Raul Mirande Bariatric Surgeon

I will be attending a seminar in Klamath Falls in two weeks. I have had lots of feedback from his patients, as I have been researching this for a month. I have spoken by phone and e-mail with his post op patients. They have all told me he is a very caring and concerned Doc. I will let you know after the seminar.

I have been working with the staff at Weight for Life and they have been fantastic. They do pre and post care and do a ten year follow-up. All this information can be obtained by www.weightforlife.com or calling 1-888-789-5483.

Dr. Mirande is a fine surgeon-
He has a good program going, and I have done very well using this system-
There is good follow up care, and he is very concerned and caring about how I am doing-
I would recommend him to anyone considering the surgery-

Iliked him.He seen That I needed the surgeryI havent had time to change my opinion of him.I have never been to his office havent got that far.I have done alot of checking on him and talked to former patients and they say he was very good .And they were happy with him and their results of the surgery.He does have a very structered program.He did explain risks of the surgery.I hear that he has a great bedside manner and he is very competant.

My first impression of Dr. Mirande was that he was so informative. It is important to him that you understand the proceedure and risks.
When I met him for my pre-console, I was extremely impressed by how compassionate he is. He listened to me and gave me his full attention. He was very willing to answer any questions that I had.
I am very impressed with the entire program. I had to meet with the nutritionist before Dr. Mirande and then he reinerated the after care information.
He read over all the risks with a group of us patients and answered all questions. I feel he was very honest and forthcoming.
I would rate him very high.
Sugerical competence is most important to me, but I also want to be treated with respect and compassion.

Dr. Mirande is a very personable Doctor. He really takes the time to answer all your questions and address any concerns you may have. Post Op, he is great! I left the hospital with his personal pager number, even though I didn't have to use it. I highly recommend him.

I've known Dr. Mirande for several years on a casual basis. I've always respected him. He performed an emegency procedure on my husband several years ago and was so compassionate. He makes you feel that you are a worthwhile person and that you are not a failure because you are obese. He gives you hope, but expects you to do your part. His staff is great, especially Mary. He does not just sign you up for surgery. He has scheduled me for additional tests on my heart because of my diabetes and hypertension. His consent form can be intimidating, everything is covered including the risk of falling in the hospital on your way down the hall when drowsy from your meds. Very thorough. He takes time to answer your questions and never rushes you. Three more weeks until my surgery, but I feel I am in great hands. I guess the only negative thing I have to say so far is that it is time to remodel that office.

Dr. Mirande of Klamath Falls,OR with the"Weight for Life"Program, is the surgon I have chosen. He seemed like a very knowledgeable, kind and careing man. I have heard many good things about him, he seems highly thought of by his former patients.
UPDATE.......
August 29,2002, a friend and myself went to Oregon,and thanks to the accomodating efforts of Dr. Mirande and Merle West Medical Center we got the "Buddy Plan WLS".
I have never been to a Hospital with such a kind,caring dedicated staff. Althought the first day,I was sure that anybody who would allow this to happen to there body was completely mindless. I was treated with the highest respect, and kindness,in a special room designed for WLS patients,by a staff professionaly educated in the WL patients needs and feelings.
Of course, as each day passes, I can't believe how much better I feel.
Dr Mirande has made sure that we have his Pager # and know that we can call any-time, with any Question. He is a really nice person, who is very attenative to his patients. I am very HAPPY with my decision to persue this procedure, with Dr.Mirande and Merle West Hospital.

Dr. Mirande seems like a very caring person. I haven't had one on one with him yet, but met him at a seminar. He spent 3 hrs. talking to a group of people desperate for help. He drew pictures, explained everything, didn't pull any punches and answered eveyone who asked a question. He talked about risks, aftercare, and how much weight to expect to loose. I'll be happy to add more as I get to know him better.

I met Dr. Mirande at a seminar the first time and then attended another seminar prior to surgery. I attended the second one in May 2002 and had surgery in June 20, 2002.
He is the most caring, compassionate physician that I've worked with in regards to obesity, weight loss and in general is very caring and geniune. He takes time to make sure you understand everything. He isn't rushed, looking at a time clock or wristwatch to rush you out and off to the next patient. I highly recommended Dr. Raul Mirande without any reservations whatsoever if your going to have WLS. Mary in the office was also helpful, in expediting my process for surgery. I appreciate him and his staff. THANK YOU!!

What was my first impression of him?

I first saw Dr. Mirande as I walked in the door at his seminar held at Merle West Hospital in Klamath Falls. I wasn't positive it was him but he had fantastic eye contact and a beautiful, sincere smile that said "welcome" without ever saying the words. He greeted my husband and I with a "hello" and the seminar, although I felt it wasn't going to teach me much before hand, taught me a lot and put my mind at ease, he was right for wanting me to attend that before seeing him for my visit.

How did my impression change over time?

I only became more reassured that I was going to be under his care for the surgery. He's sincere, honest, upfront and he really, really seems to care about the line of work he has chosen to be in. He believes in it and he is more compassionate than I could have ever imagined.

How would I describe his office staff?

Well, to be quite honest, I believe that his modern day theology and thoughts on life seem more 'updated' than some of his office staff. The "Weight for Life" team that I was in contact with was EXTREMELY awesome and knowledgeable and put my mind at ease. His office manager was a kind lady but seemed somewhat unorganized and that made me a bit frazzled at times. He is the main key in this element though and as long as your on top of your own health issues & whatnot, it will all fall into place. Keep copies of everything you do and keep records of everything you do. If you have test procedures done with another doctor, request a copy sent directly to you as well so there are multiple copies.

What did you like least about him?

I can't say that I was displeased with anything that I found while spending 1 full day with different aspects of this surgery and Dr. Mirande - If I would have, I probably wouldn't have chosen to go forward with it. He knows his business & he knows patients concerns. He went far beyond the call of duty in meeting with me since I was 2.5 hours away from his office.

How much did he emphasize aftercare?

He emphasized aftercare a lot and he will be there as much as possible for his patients in their healing process and in their start for a new life. He also states clearly that it is up to the individual to make their surgery the best possible outcome, which it is. We are all responsible for our own well being and long term success in anything we do so I appreciated that honesty as well.

Do he have a structured aftercare program.

Yes, he does.

How did he address the risk of surgery?

He explained everything in detail, not once, but a few times. When I had my consultation with him in his office, I went through and signed each risk & possible complication line for line to make it quite clear what I could be up against.

How would you rate him overall?

I'd rate him very high ~ I wouldn't have chosen him if it were any other case. I am paying for this surgery as a self-pay. I took out a loan to get it covered & handled so I had my choice of any doctor I wanted to go to and I did a lot of research in narrowing my doctor down. I was down to two different doctors and after interviewing him as he evaluated me, I found the best person to fit my 'team' to get my back to a healthy person.

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner or both great?

Both ~ absolutely both. A person certainly wants compentency but also the comfort level of a good bedside manner is extremely important as well.