Mohamed Ali, M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center

My first impression was excellent. He is very personable, informed and very willing to answer any questions. He covers all surgery information and makes sure you are aware of what the next steps are and what tests you may need. I felt very comfortable and I feel certain he is covering all bases.
I see him again next week. His staff seems friendly.

Dr. Ali was a bit late for the first visit, but after the conversation and the overview got going... I immediately had the feeling of complete trust and that he truly has my health 1st on his list. He has a WONDERFUL record of 0% leakage since his stay at UC Davis... Very impressive. He could not emphasize how much HEALTH was the issue of this surgery, not just weight loss... So far, I'd give Dr. Ali a 9 & 1/2 out of 10... The staff is a tad scattered, but knowledgeable.

Dr. Mohamed Ali knocked me off my feet the first time I met him because he was...nice. Just plain nice! He didn't call me fat or put me down or make me cry. He listened to everything I had to say while looking at ME in my eyes and nodding, agreeing, giving suggestions and advice. He explained things very clearly and gave me until my second appointment to make up my mind about surgery. No pressure whatsoever. That was the best appointment. I waited for nearly 3 hours but that got better over time too. He nearly cancelled my surgery because I gained 17 pounds, but I promised him I would lose as much as I could in the week before surgery (I lost 7 pounds in 7 days). That is one suggestion I have for Dr. Ali--tell your patients, make them sign something, that they are required to lose 20% of their weight before surgery. I wasn't told this and I was put on Avandia and a higher dose of Glipizide (both are diabetes meds) about 2 months before surgery which greatly contributed to my weight gain (I had been following my own diet prior to surgery since Dr. Ali said it helps in the surgery and post op). After surgery I saw him twice very quickly and that is another suggestion I have--don't just cut off your patients post op! We need you more than ever to guide us, especially with the dietary requirements!!! Dr. Ali's staff is very friendly, but always rushed and busy. At times they can be unorganized and of course the wait time can be very long. What I like least about Dr. Ali is his unavailability (he's hard to get a hold of) and his after surgery care and communication. Future patients should know that he is a very good doctor and you immediately trust the man. He seems to be very sincere in caring for obese patients. And he's pretty strict. Dr. Ali needs to emphasize after care and go over more thoroughly or even have it written what can happen post op, in addition to the dietary requirements. I still feel lost after nearly 3 weeks of following what IS written down to a tee. Dr. Ali has a scheduled after care program, so you do know when you will next be seen. Write your questions down as they come up or you'll forget!! Dr. Ali is very straight forward in addressing the risks of surgery, but I like that personally. He doesn't sugar coat it. I would rate Dr. Ali as a very good surgeon and I would recommend him to anyone considering this life changing surgery. I would also say that is surgical competence is excellent and that he might need to work on post op bedside manner a little more.

6/25/03: I talked to Judy today, the clinical nurse coordinator, who is wonderful by the way, and I want to tell her and Dr. Ali this: I love you guys!!!! You saved my life, literally, and gave me a future with my children!!! For that I am truly thankful. I may have had some negative things to say above, but they were meant to be constructive and to help future patients. I believe, from talking to other long term bariatric patients, that this process is growing every year, and I'm happy and willing to honestly help in making it better for those patients. My intention is NEVER to be critical in a mean way, only to improve things. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN DR. ALI'S OFFICE FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME!

I haven't met with Dr. Ali yet. I have my first consult on January 24th.

I am now post-op. Dr. Ali and everyone else at U.C. Davis was absolutely wonderful. From the surgical staff to the nursing staff to the nutritionist to Judy, the program coordinator, everyone was wonderfully supportive and friendly. I couldn't have been happier with the whole experience thus far. Everyone took their time explaining all the negative and positive aspects of the surgery prior to my having it. After care has been wonderful as well. They are always there to answer any questions I have regarding nutrition, exercise, etc.

Dr. Ali is firm but so supportive. His team of residents, nurses and dietitians are wonderful. He is encouraging and lets you know for the start you are a part of the decision making when it comes to your care.

I'm so grateful to Dr. Ali for selecting me as a candidate to have the surgery as I was a borderline patient. He has an understanding of my concerns, is kind and has a compassionate manner befitting of a dr. who has earned the respect of many.

He encourages you to meet with the dietitian, and stresses the surgery is only a TOOL to help you lose weight.

I recommend Dr. Ali at UC Davis to anyone considering the surgery.

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Ali and Dr. Bhasker. They are very kind and just as cute as can be. At my consultation they made me feel comfortable and cared for. They want to make sure that each potential candidate for surgery is very well informed. I'll tell you, if I were not already married to the most wonderful man in the world I would snatch either of them up in a second. ~~Big Smile~~ The office is very busy so you should expect a long wait time (hours in most cases). Also, make sure that you copy ALL paperwork that you submit to them because (as in my case) things can get lost in such a busy office.

My first impression was "I really like this guy"

My impression did not change over time.. I love my surgeon.

Office Staff very helpful..

I liked everything about the Dr.

He is great, he is easy to talk to and treats you like a special person.

After care is the most important thing.

Very good after care program.

Addressed all risks of surgery..

I would rate him on a scale from 1 to 10 a 15..

Both... He is great!!!

I was very impressed with Dr. Ali from the first time I met him. He lectured at the informational meeting I attended. Upon leaving I expressed to my husband that I hoped he would be my doctor. I was very pleased to find it would be him at my first dr. apt. He was very informative and made it clear that this would be no cake walk. Made me feel as thou I would be a good candidate for the surgery. Left with a good amount of information. He is also very compasionate and really cares about his patients. Can't say enough good about him.

the office tends to be extremely busy and you have to go to apt. knowing you may have to wait 2-3 before being seen. But, for me this is not a problem. I feel I am in good hands.

They have a very good aftercare program. Very aggresive. You meet with dr's, and nuitritionist at each apt. They follow you closely, keeping you on the right track.

Dr. Ali is a very nice man. He answers all of your questions and takes time...he doesn't rush you in and rush you out! He explained all the risks involved and has a great staff too!!

I felt that Dr. Ali was up front and honest with information. He was not condescending and you did not feel ashamed in front of him. He made me feel as though he really cares for you as a person. My impression did not change over time it only became stronger. He is a wonderful surgeon and I was lucky to have him complete my surgery. The office staff is very knowledgable but they are also pushed. There are so many people wanting this surgery that I think the office staff takes the brunt of the patients frustration. The only negative thing that I have to say about Dr. Ali is that at times the wait can be long in his clinic, but that is the only negative and that is one that I can live with. When a surgeon is a great as he is. There are many people tryin to see him. This is also a man that does not sugar coat anything. He explains things with tact, but at the same time he will tell you that after this procedure if you do not follow the recomended diet and you go back to the things that you were eating before surgery then you will not see the results you want. I like the fact that he is so honest and that he gives accurate information. The aftercare portion is very structured and he follows you closely. He also makes sure that if you have ANY questions that you have someone to contact 24 hours a day/ seven days a week.