Mercy San Juan Medical Center Hospital

Three months ago I had a sleeve gastrectomy performed by Dr. Benjamin Shadle. I have lost 57 pounds so far and I am off all of my blood pressure medications (4 total), my cholesterol level is under the normal range, I no longer am diabetic, all my vitamin levels are great, and I have had no issues with any foods and I can drink fluids like I did before surgery. I truly believe my progress and the fact that I have had no issues with eating or drinking is due to Dr. Shadle’s expertise as a surgeon and a doctor. He is my miracle worker. When I told him that he of course wouldn’t take any of the credit and told me I did all the work. I can’t thank him enough for literally giving me my life back. When every diet and exercise program I tried failed, the procedure he performed on me didn’t. For anyone contemplating this surgery, I hope you follow through and do it AND, if you do, I hope you are fortunate enough to have Dr. Shadle as your surgeon. He is the best, most kind, and compassionate doctor I have ever met. His staff is professional and very welcoming as well. Thank you again Dr. Shadle for helping me to live a longer, healthier, and happier life.

I cannot speak highly enough about Dr. Shadle. He is the very best.

I searched far and wide for a doctor and a Center of Excellence before coming across Dr. Shadle and his staff. I knew immediately upon meeting Dr. Shadle that this is where I belonged. He and his staff made the entire process, from the pre-surgical support programs to surgery and to the post surgical support programs, so easy. Dr. Shadle explained everything to me, answered any question that I came up with and made me feel very comfortable in the process. In today's fast-paced world of busy, busy, busy, Dr. Shadle takes the time to stop and listen. He gives genuine answers and truly cares about his patients. Dr. Shadle also has a bedside manner that is non-existent with most physicians today. He is a truly impressive, caring and kind individual. I am grateful to him for helping me reach my life goals and I know that I made the right decision. Thank you Dr. Shadle! :)

Great Surgeon I trust him with my life! His team is amazing,Im so happy Im in such great hands...

Nursing staff need more education on post bariatric diet. One nurse freaked because someone gave me green jello. Jello is a clear liquid and that's what kind of diet I was on!!!

There were also some safety issues:
1. No one ever checked my nameband. Not even when taking me into the OR. Thank God Dr. Machado doesn't do amputations!!!
2. I woke up in my hospital room. Call bell and phone were across the room. I didn't know how to call the nurses station. I had to get up and walk down there for help.
3. Slow to respond to the call bell.

The admit / discharge process was well executed.
All staff were very nice.

They are very respectful of your wishes.

The staff at this hospital was very friendly and nonjudgemental. I felt I was getting support from everyone from the transportation staff, to the CNA's, the nursing staff, the surgical staff. I would recommend this hospital.

I didn't have much pain and didn't want or need pain meds, but they insisted on adding another thing of morphine when I still had 9cc's left. I never used the new one, but they charged me for it anyways. Everyhing else was great.

As stated above.

Very caring staff, not rushed or coarse at all. I wish my family down South could come here!