Arif Ahmad, M.D Bariatrics Bariatric Center

I met Dr. Ahmad in February, 2005 at an information seminar at Mather Hospital. I found him to be very informative and willing to answer any and all questions. I made my consultation appointment shortly after that and met with Seema (Dr. Ahmad's wife) before seeing Dr. Ahmad. This woman is amazing..simply incredible. She is the most caring person I have probably ever encountered. She laid out what the insurance company wanted in order to be approved for surgery and told me if I had any questions at all they would be more than happy to help me. Dr. Ahmad was next...he examined me, told me what he needed and smiled brightly. I didn't feel as if I were just another patient; I was important. I did everything I needed to do for this surgery...cardiologist, nutritionist, pulmonologist, psychiatrist, upper endoscopy, weight loss..Dr. Ahmad and Seema were happy with each and every step I took closer to my goal..Finally the day came for approval...I was denied at Mather Hospital..I was so depressed that I was ready to give up..Seema told me not to be upset that we would figure it out and work things out. I appealed the denial and was approved for the surgery at St. Charles Hospital just days later...I called Seema and felt as if she were almost as happy as I was. I went for pre-surgical testing and on Sept 9, 2005 I was admitted for surgery. Dr. Ahmad came to see me right before they took me in, once again with a smile on his face and said that everything was going to be just fine and he would see me after the surgery. I don't remember if he was there when I woke up in recovery or not (I don't remember much of that) but he was there on Saturday morning smiling again and said that everything went perfectly. He and Seema came to visit me on Sunday in the hospital...I was the very first RNY surgery done at St. Charles..I was treated like a queen..Dr. Ahmad and Seema are one of a kind...I have never met anyone like them before and I am looking forward to a very long relationship with them...I would recommend them to anyone looking to have RNY surgery...they actually care about their patients. Thank you...you're both wonderful!

My first impression of Dr. Ahmad was that he was a very caring and compassionate Doctor. I believe he truly cares about each and every one of his patients. I first met with Dr. Ahmad in early May at his informational seminar. I was comfortable with him from the very beginning. I immediatley made an appointment for my consultation. His staff is very thourough and professional. I had all of my preop testing done within a 6 week period and had an answer from the insurance company within a day or so. My whole experience went very smoothly and Mather Hospital was also wonderful. I would give my WLS experience a big 10+ on a scale of 1-10. Dr. Ahmad has helped to change my life for better and I am very thankful for that.

My first impression of Dr Ahmad was that he was an extremely kind compassionate man who was very serious about his work. His examination and evaluation of me as a patient was tactfully determined. He used his words softly and was very reassuring. At the same time he made it clear the surgery was not a quick fix. That even the preparation for the surgery including a 20-30 percent wt loss of my total body weight, would be required as a preparation for a lifetime committment to changing my eating patterns as well as food choices. He seemed at the same time to exhibit a kind of shynes that was quite disarming. I felt he was extremely sensative to the total picture, and sort of taking me into his intuitive mind as well as his clinical analysis. He laid out clearly the risks involved. As time went on I found him more rigid and somewhat, by my standards, demanding. But in the end I knew his concern was for me and my best. And as a result when I went into the OR I KNEW I was in the best hands possible. There were complications with my surgery and he handled them with no negative consequence to me. His bedside manner was friendly and compatent. And he took much pride in his work. The follow up care was stressed from the initial visit as being very important. I felt well prepared for the surgery as well as the post op period. Doctor Ahmad is committed to making the world a better place by putting morbidly and super morbidly obese people back on their feet and into happier lives. Aside from the concerns we all share about adequate income, Dr Ahmad gives no impression of being aggressive in recruiting patients. There are no perfect people. Dr Ahmad has his faults, I am sure. But he did a great job on me. And I would recommend him to anyone who is really serious about chang and accepting a participatory role in their pre and post op progress. His staff are supportive. There was a staff change during my pre op time that caused me some disappointment. Dr Ahmad had a nurse practioner working directly with him and she was wonderful and down to earth. She worked closely with Dr Ahmad and was very available as a patient support.

I HAVE TO SAY THAT DR. AHMAD IS A WONDERFUL DOCTOR, I HAVE BEEN TO ONE OTHER DOCTOR, HOWEVER AFTER MEETING DR. AHMAD AND HIS STAFF, IT WAS CLEAR TO ME WHO I WAS GOING TO CHOOSE. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO BECOMING A NEW PERSON, AND GAINING MORE CONFIDENCE WITHIN MYSELF. I RATE HIM A 10 ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10.

I would like to say that Dr. Ahmad and his entire staff are wonderful. EVERYtime i phoned or had a question i was mad to feel so important no matter how silly my question was. I recommend Dr. Ahmad to all Long Islanders. My surgery went perfect and i had not one complication. Dr. Ahmad's bedside manner is wonderful and HE SAVED MY LIFE! Every visit to the Dr. Ahmad i got to know him better and was more and more relaxed of my choice. Everything about Dr. Ahmad pre op and post op has been wonderful and i cant express how wonderful and good of a surgeon he is. Everything was covered clearly and given to me in brochures and literature. I give DR. AHMAD and his ENTIRE staff a big 10

Met at a seminar he ran at Mather. Very personable and clearly familiar with procedure -- no miracle claims or mumbo jumbo, answered questions clearly and didn't pretend there were no possible drawbacks.
Both he and his staff have been helpful and pleasant, even though I have peppered them with questions on and off since December and only actually became their patient this week (6/20) so I expect this to remain constant.
My first actual individual meeting is scheduled for next week -- with the hope that surgery will be scheduled for the last week in July (I have already done all the tests, etc).

I am happy to say that my surgery was done on June 6th and I arrived back home on the third day. What can I say about Dr. Ahmad? Certainly not enough great things. My first impression was that he was a very kind & understanding gentle man. He took his time & did not rush me in & out like some doctors do. I am familiar with Amanda, one of Dr. Ahmad's office workers and needless to say she does a fantastic job, she is a caring young lady and is a beauty inside and out. Then there is gentle & sweet, hard working Seema, Dr. Ahmads wife. You could not find a nicer, caring person. She helps her husband out & works many hours to support him. From what I can see that sure do make a wonderful husband & wife team. Then there is Moira, the nutritionist who does an equally great job. When you go to Dr. Ahmads office it is like visiting with friends, which is what I consider them!! Dr. Ahmad follows the rules by the book ( in my opinion only ) and as we know it is for everyones best interest. He tells you EVERYTHING up front and I admire his honesty, surgical skills and his soft bedside manner.

Dr. Arif Ahmad performed my surgery on June 6, 2005. Today is my fourth post-op day and I was discharged yesterday. I am expressing my own experience and opinion exclusively, and in no way suggest that the same would be such for another. I can only hope that one would be as fortunate as I have been throughout the process. Dr. Ahmad is not the first surgeon I have researched, but indeed, my search ended, and the start of my new life began when I first met him. Not only is he brilliant and does answer every question most competently, but in addition, he possesses the humility and compassion that confirmed my selection. What I was most impressed with was the complete comprehensive medical package Dr. Ahmad provided. All needs were addressed. Aftercare, medical and emotional were emphasized. Dr. Ahmad's wife Seema is herself nothing less than a blessing. She is the liason for any office contact requirements. These two are both special individuals who will employ every effort to help and encourage you to wellness. I will update with more specifics as soon as possible.

I FIRST MET MR. AHMAD AT ONE OF HIS INFORMATION GROUPS HE RUNS AT MATHER HOSPITAL. HE SEEMED VERY NICE. HE SUPPLIED
ALL THE INFORMATION ON EACH OF THE PROCEDURES HE DOES. NEXT I WENT TO ONE OF
HIS SUPPORT GROUPS. IT SEEMED THAT EVERYONE
THERE WAS MORE THAN HAPPY WITH HIM. THEY
SPOKE OF HIS DEDICATION AND FRIENDLINESS.
THAT WAS REAL IMPORTANT TO ME. I HAD CONSIDEDRED THIS SAME SURGERY 3 YEARS AGO
AND CHANGED MY MIND AFTER MEETING THE DR.
HE WAS COLD AND UNFRIENDLY. I THEN WENT
TO DR. AHMAD'S OFFICE. IT WAS OUR FIRST
ONE ON ONE AND HE SEEMED VERY NICE. SINCE
THEN I HAVE DONE MOST OF MY PRE OP TESTING.
I AM CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING
UP A SUMMARY LETTER WHICH REGULAR DOCTOR
WILL RE-WRITE AND PUT ON HER LETTERHEAD.
I HOPE AND PRAY THAT - THAT WILL GO IN
AND THAT WE WILL GET CLEARANCE TO GO
AHEAD. THEN I WILL GET THE ENDOSCOPY
AND THE BLOOD WORK AND BE READY TO GO.
I AM A BIT SCARED OF THE SURGERY, HOPING
THAT I WILL NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS RELATED
TO THE SURGERY AND THAT I WILL LOOSE
ALL THE WEIGHT I NEED TO AND LIVE A
HAPPIER HEALTHIER LIFE FOR MANY YEARS TO
COME.. DR. AHMADS OFFICE SEEMS TO BE
RUN EFFICIENTLY. HIS WIFE IS A LARGE
PART OF EVERYTHING. AFTER, CARE IS
EMPHASIZED A LOT. YES, THERE IS A
STRUCTURED AFTER CARE PROGRAM. DR.
AHMAD WENT OF THE RISKS OF THE SURGERY
AND ALSO GAVE OUT PRINT OUTS EXPLAINING
IT ALL. AT OUR FIRST MEETING HE DID
SHOW SLIDES AND PHOTOS TO THE GROUP AS
WELL. HIS MANNER IS VERY NICE. HE
GOES BY RULES AND WILL NOT BRAKE THEM.
I WILL HOPEFULLY FINE OUT ABOUT HIS
SURGICAL COMPETENCE AND BEDSIDE MANNER
SHORTLY. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT GETTING
APPROVAL FOR THIS. MY INSURANCE
COMPANY IS DIFFICULT. I WANTED THE
BANDING. THEY DO NOT APPROVE THAT
UNLESS YOU HAVE STOMACH PROBLEMS.
SO I MAY NOT HAVE A CHOICE. IF NOT
I WILL GET THE BYPASS. I HOPE AND
PRAY THAT APPROVAL COMES QUICK AND
SURGERY FOLLOWS QUICKLY. I DO NOT
FEEL LIKE THE SURGEONS OFFICE IS
DOING ENOUGH TO HELP SPEED THIS
PROCESS ALONG. OTHER THAN THAT
ALL IS FINE.

THANKS TO DR. AHMAD MANY HAPPY
PEOPLE ARE SINGING HIS PRAISES
AND GIVING HEALTHIER LIFE STYLES.

I went to one of Dr. Ahmad's info sessions at Mather Hosp. in Port Jeff. He was very informative in his presentation and explained each option in great detail. After the info session there was a support group of his patient's in the same room...some of them were there early. They were glad to talk to us newbies, answer questions...one man even showed us his scars! All of them had good things to say about Dr. Ahmad.

I have my initial consult with him next week. Making the appointment was very easy and there was not a long wait to get an appointment. The person I spoke with to make the appointment (I think his wife) said that my insurance (empire bcbs hmo) has been very good about giving approval (amen!). She said from initial consult to surgery date figure 8-10 weeks. It seems like Dr. Ahmad wants a lot of pre-op tests done..which is fine by me. Also, you have to lose 10% of your weight before he will do surgery on you. That's kind of a bummer, but I see his point in having us do that.
I will post more after my initial consult.

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Had my initial consult and right away realized Dr. Ahmad would be my surgeon. He went over the whole operation in great detail, the pros and cons and what I should expect. He answered all my questions and made me feel very comfortable. He said I would need to drop 10% of my weight prior to surgery and he wanted to meet a family member who was living with me. He wanted to make sure they understood what I'd be going through and since they would be my primary care taker, wanted to let them know what to expect and make sure they understood the process too. After my consult I had to see a cardiologist, pulmonologist, get a pyshc. exam, get a sonogram of my gallbladder and have an endoscopy. Luckily I was able to get these various appointments relatively quickly. The hardest part was waiting for a date. I am still waiting to be confirmed for either 5/9 or 5/18. His office staff are very nice and working with his wife, Seema, is great. She is so nice and has a wonderful demeanor. My insurance approved right away (BC/BS HMO). Maybe because I had sleep apnea and a BMI of 52. I'm so glad it was quick because I have heard horror stories on the boards. Now I'm just waiting for my date. Oh...I'm going to Mather Hosp. in Port Jefferson. I've had nothing but great experiences there. Everyone who I have come in contact with has been so nice and friendly. The hosp. is very clean from what I've seen. They have a great sleep center too if you need to go for a sleep test. I will post again after I have the surgery.

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2 weeks post op! Went in on 5/9, Mather Hospital in Port Jeff. It was a breeze! I had an early operation, 8am. I don't remember much of the first day as I was out of it...slept much of that day. They had me walking in the afternoon though. You'll be soar but nothing so dreadful that you want to cry. Day two was better but I still was zombie like. By day 3 I was wide awake and ready to go. They like you to walk every couple of hours and really it's not so bad. Everyone at Mather was so nice and helpful. And the place is super clean. You'll be on a floor with other WLS patients so the nurses are very familiar with the surgery, the re-coop and even Dr. Ahmad. More than one nurse said he was a great doc and really cared about his patients. He came in every day to check on me. On day 3 you get some watered down apple juice...you'll be super thirsty and this will be a life saver! I went home on day 4. I was able to get in and out of bed, with some discomfort, but not too bad. Just dont try rolling over in bed...ouch! If you have a recliner it's best to sit in that otherwise prop yourself on the couch so you're laying out a bit. Keeping walking though. After 1 week I went back to work (I know...it's supposed to be 2 wks but I didn't have the time). I would recommend taking 2 wks to re-coop if you can. I'm not in much pain but sometimes sitting too long makes me sore...it would be great to recline if I could. I've lost 25lbs so far. I'm very happy with Dr. Ahmad, his staff and everyone at Mather Hospital. I wish you the best of luck and great wishes if you are pre-op!