Merlin G. Otteman Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Dr. Merlin G. Otteman is a 1st rate wls doctor, I am very blessed to have had him as my wls surgeon. He was very professional without being being stuffy. He asked me questions, I asked him questions and he answered all of them compently so I could understand the wls risks, with the wls surgury involved, what he thought of my being a good canidate for Open RNY surgery and the results I could expect.
I cannot recommend him highly enough, he is an excellent human being, a professional I trusted my life too, I don't do that lightly, I've had 9 surgeries, he is down to earth, truthful and honest.
Dr. Otteman's staff is, I'm sure, hand picked. They reflect his good judgement, very personable, as is he, and very professional.
I couldn't be happier if I had personally interviewed all the wls doctors out there!
I would choose Dr. Merlin G. Otteman and his staff again!
I hope you have as great a wls doctor as I have.

Dr. Otteman was very nice, but I didn't get the sense that he was compassionate by any means. Over time, I realized his lack of compassion was okay because he was an excellent surgeon. His office staff was great. His nurse, Becky is awesome. In addition, she has an active role in the (ASBS) American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Otteman only performs open gastric bypass. The aftercare program is probably adequate, but I don't follow up with him so I am not sure. I follow up with the bariatric surgeon that I work with, Dr. Michael Snyder. Dr. Otteman goes into the risks in great detail. On a scale of 1 -10, I would give Dr. Otteman a 7. Dr. Otteman has surgical competence, but I know two surgeons that have both. Both bedside manner and surgcial competence combined cannot be beat!

I really can't say enough good about Dr. Otteman or his staff. He was in early on rounds while I was in the hospital and though he was busy he always took time to make sure I was alright and find out if I had any questions.

As for his staff I called them a couple of times during the first two weeks post op and they were always helpful and got right back to me if they were unable to answer my question immediately.

Dr. Otteman has a structured after care program and they strss attendance in a support group. He was very clear on the risks of the surgery and what I could expect post-op.

The only thing I can say in a negative vein is very minor. When I had my consult they gave me a date for the surgery and I ended up getting pushed back a day because of over booking. NO BIG DEAL to me. The hotel I stayed in the night before was understanding and I got the room for the same rate, even though I'd alreaqdy confirmed the reservation and it actually saved me a day of leave from work.

Dr. Otteman and his staff are excellent. They are very clear about procedures and expectations. They offer all the support that con be needed or wanted. You may need to remind him to order the bariatric bed as it makes post surgery much easier.

My first impression of Dr. Otteman was a great one. He was very polite and friendly. His office staff is also very friendly and helpful. There wasn't anything I didn't like about Dr. Otteman.
I would tell future patients to definately go to him. He's very caring and understanding. He was very through about aftercare and most of my questions/concerns were addressed before the surgery. Everything was discussed throughly in a booklet his office gave me before the surgery. Even so, he still addressed the risks involved with the surgery.
On a scale from 1 to 10, I would say he's a 10 without question. Also he had an excellent bedside manner as well as excellent surgical competence. Normally, doctors come to visit you once a day, he usually came in at least two times a day when I was in the hospital. He's the best!!!

DR. O IS A VERY KIND AND SWEET PERSON I COULD NOT HAVE FELT MORE.......CARED FOR WHEN HE SAID HE WOULD TAKE GOOD CARE OF ME I COULD FEEL THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HE WOULD DO.THE OFFICE STAFF COULD NOT BE MORE HELPFUL,THERE JUST ARE NO BAD FEELINGS OR VIBES IN THIS OFFICE AT ALL!!!

Dr.Otteman is a really great doctor. He cares about his patients. He lets you know the risk of the surgery, and the outcome of it. He is alwys coming to check on you in the hospital. He came out of the operating room and told my husband everything that he did, and how I was doing. I live about 70 miles form where his office is. I would drive there over and over again to make sure that I got him for a doctor. He is truly awesome.

Dr. Otteman and his staff are very friendly and professional. My experience was wonderful I would recommend him to anyone interested in gastric bypass surgery!

Dr. Otteman is very personable...with an excelent, caring staff.