Robert Liem Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Dr. Leim seemed very intellegent about the surgery. The reciptionists Elizabeth and Maria and sweethearts!

<p>5-2-2001 I met with Dr. Liem today. I had spoken with Maria and she was really great. I happened to be in the area earlier that day so I stopped by and filled out all the paperwork. Then I came back later that afternoon with my Husband. Talked with some post-op patients in the waiting area who had wonderful things to say about Dr. Liem.</p>

<p>My only concern is doing this Open vs. Lap and right now he only does Open but there are rumors he is getting another Dr. later this year to handle the Lap surgery. Dr. Liem didn't spend too much time with us but answered our questions and showed us his before and after photo album. He seemed very thorough and Maria talked about how good he is in surgery and how thorough he is on checking the sutures, etc.</p>

<p>They didn't talk a lot about aftercare except to tell me the list of dos and don'ts and to say that a nutritionist will talk to me in the hospital. They mentioned the support group at JFK.</p>
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5-17-2001 Well I got approved today. Elizabeth was really great and followed up with my insurance and when they wanted more info she just had me type up a list of diets I've been on and how much I lost and regained on them and then she faxed that to the insurance company yesterday and today they called to say I'm approved.
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<p>7-15-2001 My surgery is scheduled for July 24th and I'm excited but nervous. I agree with a previous poster about his office not having a written manual or anything. Most other surgeons I've spoken to have very intensive pre-op and post-op instructions and information. They tell what to expect and have a follow-up plan that lays everything out and is somewhat strict. Dr. Liem seems to be missing that, but also I've heard not to count on your surgeon for the best information on your diet and weight loss after surgery. There is a really great website for another surgeon in Oregon I think that tells you anything you could ever want to know <A
href="http://www.oregoncenter.com">http://www.oregoncenter.com</A></P>

<p>Two things I am talking to the anaethesiologist (sp?) and Dr Liem about this week is the taking of Actigall after the surgery to prevent gallstones (since he doesn't routinely remove the gallbladder like some). And receiving Ringer's Lactate solution in my IV instead of glucose since I have heard that it can speed up your recovery time (something about the sugar in glucose affecting your immunity). I'll let you know what they say.</p>

<p>I do want to say that I have heard wonderful things about Dr Liem from some nurses that I know. So insofar as his capability I am not worried and that to me is most important.</p>

<p>7-17-01 I had my last visit with him today before my surgery next week. It turns out he takes all gall bladders out now (based on what he heard from other surgeons at the national conference in June and the hospital routinely uses ringer's lactate so I am happy. Heard a horror story about a nurse named Darlen by another patient in the waiting room, so I'm a little nervous. I'll let you know how it goes.</p>

2-12-01: I met Dr. Liem on the same day I went to his "information" meeting (at JFK). Our appointment was at 4 and the meeting was at 6:30. (A co-worker/friend and I are "in this together".) Having met him in his office made me feel more comfortable when the meeting took place.

While his office could use the help of the Sugarbakers (from the TV show "Designing Women"), it wasn't as stuffy as other Dr's offices I've visited. Maria was very informative and friendly. Dr. Liem was humorous and also very friendly. They allowed my friend and I to go through the interview process together which made me feel more at ease. Pictures were shown and Maria stated I should be covered with no problem. I'll update you as needed. TTFN.****7-13-01: Dr. Liem moved his office and while it's small, it is pleasant. I must say my only concern with Dr. Liem's office is with the lack of WRITTEN information (I hear it's in the making as I type this). I have read in other stories where other doctors' offices ask for alot of information and give alot of pre-op and post-op information in writing. Presently, this doctor's office doesn't do that. I think they are a very laid back office and are being placed in the limelight, so to speak, into making this surgery a popular, viable solution for obesity-which it is. I believe it is mostly due to the hospital where he does his surgery-JFK in Lantana/Atlantis. They are heavily promoting this surgery which I feel is a good idea. JFK does give out a little bit of information while you are in the hospital as to what is to be expected during that time. (Unfortunately, they forgot to give it to me when I was there.)

I have heard about Dr. Liem's reputation as an outstanding surgeon, which I feel he is. (This is the most important factor in my opinion.) However, I was a little disappointed that the patient has to either educate him or herself and/or know what questions to ask. That can be hard if you're new to this. Other concerns were the contradictions and/or lack of information concerning the post-op diet, taking baths, vitamins, etc....between the Dr.'s office and JFK, but it is my opinion that JFK can be partially blamed for that.

Before I end, I want to say I don't regret having Dr. Liem do this surgery. I would like to see a little more organization and I think they're working on that. His support group is good and it appears as if his patients are happy.

*****Understand that this is MY opinion. Base your opinion after seeing the doctor and going to a support group.*******

I LIKED THE SURGEON AT FIRST - WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE RESULTS HE OFFERED AND VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE SURGERY. AS TIME PROGRESSED CLOSER TO THE SURGERY I WAS NERVIOUS AND FELT I WOULD HAVE LIKED MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT MY HOSPITAL STAY AND POST OP CARE WOULD INCLUDE.

MY SURGERY ITSELF WAS UNEVENTFUL. THEY PUT ME TO SLEEP BEFORE INSERTING A CENTRAL LINE OR THE TUBES - SO THAT WAS O.K. IT WAS TERRIBLE NOT TO BE ABLE TO DRINK AFTER THE SURGERY - I WAS VERY THIRSTY. AND I WAS PRETTY MUCH OUT OF IT FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS.

MY NURSING CARE WAS ABOMINABLE. IF MY MOTHER HADN'T BEEN THERE TO SCREAM AT THE NURSING SUPERVISOR AND CONTACT THE HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. I CALLED FOR A NURSE ONE NIGHT TO HELP ME TO THE BATHROOM - I WAS STILL HOOKED UP TO I.V'S - MASSAGING SLIPPERS - AND OXYGEN - NO ONE CAME FOR OVER 5 HOURS!!

AFTER THE SURGERY MY DOCTOR WAS NEVER TO BE FOUND - HE VISITED MY ROOM ONCE A DAY FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES AND WOULD BE BACKING OUT THE DOOR AS I TRIED TO ASK HIM QUESTIONS.

HIS EMPATHY WAS 0.

AFTER I RETURNED HOME, 2 WEEKS POST OP I BEGAN EXPERIENCING CONSTANT VOMITTING - I COULDN'T EVEN KEEP DOWN ICE CHIPS. I WENT TO HIS OFFICE - HE PRESCRIBED FOR ME "PREPULSID" A DRUG WHICH HAD BEEN PULLED OFF THE MARKET OVER A YEAR AGO!! I HAD TO HAVE THE PHARMACY CALL AND GET A DIFFERENT PRESCRIPTION CALLED IN. I WAS THAN ABLE TO KEEP DOWN AT LEAST LIQUIDS - BUT AS SOON AS I ATE THE VOMITTING RETURNED. UPON ANOTHER VISIT TO HIS OFFICE HE SUGGESTED THAT MY "POUCH" WAS INFLAMED TO A SIZE THAT WAS TOO SMALL AND I SHOULD GO AND SEE A GASTROINTEROLOGIST AND HAVE IT "STRECHED" (NOT SOMETHING I FELT WAS PRUDENT CONSIDERING MY RECENT SURGERY) I TOLD HIM I HAD A G.I. DR. IN TOWN AND WOULD MAKE AN APPT. HIS RESPONSE WAS " IF MY G.I. FELT IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS, OR TOO SOON AFTER SURGERY, HE KNEW ONE WHO WOULD DO IT" MY RESPONSE WAS TO NEVER RETURN TO HIS OFFICE!!

I HAVE SINCE BEEN SEEING MY REGULAR DOCTOR AND MY G.I. - I AM ON PRILOSEC 40MG. AND CAN EAT (SOMETIMES) I STILL VOMIT FREQUENTLY AND SUFFER FROM TERRIBLE GAS (BELCHING) CONSTANTLY.

I HAVE SPOKEN WITH ANOTHER LADY I MET THRU A FRIEND (WE WENT TO THE SAME SEMINAR PRE SURGURY AND BOTH HAD DR LEIM PREFORM THE SURGERY) SHE HAS SUFFERED FROM THE SAME PROBLEMS - IS STILL SUFFERING AND SHE HAD TO HAVE ADDITIONAL SURGERY FOR A HERNIA AND THE STOMACH STRECHING AND SHE STILL THROWS UP!!

07/08/01
Dr Leim is a soft spoken person who I felt comfortable with as soon as I met him. He answered all my questions and took his time with me, that is one important aspect I look for in a doctor.

I talked with his nurse Elizabeth and she well versed with the procedure. She also answered all my questions and took her time with me.

Dr Liem wants you to go to a support meeting once a month before and after surgery. It is held at JFK Hospital.I met post op patients who answered my questions and I plan on going every month.

My first visit was a little rushed and I did not ask all of the questions i wanted to. However, during my next visit all my questions were answered. I think Dr. Liem is great he listens and give information that you can understand. I have gone to two of his support group meetings and find them very informative. The office staff Maria and Elizabeth are great. I did have to call Maria a couple of times to get a reply as they are very busy. She did call back after the second call and was very helpful. I would recommend Dr. Liem to anyone having the surgery.

HE SEEMED VERY NICE AND COMPETENT. HIS OFFICE STAFF WAS ALWAYS WILLING TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. I FOLLOWED UP 2 WEEKS POST OP. THEN I HAD SOME COMPLICATIONS SO I THINK MY AFTER CARE WAS A LITTLE OUT OF THE ORDINARY. I DEFINITELY FEEL
COMPETENCE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTE.

Dr. Liem is very caring,he explains everything to you . The office staff answers all the questions . Dr. Liems support groups are very informative, his slides explain a lot of what he will do in the operating room, and what you will excperience.

My first impression of Dr. Liem was that he was very quiet. He than came in and spoke with me and my husband and he was extremely kind and willing to answer all of our questions. and still quiet though. The least I liked about him was he talked to softly.You really have to listen if you want to hear him. Future patients should know that there is nothing to be nervous about the Dr. and staff are just wonderful. Marie is a God sent. Dr. Liem seems to have a good aftercare program. He emphasize aftercare in a large way of having the support that you need. Both Dr. Liem and Marie addressed the risks of surgery very well. I would rate Dr. Liem very highly. I am glad I chose him for the surgery.

My first impression of Dr. Liem was that he was shy. He seems very sensitve to my problems and listened well. I really talked with Maria in his office more, she described every detail of the surgery to me. I also spoke with Elizabeth some. It took a little long for them to fax my letter to the insurance company because they were in the process of moving there office and then they had tons of trouble with their phone system. So my sister picked up my letter and I faxed it from my home to my insurance company and was approved 2 days later!! They emphasize aftercare with the WLS support group at JFK Hospital. So far other than lagging behind a little on getting approvals because they were moving, I have had a good experience in dealing with them.