Coastal Center for Obesity Bariatric Center
Dr. Milton Owens was my surgeon at Chapman Medical Center in Orange. I owe him my thanks as i've lost 57lbs in 3 months after lap band surgery. He has a complete pre and post op program. I still eat the foods i like in smaller portions and continue to drink the protein shakes.His program includes information about all aspects of the surgery including risks and benefits. I'm very satisfied so far.
My surgeon is Dr. Owens. He is relaxed and kind. He gave me his cell phone number. So far I am very happy to have him because he seems to be an expert, have a wonderful demeanor, and to really care (he even takes my HMO!) He is really personable but didn't remember me (though it had been three months since my previous appointment, so I forgive him, he had his chart and notes). I really have nothing bad to say though I did have to wait a very long time for my last appointment as he was running late.
I actually saw Dr. Owens at his Rancho Cucamonga location. My first impression of him was positive, he was easy to talk to and answered my questions. I chose the lap band before I got there and he supported that. When I noticed he uses two walking canes and has difficulty getting around, I mentioned it to one of his office team and she assured me he was a great surgeon and has no difficulty standing. I was told that his "assistant" was actually the other surgeon in the office so I was in good hands. I trusted that and have no complaints regarding my surgery, which I had February 8, 2010. I never had real pain or nausea, just some temporary hardness (fluid)and bruising around the 5 surgery sites. It was a little difficult for me to remember all the information they told me pre-surgery and sifting through all the paperwork they gave me was too overwhelming for a couple days. About 3 days post, I received a call from the Rancho Cucamonga Surgery Center but there was no post-op check-up and I have not yet heard from his office. The Dr and his office invite you to call them if you have questions or problems and they give you their cell phone numbers. I don't see him again until my first fill, about 4-5 weeks post op. I did have an incident with getting the BLIS insurance coverage but it all worked out and I am still not sure why there was a problem. Overall, the bottom line for me is the actual surgery, which has been without complication. I will probably attend their support group meetings in the future.
Dr. Owens did an amazing job with my gastric bypass surgery. I had no complaints in regard to the surgery or the outcome. If you're in the Orange County/ LA area and need a good gastric bypass surgeon I would recommend him.rnThe only thing that I was really disappointed in was he didn't take before or after pictures and he or his office never called after my gastric bypass to check on my status or see how I was doing. I didn't need him to hold my hand, but a little after-care would have been great.
I was surprised by my first impression of Dr. Owens. He is older than the pictures on his web site. In fact, he was born in 1940. He is a quiet, thoughtful man, and really knows what he is doing. My impression has not had a chance to change yet. I didn't see him today before surgery because the staff had already started the anesthesia. After I woke up in the recovery room, he was still involved in another surgery. But I have spoken with him on the phone, and he is extremely gracious and helpful. The office staff appears to try hard but doesn't follow through on FAXes sent or received. I had to fax things several times. And they weren't that helpful in finding the pre-surgery consultations. Other than that, they also do their best to serve and to be helpful. I think that was the thing I liked the least about my experience so far. Future patients should know that he has never lost a patient, that my PCP highly recommends him, and that he is super thorough. He also knows his stuff as well as, if not better than, anyone in the area. He even helped developed some bariatric procedures that are practiced today. He emphasizes aftercare almost more than he does getting ready for surgery, though both are important. While I haven't set up any follow-up appointments yet, the hospital staff did ask me to call his office and set it up to get started. I know that he truly cares about his patients and values aftercare, because he said that he would find a way for any of his patients to follow up, and that he wants to keep hearing from us for years to come. He explained the risks of surgery very well, citing the statistics and his own track record. He was sure that all the proper tests were ordered; and since my blood work was over a month old today (surgery day), he ordered another complete set of blood work just to be sure. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd easily give him a 10+. Both his bedside manner and surgical competence are excellent. I highly recommend Dr. Owens to anyone in Southern California (or anywhere else if the patient wants to travel). This is just my opinion, of course, as well as the opinion of my PCP. I think he is super.
I met my surgeon on a Thursday and my surgery in Tijuana the following Monday. His staff was so helpful and were there for me when ever I needed them. I have had to be unfilled twice due to my band becoming to tight. This last time I had to call my surgeon on a Saturday. I felt so bad. But he met me at his office in 30 minutes and took care of me. I can't say enough nice things about Dr. Owens and his team!
Dr. Owens was fantastic...he is a bit old school...but I kinda liked that...his office staff is great and always available to help!!! I have had no complications and am very happy with his post-op diet plan!