Anniston General Surgery Center Organization

I originally was suppose to have surgery in Birmingham by another surgeon but he couldn't get to me for 12-18 months. I made an appointment with Dr. Clifford Black's office for April 7, 2004. It really seems like a lifetime away, but I'm sure the time will go by quickly. The office staff was very helpful on the phone, very reasuring.

12/23/03
I met with Dr. Black's partner, Dr. Hegstrom on November 21, 2003. They had had a cancellation and called me at work to ask if I would like to come then, of course I said YES! I was soooo excited to be able to start the process early. I met with Dr. Hegstrom, Dr. Black's partner. He and all the office staff were so nice and very informative. We sent the approval papers to my ins. company and we waited to hear from them. I got my approval last week! I am so excited. I am planning to schedule my surgery in March, after all the holidays. I'll update as soon as I know when my surgery will be. God bless.

My 1st visit, I met Dr. Hegstrom. I had to drive and cry my eyes out when I got out. I dont know now looking back, if it wasnt just that I was so emotional over the whole ordeal. But he did hurt my feelings a little. And the nurse that was in there, I didnt like her at all. The lady out front, Phylis, she isnt very friendly at all. But after a while she warms up to you. I think it all depends on what mood she is in that day. I met Dr. Black on my 2nd visit. He was nice,and explained things well. He was nice enough in the hospital. although the 2nd day I was in there, he just stuck his head in the door and said hello. After my surgery, I decided this man had no bed side manner at all. BUT of course,I was very emotional. I felt like I was out there on my own in this. However, when I went back for my 6 month visit, everyone was so nice to me and he was great. I think he is a wonderful surgeon, I would have just liked to have had a more open relationship with my surgeon, like I hear so much about on here, and around here about another surgeon in this area. I am so pleased with my results, and I think he did a great job. Now that its over, I am glad I used him. I think my weight loss has been more because of the way he does his. Judging from others I have talked to. I would like the closeness of patients and staff that the other Dr. here in town has. But, all in all, I think even all I have been through, I would use Dr. Black again. He was very kind and considerate on my 6 month visit.

Dr. Black is a wonderful doctor with an excellent record with bariatric patients. The first time I met him, he shook my hand and said "I look forward to helping you". I knew he was sincere. His office staff has been very nice and helpful. It has been a good experience and I feel blessed to have selected Dr. Black to do my surgery. He was very clear in explaining everything that I needed to know and answered all of my questions. He also takes what he is doing very seriously and stays on top of his patients about doing the right thing after surgery. I like that about him. It is obvious that this is about helping people and not about making money.

Dr. Black is very proffessional and knowledgable. He and his staff is very supportive and genuinely caring. He literally saved my life. I had no complications, no pain and no fear. I listen and obey everything he tells me. God bless Dr. Clifford Black! I owe everything from here on, in my life, to him.

The network provider for TriCare in Birmingham was booked up for a year, so I chose a surgeon nearby, in Anniston. It only took about 2 weeks to get my first appointment for the initial consult. I was very pleased with Dr. Black and his staff.

my first impression of Dr. Black was that he seemed kind. at my consultation he was very informative and in no rush. I actually sat and talked to him for well over 45 min.His office staff seemed friendly and professional. Aftercare seems to be very important to him. He wants to see you several times in the months following surgery. He thouroghly explained all of the risks of surgery and gave me several opportunities to ask any questions I may have. He even suggested I start keeping a list of questions to discuss on our next visit.On a scale of 1-10 I would rate him a 9. only because I believe no one is perfect.

Had my consult with Dr. Black on 3/17/2003. I was quite impressed with him and he was very confident in my having the procedure done. He made me feel much better about having this surgery done.

I have meet Dr. Black yet and was very impressed. I have my surgery date and am excited and wish it could be tomorrow.
Dr. Black and his entire staff have made this decision much easier and I know I am going in the right directions and made the correct choice on surgeons to use.

I was very impressed with Dr. Black. He was very informative and professional. He is so nice and I immediately felt comfortable asking questions. I know 5 other people who have gone to him and I have heard nothing but positive things about him.

I already knew Dr. Black from a previous surgery and was so glad when I learned that he was now doing WLS. I had never met Dr. Hegstrom, Dr. Black's partner, before but was immediately impressed with him at my first consultation visit. He was so patient and answered every question I had.....and I had a LOT of questions. When I went in for my second consult after insurance approval, Dr. Black answered most all of my questions before I even asked them. He was straight forward about the risks involved with this procedure. He explained what he does to try and prevent, or at least catch early, any and all complications that could arise. He really seems to care about making sure he covers EVERY base possible to reduce the risks of complications. All the office staff that I have met so far are really nice. I am totally confident and pleased thusfar with Dr. Black and his office. My surgery is scheduled for January 28th.