Charles D. Callery M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center
Dr. Callery was wonderful, and I would highly recommend him to anyone else looking to undergo open RNY surgery.
I had my surgery on 12/18/2002, was out of the hospital in less than 48 hours, and am on my way to a new me.
The only problem with dealing with him is that you need "patience" -- because he has a lot of "patients"! Obviously, when you are one of the best in the field, everyone wants you, so often the staff is overworked because of the high demand. But he is definitely worth it.
It is a pleasure dealing with Dr. Callery, Kellie, and everyone in the office. The work is first-rate, the after surgery support is top notch, and the results are tremendous.
If you want the best, you want Dr. Callery.
I found Dr. Callery to be extraordinarily humble, precise, and knowledgeable. His staff is very friendly, polite and helpful. I look forward to working with them all.
After having the surgery, I can see how anyone could fall in love with their surgeon. After all, here is a man or woman who rebirthed us into a new and healthier life. Dr. Callery is so supportive of us. He has so much hope and provides for a level of aftercare I never imagined. I believe I had the best surgeon possible for this.
Very professional but very caring.The office staff are also very understanding, professional and interested in their patients. There are seminars where spouses, significant others and/or other family members are encouraged to attend to ask and have questions fully answered, from insurance questions, to surgical procedures, what to expect, how longyou'll be in the hospital, possible risks of infection, surgical complications, 2 floors at Pomerado exclusively to care for bariatric patients. Many nurses and aides who have had the procedure and can tell you what to expect. Aftercare is emphasized and there are monthly meetings for support. The risks for me were more than average, I had my surgery in February 2001, at age 65. My options were few. I had diabetes, sleep apnea, gerd, gout, hypertension, congestive heart failure, copd (brought on by 20 years of smoking which left me with severe bouts of asthma attacks)oesteoarthritis, for which I had a total knee joint replacement in April, but only after losing 100 lbs. Dr. Callery's bedside manner is good, but his surgical competence is excellent. He leaves the warm fuzzy business to his associate Kelly, who is truly an angel. I wish that I could carry his business cards and pass them out to so many obese people I know, because he has truly been a godsend for me.
I have attended one of Dr. Callery's seminars. He does require that the spouse/support person attend also. He also has a nutritional seminar which the spouse should also attend, and I still need to go to that one. In addition, Dr. Callery requires the spouse to attend the pre-op appt. Get there early for seminars, they are crowded and the leftover chairs are not for large people. Mine was uncomfortable, and I really thought I was going to break it! Dr. Callery is a very nice man. When I had a question about the info presented in the seminar, and called from home, he returned the call himself (the very next day) and was very personable. He made me feel very comfortable, and not at all that my question was stupid, or that I inconvenienced him, even though I should I should have asked have written this info down and asked about it during the seminar. He is a very calm and approachable man, and really seems to care about people. Great sense of humor too!! I look forward to the consultation on May 13, 2002. Office staff has been great, Kimi has helped with an extension on my consult referral (along with 2-3 other phone calls from me)without one hint of negativity, everyone else seems very nice. Of coarse, this is only my impression. Dr. Callery has an extensive aftercare program: for the first 3 months post-op patients meet at the dr's office, and after that there are 2 locations (north and east San Diego county) for support groups.
Real Professional, He was extremely informative and yet carried a sense of humor. Was up front about the dangers and also the positive aspects of the surgery.
I've been very please with the whole operation of his office so far, including the support staff which is so important.
He won't do the operation even for private pay if the person doesn't meet his minimum requirements for BMI and existing other complications eg. diabetes, hypertension.
Lots of aftercare with multiple support and nutrition groups.
I believe over 1500 surgeries and 3 deaths. Only 1 on table with multiple problems.
I rate him a 10+ and 4 days after the surgery am doing extremely well. Both bedside manner and surgical competence were great. His RN, Kelly is also a pro.