California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates Bariatric Center
Dr. Lamar was so warm and caring. He took the time to make me feel safe, and comfortable. He spent time looking at my ankles, and other problem areas. The staff was wonderful. I was nerous and they did everything they could to calm me down. At first I was a little afarid of the good doctor. He looks intimidating, but he is not! I was given two books about after care, and diet and the surgery itself. Overall I rate him a 8 1/2, I will write more later!
i first saw Dr. Pehrsson at the huntington memorial hospital for a seminar.He was very informitive and knowledgable. They had some people there who he had performed his services for and they were walking proof for me.After about a month I was scheduled for a consultation. Since his office is over an hour away I was very early to the appt. The staff was very nice and I felt comfortable evn though I was nervous. The dr. saw me at my scheduled time and he was very nice he explained things to me and asked about my family and told me the risks. I didnt have alot of questions because i had researched the surgery, but I did have questions for his nurse, Nicole. I saw her after the Dr. and asked her some pretty personal questions because she too had, had the surgey in 1999 (I think she said)by Dr. Pehrsson.And because she was in my age group and had just had a baby I had lots of questions for her. She took her time with me, didnt rush me and I believe she answered my questions as honestly as possible. overall I would give Dr. Pehrsson and his staff a 10!
My first impression is that he is so tall!!! but kinda quiet, so I walked up to him and introduced myself. He answered my questions, professional, thoroughly and with respect and yes, compassion.
I would recommend him highly to anyone interested in laparoscopic surgery. Since i am only one week post-op I haven't much experience with his empasize with aftercare. But the staff is very supportive.
His group has a structured support group that I will go to when I can drive out of town. Since no one in town provided the surgery laparascopically, I had to go to Pasadena which is about 40 miles away...to far for a regular support group.
My first impression was that he really wanted to help. I am still very impressed with him and his staff. One of his staff has actually had the surgery and just had a baby. By the way, she looks great. He is very honest. He tells you all the risks, but you aren't scared out of your mind. He is very upfront about everything. He is superbly qualified and has a wonderful bedside manner. This was my experience, and my opinion only. You will ultimately have to make up your own mind. Like they say he may not be your cup of tea.
When I first met Dr. LaMar I liked him. He took his time with me, answered any questions I had (I brought a list)and in fact, spoke of all the things I was questioning without me having to bring it up. He did explain there is a risk of death and told me of two incidences where someone died. One person was Schizophrenic and because his insurance did not require a psych eval they did not know. The day he came home from the hospital he guzzled a lot of water and burst his pouch which killed him. The other person developed a pulmonary embolism (this is what scares me) and died. Once he was done speaking with me I then had a consultation with Nicole, the patient coordinator, who went over the aftercare program. She explained the diet that would be followed after surgery. Pure clear liquids and protein drinks the first two weeks, then soft liquids, etceteras. She explained she would mail a letter to me at the beginning of each phase of the meal plan to remind me to modify my diet. I thought that was pretty cool. It meant to me that they were following my progress. Overall, the whole process was very professional and comforting in the fact they gave me the impression they knew exactly what they were doing and how to do it. I would definitely refer Dr. LaMar to anyone who was looking for a surgeon. My friend (whom I met here at Obesityhelp.com) spoke with the radiologist at the hospital who told her Dr. LaMar's team of surgeons is hand selected from a very large group of surgeons applying to be part of the team. Only a select few are chosen.
I actually met the four surgeons in his group at a seminar at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, CA. I was very impressed by all the doctors and am even more impressed by all the care and concern shown to me by Dr. LaMar. The staff is absolutely the best and extremely helpful. They have been great regarding aftercare. I received a letter this week reminding me of what foods I can add to my "menues". All the risks of surgery were addressed at the seminar and included a video of the surgery itself. I would rate him very highly and would readily recommend him for this surgery. I would have to assume his surgical competence is great since I haven't had any problems and his bedside manner is caring and concerned so I guess I would have to rate him as GREAT!
Dr. LaMar and his staff went out of their way to make me comfortable. I had insurance approval one week after my consultation. They have a very structured after care program, a very strict diet which I have actually followed with no problem. The day of the surgery I was very nervous, after a visit from him I was so much more at ease. He was a very comforting dr, and the staff at the hospital was incredible! Overall, I would highly recommend him to everyone!
I was referred to Dr LaMar through my Hmo Blue Cross of Calif.
I met Dr LaMar Last Weds 4/4 at a education seminar conducted by his associates.
I introduced my self to Dr LaMar and told him i have an appointment with him on Weds 4/11. ( thats this week). He seemed very nice and supportive.
I met Nicole part of Dr LaMars staff. She had the surgery 2 years ago and is now 5 months pregnant. She looks beautiful!
I look forward with excitement and anticipation for my scheduled appointment this Weds 4/11.
I feel very confident about Dr Lamar and his asscociates. When preforming the surgery they work as a team, ensuring every detail is taken care of.
I will keep you posted on the after, once I have my appointment.
I think the Dr LaMar team is excellent!
4/21- I got my approval this past weds on 4/18. It took excatly one week for the approval. Dr LaMar and his team is educated and kniws excatly what is needed to get the approval. I can't believe it only took 1 week for the approval.
The next step is to have a psychological evaluation. I should have that referral in a week. Once i have the evaluation my date will be scheduled. I am so excited !