Columbia University Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Center

Dr Bessler and his staff are very informative, and caring. At the meetings I have had with him, his assistant and nutritionist they have explain the whole procedure and the care needed before and after. They make sure the patient understands what the surgery and after care entails. The after care is very structured (vitamin intake, pureed foods for one month, water consumption, etc.) The risks of surgery are explain thoroughly and bluntly.

i thought Dr. Bessler was a great surgeon. His office staff is very helpful and they made this life transition run very smooth.

i have not yet had a post op visit, that is next week. after he had explained the risks of either surgery i was still uncertain he did not try to sell me one way or another, which is the most important reason besides his competence that i like his technique...

well here is an update... i am now almost 1 year post op and down about 155lbs and can't say enough about dr. bessler or his wonderful staff... with him, lorraine and nancy you just cant go wrong.... they are there for you 24/7 if you call or email the office they get back to you!

i am so happy that dr. bessler, lorraine and nancy are a part of my life.. this surgery and them has changed my entire life..

nancy his nutritionist, runs support group meetings monthly and there is a group of us who participate in an online support group... we meet for an informal gathering around once a month and even set out on outings togetehr.. we have become.. a big rapidly shrinking family .. all thanks to dr. bessler!

if you have any questions, please feel free to email me anytime...

My first impression of Dr Bessler was and still is that he was a professional. His staff is made of the same professionl fiber as Dr. Bessler. Their's is a no punches pulled attitude about the surgery and your active roll in a speedy recovery. I was well informed about the post op diet and every step there after. Dr. Bessler and his staff are on 24 hour call should you need them, I didn't. I had my 3 week and 6 week checkup. Followed by a 3 month, 6 month and one year checkup. In my opinion Dr. Marc Bessler, is the right guy to do the job.

My first impression of Dr. Bessler is that he was very straight foward - a no nonsense kind of person. He's not all warm and fuzzy -but he was kind and pleasant at all times.

Now that I've had my surgery, I still feel the same way. I like him very much. He explained everything to me, in detail. He discussed options with me and gave me a choice as to the kind of surgery I would have.

While I was in the hospital I had some minor complications post-op, I felt very confident knowing that he was calling in or seeing me at least once per day. I felt I was safe knowing that he was paying close attention to my care.

As far as insurance goes....I never even had to speak with my company. Dr. Bessler's secretary, Maria, was fantastic and handled it all the way. I was approved 1 week after she said she "going to start working on it"....but I really think I was approved the day after she sent in my chart and information.

As I continue on my way - now having lost 165lbs, I like Dr. Bessler and his staff even more. I have rarely, in this day and age of the HMO met a more professional and caring staff. Their FOLLOW UP, continuing care information is FASTASTIC. Dr. Bessler is not only a skilled surgeon, he is a skilled HUMAN BEING.

On a scale of 1-10, Dr. Bessler is a hands down 100...and his nurse practitioner, Lorraine and nutritionist, Nancy are WAY WAY up there too.

This office is VERY busy and it may take a good deal of time to get an appointment with the doctor. Administratively, they could use a little help - secretaries (except for Maria) are not as professional or skilled as the the clinical staff...a little frustrating but if you hang in there, you'll be pleased.

Dr. Bessler is a straight foward tell it like it is kind of doctor. I feel rather comfortable with him. His office staff is very kind and considerate. My first impression: I was a little taken back by how young he is, but that has not changed the fact that he is a fantastic MD. My surgery is scheduled for 12/09/99

Surgery went great.. He is the GREATEST...Highly recomended to all who are interested in WLS. His attending physician who's name is TY was absoulutely wonderful. Marie in his office was an angel, all the staff at Columbia Presbyterian were great. The after care is fantastic, along with the support group.

I am still clearing hurdles necessary to meet Dr. Bessler.

Dr.Bessler was straight forward.He was curtious at all times.I did not get any warm fuzzy feeling from him but he did have an aire of confidence. At this time I have met with the nurse practioner and the nutritionist who were very thorough. He informed me of all the risks of surgery. Since this is my first meeting with him it is hard to give you a fair evaluation. I will post again at a later time.
My Impression of Dr. Bessler is he is the best.I now think that in the inital meeting he wants to scare you a little so you are sure you know what your getting yourself into. That your sure you have tried every other avenue before going for surgery. I would highly recommend Dr. Bessler I came thru surgery with flying colors and my incision is beautiful.
Once you become his patient he has both bedside manner and more than surgical competence.This is my opinion and you should judge for yourself.

I had my Lap RNY on 2/7/01. Dr. Bessler and his team are top notch. They are an extremely caring group of people who fight for patients. The day after surgery I saw Dr. Bessler two times--once after he finished another surgery to check on my upper GI series results. The nursing staff at Columbia Presbyterian is fantastic. I visited another surgeon before meeting Dr. Bessler. When I asked that surgeon who he would see to get another opinion, he recommended Dr. Bessler. I liked Dr. Bessler so much after meeting with him and his team that I decided to go with them.

I met Dr. Bessler because I had a hiatal hernia with severe reflux and was advised by my gastro doctor to have it surgically fixed. In discussing the surgery with Dr. Bessler I asked him what he could do to help me lose the weight I had gained because of various medical problems and he told me about the rny and how it would not only fix the hernia, but I would lose the weight and, voila, I fell in love with Dr. Bessler and continue to be in love with him! He has a staff consisting of a nutritionist, a nurse practioner and a great secretary and they watch me very carefully, are always there for me, answer all questions and have become friends. Anything I need, I just pick up the phone and someone is there to help. I was lucky though, no real problems, but I pestered them enough and they always have a smile and never are to busy to deal with me. I go to the monthly meetings and meet others in the same situation, many of which have much more weight to lose than I do and did, but everyone is there for each other. Overall, Dr. Bessler cares about his patients, carefully watches all his post-op patients and as for pre-op, he could not have been better -- I called him and e-mailed him with questions, and he was always there to help. I did have a problem with my incision healing and had to have it opened and drained twice and during these visits, he was so comforting -- all in all, it was a surgery and procedure that I absolutely would have again, if I every needed to and recommend him and his staff extremely highly.

He as truly an amazing surgeon.I was told that he was the best in the USA and I must admit everything went just perfect. I am 7 days post op,had the best care in hospital, The nurses and post op doctors were the very best. I could not have been happier. I am feeling well, and this has been a very pleasant experiance. He is a very skilled surgeaon, an artist in what he does and I recommend him highly.