Institute for Laparoscopic Surgery Bariatric Center

I used "Weight For Life" to pursue insurance approval and Dr. Lauter was the doctor they contracted with in this area so I did not meet him until after I was approved. He did explain the surgery and provided a booklet to read over. At a support group meeting and at this site I did hear a lot of really good things about Dr. Lauter and his associate. At our second “post op” appointment Dr. Lauter was delayed in surgery so I met with his associate initially and then with Dr. Lauter. They explained what I could expect before, during, and after surgery. Both my husband and I were happier with how this appointment went.

I have dealt with "Berlin" from his office for all other matters and she has been a pleasure. She is very knowledgeable about what I needed to do and helped me a great deal. She arranged for me to meet with a nurse at the hospital who gave me a run down on what to expect.

Dr. Lauter was very frank about the risks and about what I could do to give myself the best possible start. I think in the long run surgical competence is most important but bedside manner goes a long ways in instilling trust in that competence.

My surgery went great. I've had my two-week post-op appointment with Dr. Lauter. I had many questions for him and he covered them in great detail. I am very happy with the care I have received from Dr. Lauter.

While I was making my consultation appointment to see Dr. Lauter, the receptionist asked if I had attended one of their information sessions... I told her I hadn't, but I was headed to a group meeting @ Microsoft that evening and she responded with, "EMOSS? Well, Dr. Lauter and his partner, Dr. Lanzafame will be there tonight!". Fantastic... not only did I get an appointment w/him for that Thursday, but I was going to meet him that night! During introductions at the EMOSS meeting, I mentioned that I had an appointment w/Dr. Lauter in two days... and he came over to me at the end of the meeting to introduce himself. It was nice, being able to talk to him for a little while that evening. When I had my consultation appointment, he not only responded intelligently to all SIX PAGES of questions I had for him, but he also went well over my hour-long appointment time and spent a total of 1 hour and 45 minutes with me-- no questions asked. I didn't realize how long we'd been talking until after I left the office. I am extremely confident in his expertise, his attitude toward WLS in general, as well as the practice as a whole- which he shares w/Dr. Lanzafame. I was also very impressed with her at the EMOSS meeting two nights prior.

I know these write-ups are mere opinions of the members of this site, however, I narrowed down my choices of surgeons based on others' opinions as well. I do hope you consider Dr. Lauter- especially if he is part of your insurance plan. I narrowed down my choices based on 1) covered by insurance? (because if the doc wasn't on the list, it wasn't happening); 2) performs lap RNY? (personally, my first choice was a laparoscopic surgery for a variety of reasons... namely healing time and I don't feel the need for exploratory surgery to locate other problems I may have. I'm fairly healthy so far); 3) is there a structured aftercare program? (they do); and 4) my opinion of the surgeon's intelligence, skill and humor. Humor? Sure... I need someone who has a pulse and is a live, human being in order to feel comfortable. And isn't that what it's all about? This is major surgery. I feel extremely comfortable with Dr. Lauter and am confident that he will do an excellent job.

Good luck in your research!

He has been very helpful, friendly, easy to talk to. He makes sure all my concerns are listened to and has gone beyond to make sure that everything is taken care of. His office staff is friendly and timely in responding to my needs. I also need to add that he has called me on his day off and in between to make sure I was ok through the insurance process. I appreciated that so much.

Aftercare has been great, I had some complications and Dr Lauter and Dr Lanzafame were really great.

My surgeon is in an office called Institute for Laporscopic Surgery and can be reached at 425-899-4664, his partner is Dr Lanzafame. They now require new patients to attend an information meeting that can be scheduled by calling Everegreen Health Line at 425-899-3000. This information meeting includes other WLS docs at Evergreen Hospital. Dr Lauter and Dr Lanzafame also work at Swedish Medical Center and that number is 206-223-9662.

Dr. Lauter is a very dedicated surgeon. His office staff was of great help. He address risks as well as benfits to the WSL.
I would rate Dr. Lauter on a scale of one to 10 a 10. He has change my life with his knowledge and expertise.

Very Professional
Had more confidence in having the surgery
Very Good
No Comment
He is very honest with you and has a lot of info for you to take out of the office.
To keep in contact with your nutrionist and follow the guidelines they lay out.
I was told about the risks of starting out LAP and having to have it converted to an Open and what that involved.
I would rate Dr. Lauter and Dr. Lauzafaine (his associate) as very good surgeons.
Surgical competence and bedside manners are both very important.

Great experience so far! Met with him once, but have had several phone conversations with him as we work through all of the issues.