also have a web-site for those of us who are out-of-towners.

The risks of surgery were discussed in great detail, they were quite thourough and honest.

1. What was your first impression of him/her?
**My first impression of Dr. Castro was him coming into the office ready to make sure that I was well informed of the surgery and my decision.

2. How did your impression change over time?
**As we spoke a little more he put me to ease, I’m not a very talkative person at first, but it was really easy opening up to him. That was nice for a change.

3. How would you describe his/her office staff?
**His office staff in the front lobby where just ok, but the staff to whom I had to talk to pertaining to my surgery where very nice.

4. What did you like least about him/her?
**I have no complaints yet.

5. What should future patients know about him/her?
**That he is a very caring man and he speaks to you like a person not just a patient.

6. How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
**He lets you know from the beginning that you will be seeing a lot of him. He wants to make sure that there are no stones unturned and to be better safe that sorry.

7. Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?
**Yes, I do not know all the details but when I do I will post them.

8. How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
**He was very clear on what the risk are in the surgery, he makes sure not to leave any detail out and he watches your expression when he tells you this, my guess is he wants to make sure you are fully aware of what you are getting into.

9. How would you rate him/her overall?
**I would rate Dr. Castro with 3 stars so far, again you have to wait for me to actually go through with the surgery, that is when I will get to see him a little longer to give my full opinion,

10. Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or both great?
**You always want to make sure that the ‘surgical competence’ is the most mandatory of course but bedside manners always give you that extra boost and that feeling like this was the correct decision for you!! Of course this is just my opinion.

Dr. Castro is a wonderful surgeon but above all he is an outstanding person. He makes you feel like you are the only patient in the world for him, he takes all the time you need answering questions, he really cares about you. All his staff are very proffesional and courteous. He made me feel so confident and he was so caring about me and my husband since we both had the surgery with him. To me in a few words he is what every doctor should be like.

My first impression of Dr.Castro is that he is very open and straight forward. The first appt. was very relaxing and comforting. He seems to really care about his patients. The office staff was very courtious and fast.

Dr. Castro is undoubtedly a very caring surgeon. Being his first lap band patient, he made me feel at ease about the procedure immediately. I highly recommend him and will be glad to answer any questions regarding my experience.

He is very down to earth...great bed-side manners. Made me feel at ease about everything even when i had a slight delay after surgery. I would recommend him highly.