Victor Stelmack Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I liked Dr. Stelmack from the beginning. He's very upfront and honest about the surgery and potential risks. The office was great. You could tell that this was the only thing they dealt with and were very helpful and sensitive to my needs. The only thing that I didn't like was that Dr. stelamck seemed to be in a hurry (which I'm sure he was). So write down any questions you have or you'll forget before he finished. He is very insistent about aftercare (drinking enough/exercise/getting enough protein) They have a structured aftercare that includes a binder with all the info. you need. He doesn't sugarcoat any risks of the surgery, very blunt about possibilities. I felt very confident about Dr. Stelmacks care and ability. Bed side manner was average and surgical ability seems good...I'm doing great!

What was your first impression of him/her?
-my first impression was a very positive one. Dr. Stelmack was very polite, informative and funny. He made me feel very comfortable about the surgery and answered all the questions I had.

How would you describe his/her office staff?
-the office staff was very kind as well and answered any questions I had.

What should future patients know about him/her?
-Dr. Stelmack is very understanding and very informative. He does a very good job of putting you at ease and making you feel comfortable.

Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?
-Yes, they have a structured aftercare program.


How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
-Dr. Stelmack was very honest and upfront about the risks with this surgery.

How would you rate him/her overall?
-Excellent

I had my consult on Sept 25. I was impressed with Dr. Stelmack, he answered all my question and took as much time as I needed to do so. I feel I am in good hands with him as my surgeon.

He was a caring doctor that show concern for his patients..His office staff was very caring too..there wasn't anything i didn't like about him..that is a caring doctor and he explains everything to about the surgery..he also let you know the risk of this surgery and the percent of the danger too of the surgery. I give him a 10 ..

I had to change physicians since there was so long of a wait with my insurance company, by the time I changed insurances and got a chance to come back, my Dr., Dr. Kaczmarski had moved to Pennsylvania.I was really impressed with Dr. Kaczmarski's bedside manner, professionalism, and surgical knowledge. His office staff was very nice from the front desk receptionist to the counselor/nurses. He thoroughly explained the procedure, risks and complications. So far I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking this type of surgery.

9-18-02 *****I have a re-visit scheduled with Dr. Stelmach in Grove City on 9-23-02. I will let everyone know my opinion after the consult.
9-24-02 *****I attened my re-visit appointment on 9-23-02 and met Dr. Stelmack for the first time. All in all I was please with him. I felt he was very intelligent and answered all my questions. He was very descriptive and thorough. I am now awaiting good ole insurance approval!!
10-18-02***** APPROVED! After only one week...so much nicer than last time around!
Now awaiting my date for surgery!!!

I had to change surgeons due to insurance dragging their butt to get me approved. I originally was with Kaczmarski, however he moved on me so I had to do a reconsult with Dr Stelmach. He was comfortable to be around, full of energy. Talks rather fast, but makes sure you understand the ins and outs of the whole procedure. I feel like he is competant. Bedside manner and actual surgical competence remains to be seen at this point. Everyone at the office is alot of help. Altogether had a good experience.

Fast talking, direct and knowledgeable. He didn't display much in the way of a sense of humor, but I felt comfortable with him just the same.
The staff was great. Considerate and friendly. The entire preop proceedure took longer than expected. The xray machine was down and I
was sent to another facility. Not being from the area, I got lost on my way back to the hospital. Things happen. Just take a good book and plan on being there awhile.

I am a bit concerned about feeling like I'm being put through a production line, or being sent through a "fat factory". That may be my own insecurities. On the other hand, Bariatric Treatment Centers and thier hospital deal only with this type of sugery, so thier experience in this area out weigh my concerns.

Dr. Stelmack is a no nonsense professional with a New York sense of humor. He is caring about the patient first and foremost. I feel very secure having him do my surgery.
I am impressed by the attention to detail he and the surgery center have demonstrated prior to the surgery. The aftercare program is very specific and detailed. I am looking forward to adding to this once I have had my surgery.

I was so overwhelmed at my first meeting with Dr. Stelmack, all that I recall is that he speaks very fast. In retrospect, I wish I would have had more questions prepared for him to answer. I've only had one contact with him--and I don't think it's fair to make a judgement on him with the little info. I garnered from that one meeting.

Dr. Stelmack... had a hard time learning to say his name... LOL he was a little hard to understand but he was extremely informative/concerned/ and energetic. He gave the good/bad and ugly on this procedure and he has a very comforting way to him. The staff at the Grove Port office was very helpful/polite/funny and encouraging. Me and a friend went in with questions and had our answers. There is still some unknown anxiousness about this - but I feel confident with this surgeon and staff.. We'll see..
The one very dishardening thing about this procedure - was the lack of cooperation from the Insurance dept at their Michigan location. If i had not called them two to three times a week, had i not refaxed faxes and followed up with a call - i would still be in LIMBO. My advice to anyone out there waiting wondering what their status is.. call find out who your case worker is.. have copies of all tests sent to you in case you need to refax those and keep a binder with every request/every test/every result and write down dates you called, who you talked to.