Charles D. Callery M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center
My first impression of Dr. Callery was a good one. He was serious and full of knowledge. I trusted him. He was a bit clinical, often speaking in a language I did not understand, but when asked for clarification, he made sure I understood everything that was going on.
My impression of him did change over time. I realized that he's a human being and very funny. I also trusted him more and more every visit.
Dr. Callery's office staff is effecient and helpful. But, I did notice that I needed to follow up on my file with them. They did not call me to inform me that any of my "test results" were missing, etc. I had to call them to find out. When I did, I made sure they were faxed over the results and they sent my file to dictation immediately.
There is nothing that I dislike about Dr. Callery.
Future patients should know that they can trust Dr. Callery. They should also know to be persistant with getting their file complete and not leaving it up to the office staff.
Dr. Callery offers excellent support groups, both pre-op and post op.
His staff also holds nutritional meetings, and yes, they are very strict about your aftercare program.
The staff makes a serious effort to disclose all possible risks of this surgery. You will be properly informed prior to making this decision.
I would give Dr. Callery FIVE stars!
One of the things I will always remember about Dr. Callery is that his bedside manner was EXCELLENT. I never imagined my surgeon coming to see me every morning and every night. He sat on the end of my bed and held my hand. I felt very safe with him and very cared for.
The above statements were descriptions of my own personal impressions and of my own personal experiences. I am making no statements about what other people may have experienced.
I work at a hospital that has been very big into the bariatric surgury, but our surgeon does not take insurance and I was refered to Dr Callery. I found some of his office staff to be abit abrupt and short on basic office manners, but the approval process went quickly and smoothly. I guess they make up in effiency what they lack in charm. There were a number of manditory meetings to go to, all of which were very informative. When I had been approved and my pre-op scheduled, I found Dr. Callery to be both very professional and at the same time comforting. He made it clear that he was not trying to push the medical envelope and would do the procedure he felt was best for me. His Nurse Practionar conducts a lot of the classes and does the initial intake. Kelly has a great sense oh humour and a very no nonsense attitude that leaves you in no doubt of what you can expect post-op and also what they expect of you. I would reccomend this office to any one.
Dr. Callery is the physician chosen by my PCP I have gone to the seminar for his affliation I have not met his yet. I have spoken with his office staff. They are so far very friendly and responsive to my questions. I have heard from alot of people including other bariatric physicians that he is one of the best. I am looking forward to meeting him soon. I have gone to the required seminar and met his partner Dr. Potts very pleasant man. I know I will be very happy to meet with Dr. Callery I hear he is one of the best in Southern California. The doctors say that not just the patients.
November 4, 2003
I went to the consultation today, his office staff is outstanding. All of them are very friendly and Kelly the R.N.is very empathetic . They are competent and understanding towards obese people.
February 17,2004
Finally I have had the opportunity to meet Dr. Callery, he is so cool and smooth. He knows exactly what he is doing. He is very mild mannered. It was actually an honor for me to meet him , because he has such a great reputation around the country that I am glad he is doing my surgery.
March 6, 2004
I am now 2 weeks post op. I have not had any negative to say about my surgeon. He is the best. He is mild mannered he was right htere by my side when I needed him. and also Kelly his nurse.She is no lie she doesnt' take any crap that is why I like her. During my surgery I felt confident in their ability to get me through and that's exactly what they did. He addressed the risks wiht my quesitons and he had no problme answering my questions.
2 yrs. postop: 2-29-04
Dr. Callery's ongoing support groups (in person and online at thinnertimes.com) have helped me immensely. He really cares about the long term success of his patients. I have great respect for him.
Immediately postop opinion:
kind, caring, serious,
pleasant, really cares about his patients...
supportive staff.. excellent nurse practitioner, Kelly, who works as his partner... she provides most of the pre & postop office visits...
both have serious, but kind personalities..
excellent surgeon...very competant...
.. very involved with aftercare...
has a great aftercare support system which includes a psychologist & dietician along with he and his nurse practioner...
discusses risks extensively...
excellent surgeon...
7-20-02 Update...I have been very satisfied with the ongoing Postop care & support of Dr. Callery and his staff.
1-1-02 Dr. Callery is a fabulous surgeon and offers great post operative long term support.
Dr Callery wasvery funny and I felt comfortable with him right away very "what you see is what you get" I knew I was in good hands. His office is very busy but I was patient and everything was handled effeciently and thoroughly. The staff could be a little friendlier but he is very very busy and I know they deal with alot of people. Kelly the PA is awesome, sweet, caring and always there for you. Overall awesome experience, skilled surgeon and I would highly reccomend. Thank you Dr. Callery!!!
Dr. Callery is a pleasant, kind man. He is very knowledgeable and makes you feel comfortable. He has a wonderful bedside manner, very supportive involved in most all the aftercare meetings, there to answer questions. I wouldnt have wanted to be operated on anyone but him, I feel very good after my surgery.