Sidney Appel Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

MY FIRST IMPRESSION OF DR. APPEL WAS VERY GOOD.HE WAS STERN DID'NT BITE HIS TONGUE AND TOLD YOU THE HARD COLD FACTS.
HE TOLD ME ABOUT ALL THE RISKS OF THE SURGERY AND WHAT TO EXPECT IF I DON'T DO WHAT I AM SUPPOSED TO DO.AND EVERYTHING HE SAID IS TRUE.YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW YOUR POST-OP ORDERS TO THE TEE.EVERYONE TOLD ME THAT HE WAS VERY UNFRIENDLY AND HE NO BEDSIDE MANNER.BUT I DID NOT GO TO HIM LOOKING FOR A FRIEND AND BUDDY BUT SOMEONE TO HELP ME OUT OF SITUATION.HE WAS EXCELLENT.

9/20/00

I have not met with Dr. Appel yet; however, I do have a consult on 11/30/00.

I have been trying to get this approved for a couple of months now; however, my initial appointment with a surgeon was with Dr. Celio Burrowes. He was negative from the beginning about my insurance coverage and proved later that he just was NOT going to deal with them. He made an arrogant response to me that he was not going to pursue anything with them only after one (form) letter. He didn't even personalize the thing! My insurance company claimed they had some additional questions and faxed him a letter with the director's personal phone number on it....Dr. B. didn't even respond. (Claimed he didn't get it) I've decided that it would be better to have a surgeon that was willing to go the extra mile for me so I've chosen another surgeon.

UPDATE: Met Dr. Appel on 11/30 and he was wonderful! He was very direct, open and most of all, honest. I have complete faith in his surgical abilities - he explained the why's and the why not's and contrary to what I've heard - he has a great personality! I also met a few very nice ladies at the consult last night, including Kathy, his program manager. She even followed up with me first thing this morning concerning an insurance issue. That's what I call service!

2/10/01
I have talked with Kathy of Dr. Appel's office a couple of times this week and she has helped me get some of my pre-op stuff scheduled. I'm getting excited! Can't wait to meet one on one with Dr. Appel!

8/29/01
If anyone is looking for the most competent surgeon in Georgia...well, look no further! Dr. Appel is your man! My surgery was over nine hours and I came through with flying colors thanks to the skills of Dr. Appel. I shutter to think what would have happened to me if I had chosen someone else. I would also like to make mention of the most competent anesthesiologist...her name is Ruth Cook. She, too, is a former patient of Dr. Appel's and when she came in to introduce herself she put me right at ease. I thought, who better to put me to sleep than someone who has been there and done that? It was a painful experience, don't get me wrong, but everyday does get better and I am so thankful that God has provided such talent to people like Dr. Appel!

I haven't met Dr. Appel yet, but he performed surgery on my cousin four years ago and on a recently discovered friend of mine several years ago. Both say that he is not warm and fuzzy, has a lousy bedside manner, but is a brilliant surgeon. As for me, I just want to live through this and experience the full benefits of the surgery. I have kids and a hubby for comic relief, so I'm going with him on this one! Kathy is the insurance coordinator. I was frustrated because it took so long to get in touch with her (oh..okay...four days..but who's counting?). She was great once I got her on the phone!*UPDATE*..I met Dr Appel on 11/30 and he was WONDERFUL! He was very direct..doesn't sugar coat anything...but he definately DID Have a sense of humor :)..My favorite...When someone said "What about sex?"..He said "What about it?"..She said "How Long?" (meaning how long until sex was allowed post op)...Dr. Appel quipped "About 25 minutes!"...I cracked up...maybe you had to be there *shrugs*..Anyway...he's great!
I am now 3 months post-op and I can't say enough about what a skilled surgeon Dr.Appel is. The longer I am his patient, the more he warms up. My last appt., he drew a graph of my weight loss so far and seemed almost as happy as me with the results. He is quick and to the point, not a hand holder, but I had complications in my surgery due to my abdominal adhesions and he handled them brilliantly. I would use him again anytime! And, I frequently recommend him to others. His is process probably takes 9-12 months now because he is so in demand, but he is worth the wait if surgical competence is your main concern. He was recently highlighted in an Atlanta magazine as one of the top ten surgeons in the city! Now, in a city this big...that's saying something!

I went for my first consultation last night and let me tell you this doctor is a very well educated doctor in this surgery. I really feel like the Lord has sent me to the right doctor to do this surgery. I have to start the paperwork and then get insurance approval. Kathy Kemp is a very good person for this job that she does and i was very impressed with both of them. I am sure glad that I waited for this doctor.

4-6-01 - I met with Dr. Appel last night at the group consultation. I found him to be a serious straight forward surgeon. He was very frank about all aspects of the surgery, both good and bad. He was very patient and through in answering questions of the group. His office staff was prompt, and courteous. Cathy Kemp, his office assistant is a terrific person. She was a big help with all the questions, and forms. He did stress that how well we did on this surgery depended on us - that if we did as we were instructed after surgery - we would be fine and loose the desired weight - that if not then .....! I would rate my impression of him at this time as a 8 out of 10.

If you expect a fast process - this is not the place to be - Dr. Appel explains that this process takes 3 to 6 months - he has a very busy schedule with Trauma Surgery and other things and he does these surgeries when he is not on Trauma Rotation.

I met Dr. Appel on 11-30-00, he seems nice, he explained his procedure very clearly and my initial impression is good.

THE PROCEDURE WITH DR. APPEL IS:
First a group consult where you rec. paperwork and he talks about the procedure and takes questions. You complete the paperwork and they send a letter to your ins co requesting approval. Once approved you schedule your psych eval & dietician appts, the office schedules your GB ultrasound & upper GI series. He also req. that you give him proof of a gyn exam. Once your tests are completed and he has the results they will schedule the surgical consult and consent form signing. Then wait for your date. Average wait 3-4 months.

Update 7-3-01 - In my personal opinion, Dr Appel is a competent surgeon but has no bedside manner to speak of, he does not like to answer ques and does not encourage patient participation. I would be in the dark if it were not for this website and its members.

i went for my consultation last night...FINALLY!!! Dr. Appel was very nice but also very straight to the point on everything. He explained all the different surgeries and the pros and cons of them, and told us of the surgery he performs, Roux-en-y. the only staff i met was kathy kemp, his office manager. she is extremely sweet and understanding! i actually felt like i belonged there and they didn't look at me funny at all. the only complaint i could have about her is it takes forever and a day for her to return a call! but then again i know she has to be pretty busy! both dr.appel and kathy really reccomend that you attend the support group they have, which may be a little hard on me as i live 2 hours away and have 3 small kids...the group meets at 7-9 pm...so it will be hard but i am going to attend at least some of them. both of them made sure we were all aware of the risks...even death (which my husband wasnt too thrilled about!) so far, both of them would get very high ratings on my scale. dr.appel is very confident sounding about his work. i was really impressed when he said he was one of the first surgeons in the country to perform lap. surgery!!!

January 18, 2001

Had my first consultation tonight. Dr. Appel was WONDERFUL!!!!! He seems to be very knowledgable and he explained everything. I must give Kathy Kemp a high five because she is sooooo patient. She is very organized and extreamly helpful. My sorority sister had the surgery a few years ago and is doing just fine. As a matter of fact she recently gave birth to twin boys. That was my biggest concern with the surgery. I asked Dr. Appel if I would be able to have a healthy pregnancy after this procedure and he said that if I waited at least 18 months, everything would be just fine. I am so excited and I'm praying for approval.

I went for my group consult appointment on February 22, 2001 and met with Dr.Appel for the very first time. He seems to be a very nice person. I also met with his weight loss coordinator, Kathy Kemp, she too, is a very nice person. Dr. Appel explained to us that there are several steps you have to go through before you actually have the surgery. He explained that it could be anywhere from 3-6 months before we actually get a surgery date.

he sceams to be very confident in his work to me he is very blunt and to the point. and it doesnt matter much if you agree with his opinion. but i myself like that in a doctor i am one who doesnt really care if his bed side manner is good but what is important is he knows his job and does a good surgery but my over all opion was i really like him. hia office staff is not so good you have the frount desk help with a hateful att but he does have cathy camp as weight manager and she is really nice and helpful i like her alot she does her job very well and allways calls you back within two days. and thats good with a doctors office dr appel sends all his people to see s sike doctor to make sure you are right in your dishion and to me that is putting the person first not the money overall my experence has been long but to my liking i recomend him highly