Boston Medical Center Bariatric Center

OK, my first impression of Dr. Hess was that he was a very soft spoken man. That was very soothing and he was easy to talk to. He was not the physician that I began with and I didn't know what to expect but he was just as assuring as Dr. Forse and just as personal. He also made me feel like he was talking to me. Over time, I became much more confident about my surgery because I became much more confident about him. His office staff was excellent. The clinic was not new to me because I had been there for nutrition and weight loss years before so I know some of the people. His personal staff, his nurse, secretary, etc. were very accommondating and friendly and they made it easy to laugh when I came in. Which was great because I was getting very nervous towards the end. When I was waiting for my approval his staff didn't act impatient when I called and were very assuring and helpful. They seemed to do things in a timely manner so that there was not a lot of waiting. I really can't say that there was anything I didn't like about Dr. Hess. If you are considering being a patient I think it is very important that you be honest. Don't be afraid that he will turn you down he is really fair. I will admit I liked to drink and he could have made me wait a whole year before doing my surgery but he asked me to stop for 3 months and even though it was not easy I did. He did the surgery about 2 and a half months after our discussion and I felt much safer because he knew all about my past and just what to expect and follow up on. So always be brutally honest with your doctor. This is not a situation where you don't want the person taking a knife to you to know everything about your body. As far as aftercare, don't expect to get away with anything. He doesn't allow shortcuts and neither does his staff. They know it's hard at first but they also know what's best. I am in my 5th week and they have not altered from the program no matter how much I moaned and groaned about my diet. I think that is why I feel so good now. I have only had one episode of dumping and I did that because I didn't listen and put salt (which is not powdered seasoning) on my eggs. It was not a good experience. If you listen you won't dump. Even something that your stomach does not like won't make you dump if you just take very small portions and wait before taking more. At least that's my experience. I would feel some pain and nausea but I did not dump. I was taking water aerobics and as much as I would like to get back in the water they just won't allow it. Although I feel much better and I am all healed on the outside his nurse won't give me permission to do even that much stomach exercise "I mean water aerobics" until at least 10 weeks out. They don't take chances. I have been allowed to do the arthritis water class though. Although I can't do the hoola with them (ha..ha).

I first met with his collegue, and how kind and caring he was. Then in came Dr. Hess, he has such a wonderful outlook on everything. Could put even the most nervous person at ease. Very knid, soft spoken, and informative. I now know that I have the right surgeon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. Hess rocks my socks. He is SO cool, and so understanding and has a great sense of humor. He was very careful to explain everything to me in terminology that I could easily understand. He invited my questions, and cleared up a lot of things that I was pretty sure that I knew, but wasn't *that* sure.

After surgery, I got the most wonderful visits from him. His bedside manner is fabulous, and he stopped by to just chat or say hi a couple of times, in addition to his rounds. :) He's fabulous. FABULOUS.

Aftercare has been difficult because of scheduling problems, but Dr. Hess straightened that all up immediately upon finding out the problems.

I cannot say enough good things about this man...besides just being "good people", this Doctor saved my life. He is kind and giving, funny and friendly, compassionate and caring.

Everybody should have a Dr. Hess in their life. I luv me my doctor.

Dr. Hess is a very kind and thorough doctor in my opinion. He knows his stuff! I have only grown to appreciate what he does for us more and more every day - he truly is a life saver! His office staff is great as well - Maria in his office goes well above and beyond what her normal duties are I am sure of it. There is nothing I don't like about him. Heck, he even took me an hour early for my last appointment - how many doctors do that? ;-) Dr. Hess is very intelligent yet also has a sense of humor and knows how to calm any nerves you may have. When you ask him a question he will answer you and not sugar coat it. Plus he REMEMBERS you! He remembers all of his patients so well it is scary at times. His aftercare program is top notch, and if you ever need to see him or someone on his staff of interns, you will get in no problem. He did advise of the risks of the surgery, but also the risks of NOT having the surgery. Overall I would rate him a 20 out of 1 to 10. He has incredible surgical competence, bedaside manner, and stamina - my gawd - he will do two operations and still make rounds and stop and talk with every singl patient of his in the hospital - he is a walking miracle man! ;-)

WHEN I FIRST DECIDED TO HAVE THE SURGURY I WAS TERRIFIED. WHEN I MET DR. HESS HE MADE ME FEEL SO CALM. WHEN I LEFT THE OFFICE I WAS EXITED.
NONE WHAT SO EVER. HE IS WONDERFUL.
MARIA, IS ON TOP OF EVERYTHING AND SO NICE,AND SHE WILL HELP WITH ANY PROBLEMS YOU HAVE.
THERE WAS NOTHING NOT TO LIKE.
HDR. HESS WILL NOT RUSH YOU,OR TREAT YOU LIKE A NUMBER.
CONSTANTLY.


YES.
HE EXPLAINS THE RISK,AND ABOUT YOUR OWN HEALTH PROBLEMS AND THEIR RISKS.

ON A SCALE OF 1-10 ABSOLUTELY A 10.

BOTH GREAT

He seemed very friendly and concerned, enthusiastic about doing my surgery and the life changes that would result. His office staff has been very friendly and helpful, though at times things seemed a bit disorganized (but easily cleared up and always handled promptly). He talked a lot about the importance of the support groups and really making the necessary changes. So far I am really pleased with him and the care I've gotten.

Dr.Hess was very friendly and understanding. Now that im Post Op...i find him that much better if at all possible. He is willing to answer any and all questions or concerns. I only wish that he was more available where he is in his office only on fridays. as for new patients go, he is there for YOU and will to help you in anyway or form. From the begining he talks to you about the after care and what to expect. After surgery you will see a dietition. In the begining he WILL inform you of any and all risks as there are in all surgeries. If i had to rate him..i would give him a 91/2 out of 10. I think his surgical competence and bedside manner is great..i cant complain at all...

I have only had one meeting with Dr. Hess and will see him again on 10/01/04. My first impression of him is that he is a very caring doctor and would go the extra mile for you. The woman I have been dealing with at his office is always upbeat and willing to answer any questions I had. She never rushed me off the phone. I haven't had the surgery yet, but I know there will be an aftercare program. I was told the appointments would be made before leaving the hospital. I would rate Dr. Hess A-1 due to listening to others comments at the support group meetings I attended.

He was very pleasant, direct, encouraging. As I speak with more people who have had him as a surgeon and speak with his coworkers I am finding that he is a wonderful man very invested in the care of his patients. I am sure I will like even more each time I meet with him.

His office staff is very polite and helpful despite being very busy!

I have not found anything I don't like about him!

I gather he is very busy and about to become even busier as the chief surgeon for bariatic surgery leaves the hospital and he takes over. Probably well worth the wait for any visit with him!

Have not discussed aftercare much, yet, however he was very forthright about surgery being a tool and the process being a lifestyle change requiring committment.

From my one visit and what others say about him I would give him an A! For example, a WLS support group from another hospital held a fashion show a few months ago on a Sunday afternoon. Several of his patients were attending and I think in the fashion show and he attended, too! Imagine, a surgeon giving up a Sunday afternoon to support his patients!

I haven't experienced much of his bedside manner yet, but I know his surgical expertise is great and I am sure he balances both very well.

He was great, liked him from the start

like him even better,he is so kind and nice

everyone is wonderful, especially Jared

N/A

Not intimidating at all,very easy to talk to



very much so, with much staff willing to help
explained them but also show % of how unlikely
He is a 10++++++++

of course you want surgical competence,but I also know he is very caring and compassionate too.