Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Bariatric Center

I first met Dr. Kazantsev on May 6, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas. My first impression was WOW!!! He did not pull any punches about the surgery. There was NO mistake that this was serious and that I needed to take it as such. His personality is a little dry but I liked it. He told me that if I followed all the aftercare as directed I would have outstanding results but that was up to me. He addressed all the risks and what I could expect. I felt like he really cared and I liked his directness with me. He talked but then asked me if I had questions. I had several and he answered all of them. His staff in SA was outstanding and I am sure he has the same great staff in CA. Overall I am so pleased that I had Dr. K. as my surgeon and I really like his attitude toward me as if I really mattered. Would I do it again? Yes, if I knew Dr. K. was there. I have followed the aftercare exactly and pre-op I was 348 and now not even 10 months post-op I am down to 192 and physically better than ever. Thank you Dr. K for giving me a second chance at life!

I met with Dr. Kazantsev here in Oakland he has finally made it here from Texas, and he seems to be a very nice person, he is right to the point which I like, he did not try to sugar coat anything about the risks of the surgery and how it would be done. I like the fact that he lays it all out on the table for you so when you do have the surgery you are fully aware of what to expect, his nurse Helen was such a sweetheart I really like her, just like the doctor she does not sugar coat anything she told me what to expect and what I should do if I develop any problems to not wait get in touch with them right away or go to the ER as soon as I start noting any thing different and she told what symptons to look for. we talked for awhile and she is 8 months post-op and 80lbs down. we have not gotten to the all of the aftercare but I know we will, so overall I give him a 10 even though it was our first meeting because he did not control the conversation I told him some things about me that was not in my file and he listened and asked me questions about my previous surgery. I really have nothing bad to say about my visit personally I was glad he was as frank about the risks as he was so I know what I'm going into but with any surgery there are risks and complications I have been there before with my hysterectomy, so I know what could happen and he told me that by me being asthmatic I could end up in the ICU for a few days. so in all I was satisfied with him.

When I first met with Dr. Kazantsev I didn't think he was personable at all. I initially thought to myself, "this man definitely will not be performing my surgery". However, my perceptions changed. I had religious concerns/issues regarding this procedure in the event of any complications (blood)that needed clearing up. He returned my telephone call promptly and answered my questions. I will discuss this matter more fully during my pre-op meeting on 03/18/03. So far, I feel comfortable having the surgery. He did tell me about the risks of having this type of surgery. Debbie Coy has been very patient with me. My surgery date is scheduled for March 31, 2003. I will up-date after surgery.

Surgeon Update (3/6/03) - Had my pre-op appointment this week with Dr. K. My second impression completely erased any lingering concerns that I had. I am so comfortable that I am in good hands, plus his name keeps popping up in conversations that I have with people and everyone says to me what a good doctor he is. He was having a super stressful day as his partner was out of the office and he was probably covering appointments for him as well...but he didn't seem to have any worry about spending some time with me, answering questions, etc. As discovered with my first visit, his office staff is phenomenal. Everyone from the nursing staff to the office staff to the other physician who did some pre-op questions with me were all nice, friendly, professional, and most importantly for patients like us...not in the least bit condescending. They genuinely seem to be concerned about me and my well-being and not looking down on me as a person who let herself get into such a horrible physical state.

(Original Post follows) - I was at first nervous upon meeting Dr. Kazantsev. He does not come across as warm and fuzzy. He is, however, very professional, honest, and up front with you. He was straightforward regarding the risks involved, the commitment needed, and the requirements to have lap instead of an open surgery. I have had several other medical professionals tell me since what good hands I will be in and that he is a wonderful surgeon. I am very comfortable with Dr. K doing my surgery. The office staff was wonderful and so very helpful. I couldn't believe I walked out of my initial visit with a surgery date already scheduled. I was prepared to wait for at least another half of a year. Instead, I left with a list of appointments for pre-op procedures and a surgery date! I am very excited and I know I am in good hands.

Gosh, I want to say that I met my surgeon yesterday and I really liked him. By reading the other post about him...I was preparing myself for a "cold" doctor. He was 100% opposite. He was very friendly and very nice. Not only that but after the appt. I was set up with a few other required appts including my surgery date!!!! Unbelievable!! And is assistant Debbie Coye, was really on the ball with everything. I'm impressed and again, very happy with my selection.

He is very serious and tells you what the experience will be like and what to expect afterwards. He attempts to sway you away from the procedure and opt for others in order to see how serious you are. He appears to be very sincere and knowledgable about the whole procedure.

My first impression of Dr. k was "all business', but after the surgery I saw him smile, and show much compassion and concern. He is a great doctor, and I would use him again. His medical insurance person Debbie Coy was with out a question, the best thing that happend to me in that office. She worked to get the insurance approved, but mostly she was encouraging, supportive, kind, and just there for me. more than is in her job discription, I'm sure

Dr. Kazantsev put me at ease immediately. He's very business-oriented, practical, and approachable. He's an M.D./Ph.D., which meant a lot to me since we have a common area of expertise (Biochemistry), and I know he cares about the metabolic causes of obesity. His understanding of morbid obesity from professional, emotional and social viewpoints made me very comfortable placing myself in his care. He did not require a lot of pre-surgery prep that would have demotivated me and left me drained before even going into surgery. Basically, just show up. He is very optimistic, positive and supportive. I really can't think of a single negative comment on Dr. Kazantsev.

My first impression was that he was very straight forward and to the point. His office staff Debbie C. is wonderful, always kept me up to date on everything happening. The only thing I did not like at first about Dr.K was that he talked a lot about the risks of the surgery.(kinda gave too much info). Now after my surgery I am so very thankful the lord blessed me with such a wonderful doctor. My impression of him now is that if I had to do it all over again or refer anybody I would choose him.

Dr.K is very straight forward and seems to really care about his patients. He doesn't smile much..lol. I learned in the hospital that he does smile after all.

I would have to say that his surgical competence is wonderful! His bedside manner after your first visit to him is more relaxed and continues the more you see him.

Overall I would rate Dr. Kazantsev as an excellent doctor. Scale of 1-10, I would give him a 9.5.