Atrium Health Bariatric Center

So far my whole experience with Dr. Gersin and his office has been wonderful! I am so glad I chose him and alothough I have not had my surgery yet, I have absolute complete faith and trust in him!

Dr. Bauman was recommended to me by a co-worker. I went to a seminar and at first was taken a back. His presentation was not a sales job for a surgery, instead the simple facts and the results he had seen. Dr. B made me understand that this was tool that he could give me but it was both of our jobs to make it work. I attended multiple seminars from different surgeons and most of them were a sales job. I was and am still impressed that Dr B simply gave the facts and dispelled other mythes.
As others have said Dr B is very no nonsense and isn't all warm and fuzzy but , in my experience it has been what I need. The day of surgery I was on a scale to make sure I kept my end of the bargin up to loose weight pre-op. What I love about Dr B is that he has put together a very well rounded practice... the nutritionist is right there in his office, he has product available for you to purchase should you choose and the staff has bent over backwards to help and kept me in the loop every step of the way during my pre-op, insurance approval and any question I have had since then. The most amazing thing I can tell you about Dr Bauman is he truely has my best interest at heart. I went in with my mind set on one surgery and even had it scheduled and Dr Bauman sat down with me and explained the sleeve to me and why he felt it would be better for me based on my past weight loss attempts. Looking back Dr B saved my life and has given me my health back!

My first Impression is that Dr Bauman is strict, But also very good at what he does.. I am not nervous at all about him bieng my surgeon because I know that I am in good hands. The staff is very nice and helpful, If you go in the office don't bring your sweet tea ( he stood on the table and said "Stop drinking sweet tea, it's killing you" It was actually pretty funny. I mentioned my lengthy family history of blood clots and he is sending me to a hematologist. I am without a doubt pleased with my decision to choose Dr Bauman.

My surgeon will be Dr. Tim Kuwada at Carolinas Weight mangement in charlotte, NC. I've only met with him once, and it was very informative and he was very positive and encouraging. The staff at the facility were all very professional and patient. Dr. Kuwada and his staff took the time to go over the benefits and risk of each surgery and let me decide what I thought was best for me with their professional input. There is a structured after care program with group meetings as well.

I have been very pleased with the process thus far. Surprisingly, it has been very fast! I was set to endure a 3-6 month process from my initial consultation to the approval process. Instead it took only 20 days! Unbelievable!

I was blessed with being able to schedule each test and evaluation in just a couple of days. My primary faxed in my weight documentation immediately and the information was sent to the insurance company. Two days later, I received that joyous phone call that I was approved for the gastric bypass!

I'll update this post from time to time during the process to see if my opinions of the group and experience with them changes. I'll reserve my rating of them until later as well.

J. Hill

06.21.10
I'm about 10 months post-op from RNY and 120 lbs less of me! I couldn't be more thrilled with my progress. I chose an excellent surgeon and facility with Dr. Kuwada and Carolinas Weight Management. This facility has been very responsive to my needs and concerns. I have visited the facility for my regular check-ups and have been pleased. The last appointment I had for my 6 month checkup however, I had to wait several hours before I was seen. It seems as if everyone in the reception area had the same appointment time. It was frustrating learning that we all had been overbooked for the same time, and patience was growing slim, including mine. Besides that, I have no major complaints.

J. Hill

Dr. Gersin is an excellent surgeon and very competent. I was originally approved for Lap Band surgery, but developed diverticulitis twice in 2 months. Dr. Gersin explained why the Lap Band would be a poor option moving forward. So I decided to have the gastric sleeve. I really did not want something so invasive because I am a nurse and know all the potential risks. I went ahead with the surgery and could not be happier. Everything went perfectly and I have had very few problems since surgery. My only complaint is I have yet to see Dr. Gersin since I left the hospital. I always see his PA or NP at follow up appointments, but as I mentioned I've had no problems following surgery.

His office staff is wonderful and all of the pre-approval tests and consultations can be done in the office so you are not running all over town. They are also there for support if you are having problems. The nutritionists and exercise therapists are readily available if you have any questions.

My husband is getting approved for weight loss surgery and I will definately have him use Carolinas Weight Loss and Wellness Center.

My surgeon to be will be Dr. Timothy Kuwada from Carolinas Weight Management in Charlotte, NC. My initial impression of him was that I thought he would be taller. LOL Not that it mattered but that's what stuck out, no reason, it just did. He was very quiet but listened to me and asked if I had any questions. I like him because he was referred to me by my church sisters who had him for their WLSs and since I work for the hospital, I was familiar with his name and what he did and said I'd choose him if I ever went this route, so I did. The office and staff are exceptional. I am really, really impressed with the setup there at the office, one-stop weight management. Everyone seems so professional. The dietician should smile more and be more personable but she taught me a lot. Overall, I would rate CWM a 10+ for having it all together, as far as I know. I have yet to have surgery but I'd feel confident doing so with this office.

I liked Dr Kuwada as soon as I met him at an information session. He's intelligent, articulate and focused on a positive outcome. My opinion hasn't changed since having surgery. He's still the one and only choice for me for WLS !rn Probably the most surprising thing for me thus far was the call I got on a Sunday nite (the nite before surgery) from Dr K asking if I had any questions or concerns or anything at all that I wanted to talk about before the surgery. He indicated hern had as much time as I needed to talk. (little did he know my mind was 200% made up so I didnt have any questions) but just getting the call reassured me that his concern was for me and not just ticking off a number on his surgical calendar. He wanted to be sure that I was still sure this is what I wanted and that he put any fears to rest that I might have before the BIG DAY !rn Not much else to say but GREAT Doctor. rn

dr. bauman is the greatest. I think he is one of the best on this side of the country.When we first met I didnt really think that much of him but I heard he was a reputable surgeon. So I hung in there and his staff were really nice. They do take care of everything as far as the insurance company is concerned. I didnt have to do a thing. Also they are really taking good care of me since the aurgery and really want you to succeed. Overall I feel blessed to have had dr.Roc to have performed my surgeey. If you can get dr.Bauman you will not be disappointed.

I am post op 3 years as of yesterday, 11/29/09...I lead the Gastric Bypass Support Group at CMC-union in Monroe and after meeting and getting to know others over the last 3 years who have had the smae surgery from Dr. Bauman and others, I can unequivocally say he is the only surgeon I would go to!rnrnPeople who have surgery with others in the Charlotte area, aren't required to attend monthly nutritionist visits for the first year, they come to the meetings at 2 weeks post op and say, I can eat soft foods!\" They don't know what foods to eat. Dr. Bauman and his nutritionist, Diane Stout, give you a list of foods and instruct you how to measure them and eat the right amount of proteins and healthy carbs. rn rnThis is exactly what obese people need, we have to learn a new way of eating healhty so that we won't go back to our unhealhty eating habits from before surgery. rnAnyone who is post op 1 year can tell you that you can pretty much eat what you want, it you haven't learned the proper way to eat and the proper foods to eat while the restriction is at it's best, immediately post up, you are setting yourself up for failure.rnrnAdditionally, Dr. Bauman is always available, if you experience any concerns, complications, or probelms, even a couple of years out, he is avaiable to see you and guide you to a solution to your problem. I still see him each year around my anniversary just to make sure everything is still going well and there are no new updates I might need, the goal was to get healthy, not just to lose weight.rnrnHe and his staff are always very considerate and helpful in any and all situations whether they pertain to surgery or it ends up being something that needs to be seen by another physician.rnrnSeveral in our group have had complaints about thier physicans and their office staff...complaints from not getting lab results to a complete lack of compassion and concern when problems have arisen after surgery. rnrnAlthough he is very direct and to the point, which some people don't care for, I appreciate his honesty and not mincing of words. rnrnAs a member of the health care field, I can attest to Dr. Bauman's excellent success rates and low infection and compilcation rates. He is superb!rnrnI can't say enough about him and his staff, he truly has a desire to help us achieve long term success. He has helped to facilitate my \"new lease on life\" and words can't express how grateful I am to him and his staff for helping me to achieve my goals...as he reminded me from the beginning, weightloss surgery is a \"tool\" it goes \"hand-in-hand\" with my deterination and abiltiy to change my former habits.rnrnKaren Carpenterrn

Dr. Gersin was wonderful- as was his fellow- who really was with me throughout the surgery and procedures. He was very thorough...and considerate.rnrnMercy hospital staff was also awesome.... rnrnthey also sell good food in the office.. which is very helpful. rnrnAlso- a very comprehensive program.rn