Hadar Spivak M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center

My first impression of my doctor was he seemed to be a very personal yet I professional doctor. My impression of him was very precise, for over time he seemed to be blunt and to the point which is something I appreciate. His office staff was beyond friendly and supporting. Future patients should know that in comparison to other bariatric surgeons, Spivak has a bedside manner out of this world that lasts beyond the actual day of the procedure. He emphasizes aftercare program tremendously and goes the extra mile to offer support group sessions. The risks of surgery were addressed precisely. I would rate him overall on a scale of 1-10 an 11. I feel surgical competence is just as important as bedside manner and Dr. Spivak is the best of both worlds.

Dr Spivak is amazing! He is so kind and his staff is supportive and caring. Dr Spivak understands that by the time you arrive at the decision to have surgery, you have suffered enough. Having the surgery is all about the aftercare and you need to chose a surgeon that you like and feel comfortable with. I have some friends who used two different surgeons (over my objections) and they are both so unhappy and never want to go to the office for an adjustment because they feel belittled or bad about their progress (or lack there of). Dr. Spivak will never make you feel like that. You have to go the office for adjustments because that is how the band works! His office is a place where you want to go because he wants you to suceed. I would highly recommend Dr. Spivak and I wish my friends had listened to me before they had the procedure!

I had my lap band surgery on 04/30/08 I had just lost my mother at age 64 to complications of diabetes and obesity in March of that year. I did not want to die this way. Her dying wish was for me to have this surgery. I decided I wanted to get something to remind me of my mother's wish and motivate me of my surgery as well, a tattoo to be precise. I did. I got a tattoo of the amount I paid cash for my surgery on my right wrist on the inside in a brown color. $12,400.00 rnrnEvery time my hand goes to my mouth I see this, it is my little reminder of my of muy dedication to my self, my band and my mothers dying wish.

I was impressed with the presentation of information during my informational seminar and the willingness of the staff to help me work through the countless hurdles presented by my insurance company. The staff were quick to answer questions as they came up and to help me find the right people for answers - if they didn't know them - they still help me although it has been 1.5 years since surgery. Dr. Spivak was open with me as I weighed my options of bypass versus lapband and didn't not try to make that decision for me - I felt that I was given the information I needed to make a decision that was right for me. Dr. Spivak and his office continue to help and support me as I continue to talk with them after this life changing decision and I am still pleased with my decisions - both with my doctor and type of surgery.

I liked Dr. Spivak at our first meeting. He was business-like and professional, but caring. His ongoing care has reflected my initital impressions. His office runs well, you are seen within a few minutes of your appointment - an important time saver - no sitting for hours waiting for the doctor!rnrnHe advised me to remove my gall bladder at the same time I underwent RNY, and this alleviated the problem that many other have experienced, causing a second surgery. His predictions of my recovery were spot-on as were his predictions of my weight loss. Over 85lbs in 6 months - with no adverse outcomes. rnrnI was; however, shocked at how much pain was involved following surgery and the next week or so, and felt I could have been better prepared to expect this - but, that might have caused me to rethink the surgery altogether. So, this is a judgement call and I don't know which way was right. rnrnI'm not a medical professional, but the total absence of any bad outcomes and the accurate expectation setting by Dr. Spivak make me believe I made the right choice in chosing him to be my surgeon. rnrnI was a self-pay patient, and as an interesting note - When I filed my income tax for 2008, the large medical deduction (along with increased charitable giving) netted me a refund that was almost 25% of the cost of the surgery - a huge bonus!

Dr Spivak isvery personable & caring. He truly cares about his patients. He is very professional. You can tell that he loves what he does, it isn't just a job for him. His office staff is really great also. They are very helpful, and willing to answer any question that you may have. I had a very pleasant experience & recommend Dr Spivak to anyone that I hear is interested in weight loss surgery.

I was extremely nervous thinking about having surgery, but much more nervous about going through with it. I was instantly at ease with Dr. Spivak. He has a calming nature and is very attentive to your questions, expectations, fears, and feelings. After meeting with him, I was convinced that I would definitely go through with it. Dr. Spivak is by far a wonderful surgeon and doctor. I never feel out of place when I stilll to this day ask questions or have concerns. If I had a choice to do it again, I would. No one could ask for a better doctor.

Spivak is a low key, gentle surgeon. He won't overwhelm you with geniality but he seems to genuinely care about obesity and the \"slow killer\" it is. I had my gastric bypass last week. It was tough since my family all had a cold the day I came back from surgery. But coming to see Dr. Spivak today for my one week check up, he reminded me \"You did it!\" It was all I needed to hear to remember that I am on the path to a new life. rnrnProfessionally, he answers all your questions and takes time with you as you need it. He is a great surgeon that I highly recommend.

I was so excited when I hear about the lap-band surgery. I have been over weight most of my life and I would loose five or ten pounds, but then would gain it all back. I was having problems with arthritis in my hips and I had decided that if I didn't loose the weight, I would not be able to walk before long.rnrnI came for the seminar and really got excited after that. Just knowing that it could be reversed if needed was a big relief.rnrnDr. Spivak and the staff were really great. They made me feel very comfortable and at ease.rnrnMy insurance would not cover my surgery, so I used my savings. It was well worth it.rnrnThe day of surgery, I was in early on Friday morning and went home that afternoon. I went back to work on Monday.rnrnThis surgery is a life style change. Eat healthy and exercise.

I went into Dr. Spivak's saturday morning seminar knowing I needed help to lose weight for my health. I was impressed with him from that moment. I knew he was the one that I wanted to do my surgery as his record was great too. His office staff was so nice and friendly and continue to be to this day. rnI had my surgery in Jan 2008 and have lost 162 lbs so far. He was easy to contact throughout the process or if I had any questions or worries he or his office staff were incredibly helpful. I had only met one other bariatric surgeon and just didn't feel it was a right fit for me, but knew Dr. Spivak was. rnI never regret choosing Dr. Spivak. I have not had any complications, he is a magnificent surgeon and I think his bedside manner was wonderful. I found him very friendly but very serious about his work. He answered all my questions whatever they were.