Novant Carolina Surgical Charlotte Bariatric Center

I have only met Dr. Melkonian once but I got a great feeling of assurance that he knows what he is doing. I have read several comments that hes not warm and fuzzy etc. however my opinion is different I feel as if he has a true compassion. I liked him, his knowledge and bedside manner. All of his staff seem to be personable and curteous. I have always gotten a return call or prompt answer.SO FAR SO GOOD> I will update you guys after my surgery okay ? (with more details)

9-16-03
This is the day that I met with Dr. Melkonian...
First as I checked in, the ladies up front greeted me and asked me to sign in, they were in the process of training a new lady, and this is important because, some of the ladies that work there(and I wont name any names) need to re-evaluate what they do for a living and if you dont like your job, PLEASE for the sake of all the pt's in that office, find another job!!! We need someone there with kindness, understanding, and compassion.
Anyways...the teo ladies that were there, were VERY kind and very helpful..this was at the Matthews office...
I had a little bit of a wait...but as I waited in the reception area, I was able to gather my thoughts on what I wanted to ask the doctor when i met him. my appt was @2:00, I didnt get taken back until like 2:30...the Dr. Melkonian came in around 2:35 I introduced myself and he introduced his=self. He went through the process, we went through all my papers (and I had EVERYTHING) he was very impressed. As I was with him...I am glad he will be my surgeon, he is very confident, and full of knowledge. Now is the waiting part, for the most waiting, it will be waiting on the ladies to dictate what Dr. M and I discussed in our room and then mail off all that and my insurace requirments and I was told that in itself takes 2 months...then they give insurance 3-6 months for an approval. I cant believe its gonna take that long...geeeeezzz all in all though, if I get an approval..its worth it.. I will try to keep you all posted...

So funny, the first surgeon I called, the one here in Charlotte that was recommended to me, the one I thought I couldn't afford...? He is now my surgeon, or at least I pray to God he will be my surgeon. I misunderstood or something the upfront financial requirements so I moved on to another doc instead of Dr. Melkonian...but my journey lead me back to where I started, must have been meant to be! I can't wait until the 26th of Sept.!

9/17/03 Well, all my paperwork is done...and then some! 9 days until my appt. with Dr. Melkonian. I have been so impressed with Dr. Melkonian from the seminar and support group meeting. You know, he's not getting paid to stay late for these things and he has a new wife to go home to. He truly cares about what he is doing, and he really believes in what he is doing. He is very confident, but not cocky with a "I am God" ego. I've heard people say he isn't very warm and fuzzy, but I gotta tell you, I don't want him to be my best friend, I want him to be my best surgeon. I have not had direct contact with him yet, but his interaction with current and passed patients does seem personable, genuine, and sincere.

I was pleased with th caring way that the staff handled my initial call to make my appt with Dr Melkonian. When I arrived, the receptionist was very pleasent and answered all my questions regarding the paperwork.

When I finally met with Dr M he was very professional and thorough in describing the pros and cons of the different types of surgery and explained why he prefers to do only the rny. Dr M also gave some statistics regarding his patients without my even having to ask! He told me that none of his patients have died and that only 2 have had complications following surgery that required additional time in the hospital.

Dr. M emphasized that aftercare was very important and he gave me information about the support group set up by Angie, a former patient.

The only part of my visit that I wasn't happy with is learning that some patients get a packet before the appt so that they can go ahead and have paperwork ready. However since I lucked out (someone else cancelled)I got my appointment 10 days from the day I called, so I guess they thought I wouldn't have time to get everything together.

I would whole heartedly recommend Dr M to anyone seeking RNY.

outstanding surgeon, I would refer anyone to him.
Office staff: very helpful

My Surgery Consult is 2/20/03 with Dr. Melkonian...Dr. Melkonian is a very nice, helpful and informative Doctor. I feel he really listened to how I felt about things, and he put me at ease as soon as we met. We also discussed his past operations and I have confidence in him and look forward to being his patient.

<p align="left">Dr. M. was GREAT. He was upfront regarding possible complicatins as a result of the surgery. He was very professional. I was really impressed with themaner in whiich he discussed all aspects of the surgery. My mon was with me for the consuklt and gave rave reviews to my other family members about Dr. M. The office staff were also professional and warm. I rate Dr. M ands his staff a 10 plus.

My First impression of him was much like the rest of his patients "Man is he BLUNT!" But the bluntness gave me comfort because I know if something happens in the O.R. or my family has questions for him, he isn't going to beat around the bush, he is going to give it to them straight without causing any more stress than need be. The office staff is great, more than willing to help me with my insurance questions and very capable of getting it right the first time.

Aftercare was a huge issue with him, he wanted me to know that the surgery was only giving me a tool and the real work was up to me. He made sure I knew everything that could go wrong without the proper aftercare and followups. THe aftercare program offered there seems a little less structured than others I have researched but, I haven't met with everyone yet so I will have to come back and let everyone know more about that.

He addressed the risks of surgery very bluntly, easily understood, and without any sugarcoating what-so-ever. He gave me a list of websites, television programs, books and other resorces for me to research before moving ahead with the surgery. He advised that I look at both the good and the bad. He didn't pressure me into the surgery and he didn't try to talk me out of it. The decision was up to me and me alone.

I prefer surgical competence of course to bedside manner. This is someone whom I'm placing my life in their hands, small talk isn't my issue on the operating table.

I had my consultation with Dr. Melkonian today, (Friday 1/10/03). I felt so comfortble. He was very to the point and factual no fluff! Yet, he was very kind. His staff is absolutely WONDERFUL! A pet peeve of mine is to have an appointment at a certain time and you wind up waiting for 30 minutes to an hour before anyone actually sees you. Not so with Dr. M's office, everything went exactly as schedule. I am so impressed!!! He told me about the support group and recommended I attend a meeting as well he referred me to this site, which I have already utilized. Now I pray the insurance process goes equally as smooth.

Dr. M. is very thorough and let's you know what you are going to go through and what the risks are. He does not beat around the bushes about that. So far his staff has been ok, nothing to brag about, but also nothing horrible to say. He has attended all support group meetings that I have been to and since he's not paid to be there I think this shows a lot of how dedicated he is to his patients.