Mark Nickols Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

I had my consultation appointment with DR NICHOLS on March 31st. Let me tell you the truth about this man. My experience in my one hour and fourty-five appointment was one of complete amazement. I took my husband along, and he and I left there in tears. We were in tears because this DOCTOR IS SO TERRIFIC. Not only did he answer every question, he was brutally honest, sincere, humble, commpasionate, humerous, and gifted person in general that I have met in a very long time. I felt as if I had met a friend. He spoke on my level, and also explained everything and more. His nurse was terrific. My weight was never discussed in front of my husband as she knew that most women were uncomfortable with numbers in front of their spouses. There was nothing I didn't like about him. Without even saying he is a Christian man I could tell. He is shining with Gods Love. He told everything like it is and didn't sugarcoat anything. Best of all added a little counciling session for my husband and I and said that this surgery is for a couple that can handle it, meaning that things will happen after the pounds are lost and challenges are on the way but we will only grow stronger. He mentioned divorce rates post op. They were frightening but we know that we have a great
foundation. Overall an A+ and I am pretty critical and investigative. Absolutely impressed! While I am discussing how great he was I need to say that his staff Amy and Dianne are absolutely great. They have both had the surgery as well and I have gotton real information from them. They put on support groups all the time and alot of people attend. They are great people, and real. They are friendly and understanding and aren't just there for the doctor they are there for the patients. They help you every step of the way and I am so glad to have gotton to know them.

I met with Dr. Nichols 7/03. He was very upfront about the possible risks of surgery, to the point of almost discouraging a patient if they are hesitant at all. I told him about my medical history and we reviewed my chart information. He was mainly concerned over my mental history and went over my psych eval in depth with me. He explained he was concerned due to my prior mental instability issues and if he did the surgery he would expect me to be in close contact with my current psychiatrist. I told him that is why I wanted to have my doctor do the evaluation instead of someone on the list the coordinator gave me, because he has known me for years and would be able to give a more complete referral than someone who I could just give very basic information to and possibly leave out a few things they may need to know to decide if I should even have the surgery at this point in my life. I thought he was very concerned for my overall health and outcome after surgery, not just whether he could get paid for another surgery and move on to the next paycheck. I really appreciated that in him, it seems to be an uncommon trait amoung doctors these days. I have been told by several local people that I could just go to another doctor that would not make me jump through hoops like this program but I am glad they care that much. I'll write later about his actual surgery capabilities if/when he does the surgery for me.

Very informative. I liked him. He told me on our first consult that the reason he is doing this type of surgery is because of how much this surgery changes peoples lives. He loves to see this and knows that he helped.

The thing I likes least is he is very quiet.

My doctor is with another surgeon and their program is call Northern California Surgery and its a new program here in Northern Cal. So they have a great team working together..Diane is the director of the program and she has herself had this surgery so she is very knowledgable and I like her very much..I will keep you all informed as we get closer as to the surgeon and his bedside manner...