Alaska Bariatric Center Bariatric Center

Dr. Todd, Dr. Searles, and Dr. Bogojavlensky are wonderful! I first met Dr. Todd at a support group meeting and was incredibly impressed with the way he genuinely cared about what he was doing and about his patients. My first one on one meeting with him was my very first pre-surgery appointment. He did the work-up and prior to finishing up he touched my arm in a very caring way. I knew I'd made the right choice. I had a choice of choosing whether Dr. Todd or Dr. Searles would perform my surgery. At that point, I knew that regardless of which one performed the surgery, I would be in the best hands possible. So, I left it to them. Dr. Searles was my surgeon and Dr. Bogojavlensky assisted him. They did a wonderful job. They are all very caring and professional and treat their patients with the greatest respect and gentleness. The office staff are chosen with patients in mind. In fact, several of them (past and present) are patients themselves. I thought long and hard about having this surgery (a journey that took 5 years) and I am so very happy that the journey led me to this wonderful group of people. You know, doctor's offices are notoriously known for "negative" things - the waiting; feeling like a number instead of a person; questions such as "did they do everything necessary?"; and many more negative inferences when thinking of a doctor's office. However, I've never felt this way at the Alaska Bariatric Center. The office "family" really does care. They do the best they can to take care of your needs. Of course, there are times when they cannot accomodate your needs at the moment you want, but they try to do the best they can. Today (10/28/03) I'm 6 weeks post-op and had a small problem with my scar. I called the office and they told me to come in. The Doctor's were in surgery when I got to the office, but were asked to see a patient (me) as soon as they were finished. As I was waiting, 3 people in the office reassured me that one of the doctors would be there soon. (it was actually a very short wait) The nurse offered me a snack while I waited. Fortunately, I wasn't in a hurry (taking a break from work) and was happy to wait. This is the BEST doctor's office I've ever had the priviledge of being a patient for. Thank you "Todd Squad".

I first met Doc Todd in 2001 when I first thought about doing a revision. I was impressed with his demeanor and his honesty. He had only been doing WLS for less than a year and he wasn't going to be doing revisions for a while yet. He said he would be happy to find someone to do it for me, and would do my follow up care, but he wasn't ready now. I went back to WW (and other WL programs) and dieted myself 20 lbs. heavier. Doc Todd has now taken on Doc Searles as his partner and they have started to do revisions. They have about a dozen under the belts and have been very thorough in preparing for mine. I had to call Auburn General where I had my first surgery and get my operating notes. He won't even think about doing your surgery until you go through all the tests. His thinking is that we are already at risk just being heavy and he wants to make sure that we will come through this well. His office staff has been changing but I really like all the people that I have met there and while at first they weren't even sure where some of my paperwork was they are coming together and working well. Doc Todd really believes in aftercare and I truly believe that takes him above just being a great surgeon.

These are my own personal impressions of my own personal experience and I am making no statements about what other people may experience.

Dr. Todd seems to genuinely care about all his patients. One thing he tells each one of us is that once he does the surgery, we are joined at the hip for life. It was actually one of his associates, Dr. Searles, that performed my surgery, Dr. Todd assisted. Initially, I had read a lot about all the time people were getting with Dr. Todd pre-op and I think I only had maybe one or two appointments and they seemed very quick and almost rushed. I was a little disappointed that I didn't get more time then. I probably see Dr. Todd more since I've had the surgery then before and my impression now, is that he really does care about each one of his patients. I can't believe he actually has a life outside of us lol. Dr. Todd requires a lot of upfront workup with a number of doctors. Kind of a pain at the time, but after the fact, I can see the value. He also requires that people attend a minimum of 2 support group meetings and my opinion is...not nearly enough! His staff is all very supportive before and after surgery. One of the fun parts about his staff is that a good number of them are also patients! The risks of the surgery were laid out and the Dr.'s don't hold back. They also do a "Meet the Dr. and Staff" support group meeting once a month. Lots of the staff show up and Dr. Todd goes over the surgery and the risks. It's a very popular meeting even with the post-op patients. I would rate Dr. Todd and his staff as excellent. It's awesome to have such a great group right down the street!

The first time I saw Dr. Todd was at a support meeting. My first impression was how handsome he was :). I loved his patience in answering all of our questions. When I met him one on one it was at my pre-surgery appointment. I was totally comfortable with him. He made me feel that way by giving me a hug. I also loved it when he held my hand and said a quick prayer before I left. His office staff is very nice and welcoming and hard-working. When I explained to them about possibly losing my insurance because of company being sold they got my stuff together quickly and submitted to insurance. The same day I was told of my approval I heard a rumor, that has not been confirmed yet, that we have been sold that it's just a matter of time. Thank You Shannon and Anita....I love you ladies. On a scale of 1-100 I rate Dr. Todd and his staff a 1,000. They are wonderful people and I will send friends and family to him in the future.

I decided that I was interested in this surgery about 4 years ago. At that time, I decided that I would wait until I found a surgeon that I could trust (I have some real issues with doctors!) then I would find out about the surgery. Dr. Todd, and Dr. Searls his associate are wonderful doctors. They care about the patient, and actually get to know you. They require extensive testing before you will be considered for surgery. They attend the support group meetings, and actually get to know who you are. I can't tell you how much I appreciate them, and the fact that they treat each of their patients as an individual. I can't imagine going to anyone else. The office staff, lovinly called the "Todd Squad" is top notch. They are pretty busy, and can't always return your calls immediately, because they are really busy helping as many people get approved as possible.
Dr. Todd is straight forward about the risks of surgery, they don't sugar coat anything, which can be a little unsettling at times. But because of this, I trust him for my care.
I haven't had my surgery yet, but know from other patients that he is great, and if his bedside manner is half as good as his manner at the meetings, he is excellent.

I was first seen in the office of Dr. Todd and Dr. Searles, by Dr. Searles. He was kind but seemed sort of rushed and talked very fast. I have met Dr. Todd also now as he was out of town when I had my first appointment, and he came to our support meeting. My children (Adult and teens) were very impressed by Dr. Todd and really want me to have him as my surgeon. I think that they are worried that Dr. Searles is just too new, although he has assisted with over 100 surgeries of this type and done about 20 of his own surgeries at the time of my first appointment, and they want MOM in the hands of the expert. I truly trust my life with both of the surgeons, and hope that they will assist each other on my surgery. After care and exercise were addressed as well as the need for support meetings. The risks of the surgery were made very clear, and I am aware of what can happen. I am looking forward to having the RNY surgery with the smaller pouch, as I do have alot of weight that I would like to lose. I would recommend the Alaska Bariatric Center to anyone interested in this type of weight loss surgery.

My first impression of Dr. Todd was a disbelief that he had such a hands on approach. He was at the support meeting, he was on the web, he was at the orientation. I don't know where he finds the time to do it all and still take such good care of us. My impression hasn't changed with time. (Maybe he should be cloned! LOL)

The Todd Squad (Office staff) are funny, loving and caring. I like the smiles when I go in and the fact that they laugh at my jokes. It means a lot that they know my name and seem glad to see me.

This isn't a fair question. The only thing I didn't like was the way the insurance company jerked everyone around. The wait is long and the tests seem to be endless. You worry over the results.

Be patient. There are a lot of people ahead of you and if you are getting your surgery done in Alaska, there are currently (July 03) only three doctor's who can do it. These people work their behinds off; something you will be happy about after surgery is that they don't just cut you loose when it is over. Everything takes time.

The Todd Squad emphasizes after care, attending support meetings, they have luncheons and you can call and talk to everyone from the RNs to the office staff whenever you need. Dr. Todd himself seems to get a word in every few days on the website, answering any and all questions. It is a wonderful practice.

Dr. Todd makes sure you know the risks. He has several patients who volunteer to share their stories (Janice, the patient advocate for one) about journeys which were so rocky they needed a 4-wheeler to make them.

I would rate Dr. Todd the best. I trusted him not only with my life but my future as well and he came through for me with flying colors. Thank you Dr. Todd.

Although surgical competence is much better than a good bed side manner, you get both with Dr. Todd and the Todd Squad. If you are in Alaska and thinking of this surgery, Dr. Todd and his team are the people you want on your side.

Dr. Todd and his staff are a great group of people. They are very caring and the really know how to make you as a patient feel good. It is wonderful that the have such a good support group for before and after surgery.

Dr. Todd and his staff are great. They really seem to understand what I'm going through.

Dr. Todd is a great man and his staff is phenomenal. Most of them know me by name and rightfully so. I have, since the middle of December 2002, been to almost every support group meeting (2x a week). The staff is always friendly and willing to listen or offer a smile. Major kudos to all of them. Now despite the pleasure they receive in seeing me every week, I have yet to see any of them in a bad mood. I count myself blessed that I have found such a great team to help me through this very tough life altering decision. I can only hope that one day I will be able to accurately thank them for all they have done for me.