Arizona Bariatric Surgery Dup Account Use S.C. Simon to notate Bariatric Center

I find Dr. Newhoff, now after the surgery, and the pain has subsided to be very attentive and he is a stern surgeon, which is good! He has instructions - just don't deviate from it! Or else! (Ha, Ha).

I have completely enjoyed his office staff - they are always emotionally level, and very kind. This is one of the most busiest doctor's office's I've known, but by walking in - you get the sense of peace and a well-organized system. There is a huge fish tank in the corner of the office, which is wonderful to look at.

I have a 6-week post-op visit scheduled for 02/20, and will be told I can eat food at that point. Without the online obesity support groups and the expansive messages on other sites to read, this would be a totally different experience. It is essentially to keep in touch somehow with someone else who is going through the same thing. Knowledge is power!

My surgery was done excellently- I have no complaints. The incision is healing nicely. Yes, it not a pretty site, but at this point, the weight loss is the thing - not the beauty. Time will heal this. I only wish I could have taken it upon myself to do this years earlier, but I probably was not in an emotional state to do so. I can't wait for reap the benefits of this! This is the kind of patience that is easy to handle...

My surgeon is Dr. Simons, he seems kind and helpful, he is very friendly and approachable. I have only met him once, my surgery was scheduled with him before we met.
His office staff is open and friendly, you will find no "attitudes" here!! I enjoyed everything about the man. Future patients should ask lots of questions, I came in with my little pad of notes all over it, he said "do you have any questions"? I pulled out my list and he smiled and said "good".
Aftercare is very structured and highly encouraged, they do stress how helpful it is.
Risks were discussed openly and appropriately. He explained specifics and what would be done and why. Information is a good thing, knowledge is power. Overall I would rate him Very Good. I was going to have the surgery elsewhere, but felt rushed and uninformed, as if I were just a paycheck for them, it was very impersonal, but here with Dr. Simons/Neuhoff, I feel better, more informed and most importantly in good hands.

After reading what others think about Dr. Newhoff, I was ready for the worst, which included a non-personable, non- caring, and matter of fact kind of guy, without a sense of humor. However, after five minutes with the guy, all of that changed. He is sincere, caring, kind, and last but not least he had a great sense of humor. He explained how the surger will go, what to expect after surgery, and what to expect in the months and years to come. I'll have to be honest about the office environment. I was as giddy as a teenager on my first date from the time I walked into the office. The chairs were big, so I didn't feel embarressed and uncomfortable to sit down. The other people were big and could relate to me, and I finally felt as though this whole thing was real. The entire waiting room started to converse about things they have heard, or done (if post-op). One lady was pre-op by one day, and could tell us "newbies," what to expect with insurance and what-not. There was a man there who had lost over 200 lbs, and talked about his experiences. The entire time in the front office, waiting for the consult, was so cool and informing, almost as though it was planned. Dr. Newhoff emphasizes, aftercare to the point of having a policy of never charging for follow-up appts. and he wants his patients to come in yearly for as long as they live. He explained every risk there is and gave "his" percentage of them occuring. He is very protective of his patient's digestive systems post-operativly to the point that he expresses whole-heartedly not to allow any one to do any thing to it, invasive or not, until they take a minute to speak to him first. This empressed me a lot. I would rate him a 10 out of 10.

I actually met his partner, Dr. Simon, whom I liked a great deal. However, Dr. Simon is out of network for my insurance, Dr. Newhoff is in net-work - a substantial savings! I love the office staff. They were upbeat, helpful and friendly. There is a big emphasis on aftercare. In fact, I was told that follow-up visits were actually free to encourage good follow-up care. I'll update more about Dr. Newhoff, but he was referred to me by several people in my area. They loved him.

My first impression of Dr. Newhoff, was that he a very straight foward doctor. He doesn't sugar coat anything
I met him for the second time last Friday(May 10th). He is still very straight foward, which I think is a great trait to have. I think that I am very lucky to have him as my surgeon.
His office staff is great, they are always very nice. Very helpful.

My surgeon will either be Dr. Newhoff or his new partner, Dr. Simon (God and insurance co. willing!). Both seem very competent, and the office staff was very helpful and compassionate.
I had read before that Dr. Newhoff's beside manner is sort of lacking, and even pre-surgery I can see why people feel that way. From the beginning of the info seminar, Dr. Newhoff makes it very clear that he's not in it for the hand-holding, but to make sure people are well informed about surgery, the requirements for sucess in losing weight (both pre- and post-op), and the risks involved. Dr. Simon seems a little more patient-compassionate, but is also like his partner in his no-nonsense attitude about the surgery. If you're a person who wants total sympathy and hand-holding during this process, honestly, these doctors may not be for you.
But I walked away from the seminar feeling that they gave me all possible facts, and that they were very much about having people make informed choices about surgery, and being happy and healthy for years after the surgery was done. They even encourage their patients to call with questions, and come in from time to time so they can make sure everything post-op is going smoothly. While I like the idea of a supportive bedside manner, I'd prefer to have these seemingly competent doctors, and would just plan to get the extra support from my family.
The office's aftercare consists of support meetings as well as the post-op visits, which to my understanding were free of charge--definitely a bonus.

I finally got the chance to meet Dr. Newhoff at my consultation on 7/9/02 and all I can say is... WOW!!! His office staff was most helpful in coordinating my paperwork and answering my preliminary questions before the consultation. I had previously called the office a few times during 'normal business hours,' only to reach the answering service which was somewhat frustrating. I later found out this was due to Dr. Newhoff being on vacation. I was a little nervous beforehand, but he was such a fantastic man and helped put me at ease right away. He is very straightforward, and extremely to the point. He certainly doesn't pull any punches, which is just the kind of structure and motivation I need in guiding me through this procedure. I don't need another 'buddy', I need someone willing to help me in the fight for my life. He is extremely supportive of me as a human being (not just an obese person), and very adamant about following his after-care instructions. Considering the fact that he's been performing this procedure for 25 years and given his reputation, I'd say he knows his stuff and I'm fairly certain I can take his word as gospel on WLS. I certainly have no qualms about delivering myself into his seemingly competent hands for my surgery. The rest... well, that's up to God. :o)

UPDATE as of 11/14/02: For awhile I was considering the Lap RNY with Dr. Simon, but have settled on the Open RNY with Dr. Newhoff. My advice to anyone dealing with the office staff, be persistent. I've had an extremely difficult time getting in touch with Cindy (the Office Manager) and whenever I talk to anyone else in the office they refuse to give me their name. I've left several messages for Cindy in the past, and have never received a call back. The two times I've been fortunate enough to speak with her, the receptionist has gotten her and connected our call. Perhaps going in face-to-face would have been better? I don't know, but whatever you do, be insistent. And make sure you document all the times you talk with somebody and take down everything they tell you. It's almost a given that when I call I'm immediately placed on hold, but when I'm actually able to speak with someone they've always been friendly and cheerful.

UPDATE: 11/11/02:
I had my surgery 10/28 and everything went well. Dr. Newhoff is very professional, and tells it like it is. He is very concerned for his patients, and insists that they follow his instructions to the letter for best results. His manner is very matter of fact. I would not have had any other surgeon perform this procedure. I am very happy with the results, and trust him totally.
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3/02: I have not had a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Newhoff yet, I'm waiting for my surgery date to be set. I have seen and heard him speak twice so far. Once in a group seminar that he hosts, and once during my first "group" consultation at his office with 9 other people in attendance.
My first impression of this doctor was very positive. My fiance attended the seminar with me and he felt the same way. Dr. Newhoff really cares about his patients, and he's very knowledable on WLS. He only does this type of surgery and trauma surgery. I feel I've made a very good choice, and feel confident that all will go well. He insists that you follow all his guidelines, or he will not do surgery on you. He lays it all out on the line for his patients, and will answer any questions you have directly and to the point.. no beating around the bush.
I found him to be very humorous, but VERY professional. I've been told that his bed side manor is not the greatest, but can deal with that when the time comes. I'd rather have a great surgeon than a "good buddy". After all my LIFE will be in his hands, and I'm willing to do whatever he says.
I'll update this posting after my surgery to let you all know what I think of his bedside manor, but everyone is different, and I know I will make the best of it.

Dr Simon has recently joined Dr Newhoff in Phx Az. My DH and I met with him and dicussed Lap RNY. He was very professional and helpful in answering all questions for before and after care. I feel quite comfortable in placing myself in his care.

Dr. Juarez is wonderful, very kind and concerned.
his staff on the other hand SUX!!!!
It has been 2 months since my first appointment..
lots of lies and empty promises from Betty..
I think Dr. Juarez needs to read these posts and see how his staff really is.
I realize that they have alot of unhappy overweight people who want
this surgery RIGHT now but don't they know we call our insurance companies to check on things?
sometimes I think this Betty lady thinks were dumb little kids..

Finally after 2 monthes Betty finally called me and told me she needs a pchyc evaluation..
so I did it, wow, that was strange..
so now I wait again... lets see how long this time..
Good luck to all of you who try to go through this.
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I am now trying for the 3rd time with Dr. Newhoff....I am praying.