Antonio R. Macatol- Bariatric, General, & Vascular Surgery Bariatric Center

Dr. Macatol is the funniest doc ive ever known. He makes you feel comfertable within minutes of your first visit. He is very informative and knows what to do. He lets you know step by step what you need to do, expect and the outcome. I think its wonderful that a humerous little man with long hair could be so wonderful to help people deal with one of the hardest things in there lives. I never once felt uncomfertable or uneasy around him. And never thought he would judge me in any way.

Oh my god, looked like a hippie freak
He was direct and to the point.
his office is shabby, but his staff whick is one woman show is awesome. she took care of every detail.

My first impression was that he is a caring knowledgeable surgeon.
My impression was appropriate and not changed.
The office staff, (1)was most helpful and cooperative.
Sometimes the Doctor was in a hurry. I did not like the hospital that my surgeon uses.
Follow his instructions he has your best interest at heart.
My surgeon emphasizes aftercare. He will probably see me for life.He is instrumental in making sure that there is a support group available. Dr. also sees us weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and then annually.
He advised us of the risks and gave my some percentages. I would rate him as an 9, based on my experience.Both were great.

I had some doubts in the beginng as to his credits but as i went along he assured me that in the end it would be allright. He has a wonderful person who does all his office work for him which is joyce she is one of a kind outstanding!!!!That he is truly a wonderful doctor and to put ther trust in him .He wont steer you wrong.He is ther for you from day one at any time or hour of the day.No question goes unanswered.Yes he mkes sure that after care is just as imporant as starting out.As far as the isks he tells you what to expect and makes sure that you know what can happen.I can not praise him enough he has and always will be number one in my book!!!! Both are outstanding as far as i am concerned.

Hi, I called Dr. Valins office first but already had a good idea That I wanted Dr. Aranow. Dr. Valins office was rather aloof and kinda made me discouraged with their answers to my ??s. I than found out after five minutes of talking that they did not accept my insurance any how. I than called Dr. Aranows office and they were ever so friendly and so encouraging. The woman who took my call set me up for the mandatory seminar for june 5th at Middlsex hospital. I cant wait. I than will get a office visit after that. !! I am on my way to my exciting jurney! MARCH 1, 2003... 4/20 I will never reccomend this office or dr.. Dr arranow was predjudice to husky members. He wanted me to get another insurance. He had an awful bedside manner and acted as though he was god with a very cocky attitude. He admitted in his seminar that he use to make fun of heavy people and had a friend who was obese and never understood why he just didnt lose weight. He also made it seem as though this was a big field obesity and left you to wonder if it was more about money. {I am now with Dr. Macatol }whom is very warm caring and treats you like a human being with dignity. He knows how important a decision this is to you and helps you to make it possible. Joyce his nurse/ secretary also is very sweet. She seems abrupt a lot but its nothing personal. She is very very bussy with out much help. She trys her best and has a lot of warmth behind that abrupt nature she portrays. I am so happy things worked out the way they did. I now feel very comfortable with dr. Mac. He makes me smile with his zaney nature and little corny jokes. His jokes can be a bit much.

First impression was that Dr. Macatol is very dynamic, positive, and enthusiastic. He is warm and friendly, but culturally he is very different from myself. Rumors at the WLS support group surfaced that he is not a good surgeon and is really a butcher out for the money. After having the surgery I feel my first impression was correct, Dr. Mac is a courageous caring surgeon who wants to help people overcome obesity. His office staff is Julie, the nicest, most caring woman I have ever met. She keeps the doctor and patients organized thru a myriad of insurance requirements and personal needs and doctors appointments. Its scary to see the volume of paperwork and the limitted personell to handle it, it gives an impression of disorganization. Dr. Macatol often seems too rushed, his office visits are too fast. So be prepared to bring up any concerns when you go there. As long as you have questions or issues he will answer them. His aftercare program consists of weekly visits for 4 weeks, then monthly for 3 months, then quarterly for life. Protein drinks and baby food for first three weeks, then pureed food for two months, then regular food. If you want a nutritionist you will have to go hire one yourself. Surgical commpetence is more important than bedside manner. Whenever you see Dr. Macatol his energy just overflows to you and you feel better than when you arrived. He makes you want to succeed!
This statement may not be 100% factually accurate, it is my opinion and my experience. Overall I am glad I've met Dr. Macatol and Julie, they have helped me change the direction of my life.

I was surprised by his appearance.
Once I met with him I knew he was the right surgeon for me
Joyce seemed to be very busy and very abrupt.
He definately stresses aftercare.

My First impression of Dr.Macatol was that he really cared about you and your health.

My impression only became stonger over time because he proved that it was not just talk and that he really does care about his patients.

His office staff is Joyce and all I can say is she becomes your best friend.

If you are looking for a doctor who truly cares for his patients and not about the money than Dr. Macatol is the surgeon for you. He is always available to you day or night.He is compassionate and caring.He does
not tell you what you want to hear just to get you off the phone he tells you the truth at all times weather you like the answer or not.He is a postive infulence and will encourge you to do all the right things for optimal good health.Personally I feel like he saved my life. I can talk with him about anything because he also becomes your friend.

He is strict re-aftercare that if he thinks for one second that you will not follow thru with support group and exercise that he will not do any surgery on you what so ever!!He is a huge advocate for support group
mtgs and exercise.He knows that without these
two you will not maintain any kind of weight loss.You also must follow up with him for the rest of your life.This is not an option!

Dr.Macatol tells you everything that could happen durning and after surgery. All the risks are explained in great detail.

To describe Dr. Macatol is to say he is a giant in such a small world.He truly loves to help people and gets personal with all of his patients.I have worked in the medical field for over 25 years and I can only count on one hand the type of man and surgeon he is.I would rate him 10 gold stars!!!!

I personally worked with Dr. Macatol for 13
years in a local hospital as an O.R. Tech
and I can say that his surgical and bedside
mannor are the best I have ever worked with, also being on the reciving end the care was the best I have ever had.....

My first impression of Dr Macatol was that he was very informative in detail about wls. I also enjoyed listening to him cause he has a vibrant positive attitude and that's a reassuring positive feature from a patients point of view.My impression of him has only changed to be more positive and more liking of his personality and attitude as a doctor.
Joyce is the greatest, sometimes she seems abrupt and short but I know she's a very busy person. The Doc does the surgery, but Joyce certainly does all that paperwork and I know it's not easy, most of the time she's very pleasant and love's to talk to you. She's got to be a great nurse to keep up with Macatol. If your looking for wls Dr Macatol and his staff are top notch. Informative to detail, will call you back with any questions, day or night. This office has the qualifications we all need.
Sandy

My first impression of Dr. Macactol was " Is this man really a doctor?" He came into the room wearing jeans and a casual/dress shirt. He has a long pony tail and just doesn't look like your average surgeon. ut as we all know we should not judge a book by it's cover. Dr. Macatol is very warm and caring doctor. He is more than willing to answer any question you might have at the time or at a later date. He is very forward as well. He doesn't hold back and sugar coat situations. He tells it as it is. And if your not willing to make a commitment to him for the rest of your life with support group meetings....He does not wantyou to waste your time. He is rated a 11 on a scale of 1-10 in my book.
His office staff is very helpful especially Joyce ( a gift from heaven ) I can not stress how helpful she has been in getting all the paperwork completed for my Surgery date.