Alain Naouri, M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center

MY FIRST IMPRESSION IS VERY GOOD, VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND KIND SO FAR. THE OFFICE STAFF AND HIS WEB SITE ARE VERY ORGANIZED. I HATE THE WAITING FOR THE PAPERWORK TO BE SENT.WILL UPDATE LATER AFTER SURGERY WITH UP TO DATE INFORMATION OF HOW IT GOES. AFTERCARE IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HIM AND WAS VERY DETAILED WITH THE RISK INVOLVED. A+ SO FAR BUT JUST BEGINNING.

My first impression of Dr. Naori is that he was a very kind, approachable, helpful, knowledgeable person. For me, it was wonderful to find someone in France that speaks English (although he's shy about it. I've had no reason at all to change my opinion during the time I've awaited my surgery, during my hospital stay, and since then.

He is the chef surgeon on his surgical wing at the Macon hospital, and that is where you take an appointment with him. His staff was very nice as well (actually the hospital staff), but of course you can't expect them to speak English. :o)

I am not in a position to see what I like least about him. I found him very professional. He isn't a pushy person. I suppose my only drawback is that there is a communication gap between my abysmal French and his pretty-good but not perfect English. So, I had to fight to make sure I understood everything I wanted to -- to the degree that I wanted to understand it. But, that was my lack, not his.

The risks of surgery were something I had already researched, so I was not suprised, nor was I in need of a lot of explanation about them, but I had to sign a paper which explained them to me (in French) and which said I appreciated and had calculated the risks. (normal!)

My aftercare is just beginning, as I am only 10 days post-op -- but it seems to be comprehensive. I have as many appointments as I would like with a dietician, and several appointments scheduled with him, which will finally end in a once-a-year visit, unless I have other problems or complications.

Overall, I would rate Dr. Naouri very high. I had a lot of faith in him, and I'm not a person who easily trusts doctors.

I think that surgical importance is of equal importance to bedside manner. At least for me. A person may operate on the physical body, but the changes he makes in your life are far from just physical. If I was reliant on someone who seemed to think that my suffering or my concerns were just incidental, I would "hate" such a person. Personally, as a hospital worker myself in the past (respiratory therapist), I think that both human relations and skill are essential in a good surgeon.