The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates Bariatric Center

I had LapBand on 2/15/06 performed by Dr. Brody at GWU Medical Center. He required I drop 30-40lbs before doing the surgery which I did do over 3 months. Overall, my experience was a good one; my first visit covered alll the risks, procedures, etc. Denise, one of the PAs was wonderful as well -- she handles the Optifast which is required for the 2-3 weeks pre-op to de-fat the liver. As for surgery, mine was for 1:30pm, I finally was moved into the operating room about 2 pm for 'awake' intubation (don't remember it tho) and then into recovery after apparently uneventful procedure waking up about 5pm. I did spend amost 7-8 hours in the PACU/Recovery because they didn't of a bed for me. \"Our census is up\" is what I was repeatly told but it didn't matter as I was getting great care there. Because of my sleep apnea, I had to be in ICU overnight but was release by 6pm the following day. The nursing staff was terrific -- the only 'bummer' was a I had a roommate for the last 8 hours that did nothing but moan and call out for her mother and I spent about an hour waiting in a 'parking lot' of patients for a GI to be done. The Intern that discharged me gave me a handout for my diet but was not familar with the protocal -- I think he may have been an ENT based on his badge doing a surgical fellowship. Didn't really matter much as I already, from research, knew what to expect. My pain never got beyond a 1 on the 1-10 scale and my incisions look like cat scratches. Advice about appointments: call early (like before your surgery). I was suppose to have a 2 week follow-up which turned into a 3 week follow-up because I got out on a Thurs @ 6pm, was in no condition to call on Friday, Monday was a holiday and I called on Tues and it was 3 weeks before I could get in.

My first impression of Paul Lin was before i was even an patient.I work GW hospital and was impress with his successful surgeries.Over time I just became more and more impress.His office staff is great even when i felt like i was calling them all the time they never made me feel like i was a bother.He explains everything in plain english.He tells you upfront what to expect.I love him i would not see anyone else for this surgery even when other people was telling me about other surgeons my mind was already made.His bedside manner and surgical competence is great.And he is a good leader his resident Dr Sabnis was there preop,surgery and post op and I like him too.

My first impression of Dr. Lin is that he is a very warm and caring individual. He was very thorough in explaining the procedure. Dr. Lin and his staff appear to be very courteous, patient and knowledgeable about what we as patients can expect.

I've meet with Dr. Lee and she seems wonderful. She encouraged me to ask any questions of her and her skills and experience as well as any questions I had about the procedure. I like that. If someone is about to go poking around inside your body you should be able ask them just about anything! rn

My first impression of Dr. Lee was that she was kind and very honest. She was polite and gave me information about herself that made me very happy I chose her. The staff is that same way kind and polite. I don't know how many times I called, but evertime a nice and good conversation.

Dr. Lee was very professionally and very understanding. She went over everything she will do during the surgery in great detail. She had 2 students with her as well and she made that entire experience totally comfortable. Dr. Lee did not make me feel rushed and made me feel like I was important to her. She does appear young but she is very knowledgable. She really cares about the entire process and the after care which is so important. Im so glad she is my surgeon.

I liked her a lot. She was very informative and took time to go over the procedure and what would be happening in the days following, in the hospital. She also, took time to speak with my son who was very upset about my decision. I saw her everyday, except the last in the hospital, Then she was much more business like and seemed in more of a hurry. As far as aftercare I'm really, really glad I went through Kaiser's Program because theirs was more structured and compehensive.rnShe addressed the risks of surgery as something that comes along with any surgery a person might have to have. But she also assured me that that there were a lot of steps in place to keep thing from happening. Then continued to tell me about those steps.

Dr Lee is the best!! She is patient and goes over everything and gives you time to ask questions. She really makes you feel at ease about the whole thing....

Dr Lin was very straight forward when speaking with me. He explained the procedure in full detail to me and let me know what to expect and what not to expect. I was very impressed with is knowledge and demeanor. Although I have an HMO I was also told that they will continue to follow my care well after the surgery. I just can't express how much I was impressed with Dr Lin and his staff. My Overallrating would be Outstanding thus far.

I was very pleased when I met Dr. Brody. rnI had heard about him via this web site and since he was the closest doctor that did the lap-band surgery I went ahead and called for an appointment. My impression has just gotten better and better. He is a very caring doctor and set me right at ease. Discussing my obesity has always been a touchy subject. He was quite sure this Lap-band would do the trick for me and I agree. He has all his patients adhere to a pre-op diet and if you do not follow the diet you will have the surgery but wake-up with NO lap-band. It needs to be followed so the liver shrinks and it is easier to apply the band to the stomach. I already exercise 3 times a week at Curves and he wants me to exercise 5 times a week so I will. rn