Mercy Hospital Bariatric Center

I have been very pleased with Dr. Rizk and his staff. I am at a higher BMI than many others, so I was concerned about the surgery not being done laproscopically. But he did a great job, and I have gone back to work in just two weeks. I had more discomfort than pain and have not had any complications.

Dr. Rizk is just friendly enough (I don't need him to be a counselor) and is very professional. He was straightforward with any information, including risks. He does require participation in a structured pre- and aftercare program at the hospital.

His staff are pretty much the same in that regards. I like people who are professionals at their jobs. I'd rather have someone do a really good job and not be friendly than deal with a friendly person who can't get the job done. This is not, of course, to say that Dr. Rizk and his staff aren't friendly because they are.

I would recommend Dr. Rizk to others considering gastric bypass.

To me Dr. Fleites is the most caring and understanding person. I am so happy I chose him as my bariatric surgeon. He is very professional, his staff is oustanding specially his personal assistant Josefa. she is the one who deals with all the insurance work. During the meetings he explained everything step by step, and was there to answer lots of questions. at the office interview he was the same , always answering every question that I had , and always willing to do his best to help me in this process.

HE WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL.



NOT AT ALL.

VERY FRIENDLY.

OVERBOOKED



VERY CONCERNED POST OP

NO

VERY DETAILED...DEMANDS PRE-OP TUTORIAL SESSION
GREAT SURGEON

BOTH GREAT

I feel that Dr. Rizk is a credit to the practice. He is a general surgeon but specializes in laparoscopic. He is very personal and made sure that everything was inline before, during, and after surgery. Dr. Rizk is very thorough in the process making sure you feel comfortable in what you are about to go through. He is one surgeon that I have come across that doesn't have a "God" complex and not only is a competent surgeon but also a great human being. My rating of him is A+++ in every field and would recommend him to anyone looking for not just a bypass surgeon but for anything general.

I felt totally confident with Dr. Rizk. I wasn't even nervous before the surgery. He explained everything so well, and wanted me to know what to expect. This web site realy helped out to.

He was most professional, ready, willing and able to answer questions. He is my second surgeon so I was already well informed. He felt positive and hopeful that I would eventually receive an approval from the Insurance company. However, my insurance plus one other are the most difficult which I have already experienced.

I was impressed with his saving the life of a friend who I visited a week ago. Had her insurance messed with her like mine does she may not be here today. He discovered a twisted bowel which caused an obstruction and had already begun to become gangrene. He felt she must have had it for several years. No one discovered it. I am even more impressed with him. He visited her while I was there and is not egotistical but kind, professional and matter of fact.

Perhaps a little more warmth would be nice but I can live without that as long as he is skilled.

All that I said and also the difference in his staff and that of the previous doctor is night and day. His staff is kind, sweet, not rushed, caring, helpful, pleasant, and most importantly, on top of things.

He emphasizes aftercare and has you sign a contract to follow the life long changes. I liked that serious attitude toward the life style changes that we all must recognize with this surgery.

Yes and it is outlined in his materials.

In writing, group, individually and through questions to the patient.

I will reserve further comment until after the surgery, if CIGNA POS ever approves me. This will be the proof that it is the insurance company not the doctor after a second surgeon also agrees that the surgery is necessary.

Surgical competence is most important but possessing a bedside manner and surgical skill is a bonus and certainly helps healing. A smile, a sense of humor and skill can preform miracles.

I first "met" my Dr. at the orientation that he has on 6/23/03. It was a group of about 30 people, and he went over the different wls. He was nice, very informitive, and answered questions very honestly. I met him more face to face when I had my consult with him on 8/12/03. I loved him!!! He was able to put my husband at ease, since he is concerned about the wls. He talks directly to you, he doesn't look away, especially since the words "over-weight, obesity" are made to make people feel unconfortable. I loved working with his staff, nobody looks down on you for any reason. I was accepted. That is all I can give right now until after surgery so good-luck to those who read this, and I hope I was able to help alittle.

PRE-OP: I'm afraid to go to doctors and hospitals so I was extremely nervous and expected the worse. The first time I met with him he seemed a bit serious but I realized after the seminar that he's just quiet. He answered all my questions in laymen's terms and made me feel at ease. He comes across as no nonsense which I like. I suggest reading up on bariatric surgery and going to at least one seminar before seeing Dr. Fleites. Many of my questions were answered at the seminar and our consultation was basically spent discussing why I feel I should have this surgery. He was very professional and to the point regarding risks and changes I would have to make after the surgery. He was very adamant about my meeting with a nutritionist before and after surgery. His staff is EXCELLENT! They've been very attentive and have gone out of their way to calm my fears. Surgical competency is top priority on my list. I think bedside manners are important in a general doctor or gynecologist but in this case Dr. Fleites seemed very nice. I have no worries. Overall he's an 8. His staff a 9 but I'll make it a 10 if they process my paperwork quickly! :o)

POST-OP: Dr. Fleites is wonderful. He is very short on words but does not hesitate to answer your questions. He is straight and to the point. Every nurse I met only had praises for Dr. Fleites. Some actually mentioned that he was their favorite Bariatric surgeon at Mercy. They praised his work and stated was an angel. I agree, I haven't had any pain from the surgery nor do I have ugly scars. I know it has a lot to do with my genes but I like to think that Dr. Fleites also had something to do with my well being. I highly recommend him and Mercy hospital. This of course is my personal experience and many may prefer a doctor that is more outspoken or well known. You should choose the doctor that makes you feel most comfortable.

Except for my family physician Dr. Rizk is probably the best Doctor I have ever seen. He took time with me, making sure that I was aware of all the details of my surgery and what I should expect after surgery. His entire staff (from the ladies at the front desk to his personal nurse) is wonderful.

Me being in the insurance field I was able to do a lot of the leg work myself as far as the precertification and approval - which was a help to them as well as to myself.

My overall rating of Dr. Rizk is a 9. I would recommend him to anyone who is thinking of this surgery, as well as anyone who is in the need of routine surgery.

Two words I would use to describe him... my angel.

Dr. Fleites is very knowledgeable and professional in his approach. He is thorough and caring. His office staff is very kind and understanding. Josefa is on the ball with getting things started, although she did contact me the next day with the news that I have an exclusionary clause in my insurance. I am currently appealing this ruling.