Norfolk Surgical Group Bariatric Center

'My first impression of Dr. Fontana was that he seemed so young. As he began to go over things and talk about his experiences I felt very comfortable. He may be young but he is certainly qualified careing and experienced! So far his staff has been right ontop of things and extremely patient and understnading with someone like myself

'I first met Dr. Snyder at the info session and felt instantly comfortable with him. At my consultation

'I first met Dr. Snyder at the introductory meeting. Although it appeared as though he had the least experience of the group physicians

When I first met him I was nervous. couldnt help but wonder what hes gonna think of me. He was open and honest, answered all of my questions

Dr Boustany and the Staff at Norfolk Surgical Group are AWESOME. Dr Boustany has you stay on a liquid diet for a full month, which really gives you time to adjust to your new lifestyle. His Office liason has had the surgery so she knows what you go through and she also runs the support group meeting once a month, which are really helpful before and after surgery. Dr Boustany is reallu upfront with you saying if you are looking for swimsuit model resuklts the surgery is not for you, but if your goal is to bne healthy and increase your lifespan than great. Frieda took care of evertyhing with the Insurance and is always there to answer any questions. Dr Boustany has preformed several surgeries on me before my gastric bypass so I was totally at ease withhim and there is always 2 doctors present during the suregery. So if you are looking for a doctor check out Norfolk Surgical Group.

I found Dr. Snyder to be very professional and most knowledgeable about the gastric bypass surgery. I first meet him at a program sponsored by SNGH (Sentera Norfolk General Hospital) and NSG (Norfolk Surgical Group). The program described the phases that you need to go through and the operation along with a time line to follow. This helped put everything into prospective.
I started attending the support group and learning about the different problems that some people have and how they over came them. There are also guest speakers to help with issues that arise. The support group is very active with a coordinator that can help answer your questions.
The staffs in the office and at the hospital are trained at a very high level and show a great deal of concern and compassion for the bariatric patients. They are well versed in all aspects of the program from start to finish.
I have had an exceptional easy time since my surgery. I attribute this to Dr. Snyder's skill in laparoscopic surgery. I would rate Dr. Snyder a 10 on a scale 1 Lowest -10 highest.
Surgical competence outweighs bedside manner.

Dr. Fontana is not only thorough in his review of the surgery at the first appointment, but he is understanding and caring in his approach to his patients. Not only did he describe the surgery by drawing it out for me, but also explained about the risks. He was understanding and patient will my "list" of many questions. He answered every single question and was available when I had additional questions.

I was nervous about taking the "big" step to say that yes I needed wanted to proceed with surgery. Dr. Fontana put me at ease at our first meeting. I continue to feel this way. Because of a mix up at my insurance company, my original surgery date in September 2005 was cancelled. However, Dr. Fontana and his staff were able to reschedule my surgery for less than two weeks after my original date. I was heartbroken because of the delay, but Dr. Fontana and his staff went above and beyond to fit me in - even performing surgery on a normal office day and not a surgery day.

I am three months out today - I had surgery on October 4, 2005 and he and his staff have been nothing but supportive, understanding and great cheerleaders.

I would and have highly recommended Dr. Fontana to people that have asked about my surgery. The NSG program is thorough and excellent. I have two friends that did have surgery through a doctor in Virginia Beach and didn't have the pre-op care that I did. The exercise physiologist, dietician, psychologist, surgery coordinators and support groups are all excellent.

Dr. Fontana's surgical competence and bedside manner are excellent. Again, I would highly recommend him.

Overall, I would rate Dr. Fontana and Norfolk Surgical Group as excellent.

He was a little stand-offish but seemed very competent. I overheard him with a post-op in the next room and he was much more friendly so maybe he warms up to people slowly. But quite honestly I don't need someone to hold my hand, I have family for that I need someone to operate on me who won't kill me. Dr. Snyder does tell you first about the possible risks, including the fact that he has had someone die on him before. Then, goes over the surgery with you and lets you ask as many questions as you want and then does your exam. The exam is simple, mostly listening to your lungs and palpitating your belly. The office staff is very friendly, there's a great pre and post surgery support team and everybody I came into contact with was pleasant and non-judgemental. Several people in the office have had the surgery themselves and make themselves available to you for questions. He seemed very confident and put my family at easy before surgery and was very kind and explained everything to them after surgery so all in all I'd say WAY TO GO DR. SNYDER!

AT MY FIRST VISIT HE TOLD ME ABOUT THE SURGERY, HOW LONG HE HAS BEEN DURING THE SURGERY, WHAT TO EXPECT , I FELT VERY COMFORTIBLE WITH HIM AND THE STAFF OF NSG IS VERY GREEEEEEEEEEAT, AND INFORMATIVE.

Dr. Snyder is a knowlegable, friendly, understanding and down to earth doctor who gave me all the facts good and bad about the gastric bypass I had a month ago. He has a wonderful team of professionals consisting of two RN,s who are the Bariatric coordinators, two dieticians, two exercise physiologists and a top-notch secretary. I was able to gleen all the information I requested from all of these folks. The were friendly, understanding and on the ball with whatever I needed. Dr. Snyder did a great job on my surgery and 6 days pos-op, when I had a little extra bleeding from my Jackson-Pratt drain, he immediately sent me for an abdominal CT and bloodwork to rule out any problems. The results were fine and I am happily one month post-op. I feel great and have lost 24 pounds. Thank you Dr. Snyder and team for all you have done.