Danbury Hospital - Center for Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Center

I was referred to Fairfield County Bariatrics (FCB) by my nutritionist, Nancy Murphy. One quick note about Nancy...She is well seasoned and informed about both pre and post operative bariatric nutrition. I recommend her to anyone interested in finding a good and caring nutritionist.
NOW FOR FCB: Pre-op, I went to many of the informational seminars. I wanted to really know if this group was for me. I wanted to know that not only would I have a good surgeon, but one who would be there as I journeyed down the path to regain my health. Long story short? I FOUND JUST THAT! The seminars gave me the opportunity to see all 3 surgeons talk about Gastric Bypass as well as the Lap Band. I was very impressed by each speaker: Dr. Neil Floch, Dr. Craig Floch and Dr. Tim Ehrlich. They are a caring team of surgeons who have only their patients best interest and health in the forefront of their minds. It is my opinion that Fairfield County Bariatrics has THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE BARIATRIC PROGRAM in the STATE of CT! The education they offer starts from the very first seminar we are required to attend, prior to our consultation. At those seminars, they inform us about each surgical procedure and touch on the post operative experience as well, letting us know that WE are an integral part of our recovery. HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS about FCB's program...They require each patient to see a nutritionist pre-operatively and encourage us to continue that education post-operatively. They also offer regular support group meetings each month. Those support group meetings are facilitated by a psychologist who specializes in eating disorders and bariatric "recovery". Their office staff: I have to begin with their PA, Danielle who is a consummate professional with a caring heart. She is always there to answer any questions we might have. As a matter of fact, the entire office staff is always willing to help...being only a phone call away. So, for me, the decision to choose FCB as my surgical team, was a no-brainer. Top notch in my book.

My first impression of Dr. Zuccala was of a quiet man. He is extremely knowledgable and genuinely cares about bariatrics and morbidly obese people. He is overwhelmed with the response he has gotten from the number of patients in Western Connecticut but he is dedicated to helping all of those he can. He says over and over again that he will not operate on anyone unless he feels that they will be successful. This is a breath of fresh air since there are some surgeons that are greedy and will operate on anyone regardless of the risks/outcome.

Originally, his office staff (particularly Kathy G) was extremely supportive. They were a well-oiled machine and easily made patients feel good about making such a life-altering decision. Currently, things have been going downhill...there are several factors in this to include the change in personnel and the overwhelming response to the program. They need organization...and soon.

The aftercare program is still in baby stages even though he has been doing surgery here for three years. Those of us who have gone through the surgery are now trying to jump start the Bariatric Program by creating a newsletter, organizing support group activities and researching other programs for constructive ideas. This is a constant work in progress and it will get better...the key is patience. The Bariatric Support Group members really help each other get through the most difficult times...you are never alone unless you want to be. I think our Buddy Program will be the best around since we are taking our time working out all the kinks.

I rate Dr. Zuccala with a 12 for surgical competence and bedside manner. He just needs to find the right combination of people to surround himself with that's as dedicated as he is. I would recommend anyone to see him and/or his associate, Dr. Laura Choi.

Dr. Zuccala is funny, smart and extremely professional (and I think I have a big crush on him). He was informative and amazing from our first meeting. He is extremely strict about the work you have done before the surgery (psychiatrist, pulmonologist, blood work, etc.) and you MUST quit smoking. After surgery is just as important. You see him after 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months and then every year after that. I have found from listening to other people that he is a very well respected surgeon in the community as well he should be.

dr.neil floch was awsome and a great guy.i felt great evrytime i left his office.



the staff in the office is great also. the nurse in the office are kind and sweet never got any problems with them or anything.

that dr.floch's offic is a great place to go.

they cant stop emphasize cause after surgery is the biggest part of your new life.

yes they do they give you a flolder of all the stages of your new deit for the next 5 weeks

i give them 10

both are great

Cordial,& professional

Remained constant

VERY friendly, helpful,& supportive

n/a

Just be yourself...

Very Much- It's crucial

Yes, and he even distributes a notebook filled with information.

Straightforward, discussed statistics, etc.

Excellent

I won't accept less than both!!!

Everyone on staff treats you like they would treat anyone that comes to the office not just a obese person.

He was just a simple nice guy, who happens to be an excellent surgeron. I cannot say enough nice about him, doing my surgery lap was hard because of scarring from previous surgeries etc. he still did it and I can only IMAGINE the pain he has saved me. 5 days out - I've been home for over 24 hours, I feel good, I don't have pain, I am sore of course - but god I think he must be one of the best at what he does!!

I have only met with Dr. Floch once, and I would say it was quite a favorable impression. His staff is very helpful so far. This wasn't my initial feeling, I felt so lost afterwards...so many Dr. appointments and they don't really speak to you until you have completed these initial appointments...but now I see that probably 100's of people start this process and only a percentage follow through to the end. I am so grateful for Mandy at Dr. Floch's office...she is always pleasant and has been very helpful and tolerant of my phsychotic ramblings.

compassionate doctor


felt very comfortable
great staff
understanding, explains things so I can understand
there is nothing I o not like about them
that he makes the visits pleasureable and makes you feel very comfortable so that there is not second thoughts

very much, always making sure that I am doing the right thing at all times

routine visits with many questions of care


very well explained which is routine, but I had no doubt that I was in good hands

fantastic, and my family is very grateful for the way I am feeling and how well I am doing

both great, surgical compitance is extremely important, but bedside manner is also, it makes the patient more at ease and helps the healing process be more positive


I have nothing bad to say, the only thing that I was a little uncomfortable about was the hospital stay, not all the nurses were easy to get along with, but overall I had a
great recovery and a positive experience.

The recovery was so quick and with so little pain on my part, that I would, if I had to, do it all over again.

Great guy, great group, it is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I have sent friends and relatives to info meetings and two friends have had surgery and one more is awaiting insurance approval. Very good post surgery care and support. All three surgeons are freindly, supportive and very competent.

It is hard work getting in all the water and protein required in the beginning, but it becomes second nature after a while. The staff in the office were always available to help.