North Shore Medical Center Bariatric Center

My surgeon is scheduled to be Dr. Benedetto, but I do not expect that to happen; I expect I will no longer be working with NSMC's bariatric team because all of my interactions with them upset me. Dr. Benedetto himself is the most pleasant member of the team; he is the only person who did not talk down to me and seemed competent.

The rest of the team, particularly the nutritionists, impressed me with their lack of knowledge regarding their field; they simply hadn't HEARD of lots of foods, which strikes me as bizarre, given that is their job. Given the stress put on protein consumption in this program, they were also not as knowledgeable about non-animal-protein sources as I would expect (tofu is considered "exotic"; it felt like 1980).

People who do not eat like WASPs, people who are neurodivergent, queerfolk and people with mental health issues will likely not feel welcome here.

I felt like I was being berated like an especially stupid child here - I am an adult with chronic health issues, meaning I have a small army of specialists. Seeing medical professionals on a regular basis is what I do, and have done since I was quite young. This is the ONLY place where medical professionals make me have panic attacks before I visit and consistently treat me poorly.

Take this only as my opinion on the NSMC bariatric team - I have had great experiences with other parts of the NSMC system, and will continue to use doctors and personnel associated with them.

My first impression of Dr. Rivera was that he was young, later I found out he was 36. I would have chosen an older, more experienced doctor, had I a choice, but my primary care doctor knew him and referred me to him. He was nice, and answered all my questions. He smiled occasionally, but I didn't really connect with him. That should of been something I paid more attention too. His office staff was pleasant and nice. I found him to be not so compassionate to my Mother on the phone when I had serious complications and she was rightfully upset and scared, he didn't try to soothe her anxiety. Future patients should know that he is nice, but I have met some of his patients that have had complications as being his patient. He never really emphasized aftercare, that came more from my Fabulous Angel, Jane Christenson, the Surgical Weight Loss Coordinator. Dr. Rivera does not have a structured aftercare program himself, but the Salem Hospital has the MOST wonderful 12 week post-op program that is mandatory and amazing! Dr. Rivera discussed the risks of the surgery, but I learned more from Jane. My overall rating of Dr. Rivera on a scale from 1-10 would have to be a 4. But, that's just my personal opinion. I had my Gall Bladder removed, he nicked my Spleen, so that had to be removed, I had 5 blood transfusions, was in the hospital for 12 days and was sick and vomiting for 8 months. I think that surgeon's need to have both surgical competence and a great bedside manner, because without one or the other, you won't want to allow him/her to touch you.

What was your first impression of him/her? He seemed to be a kind, caring and knowledgeable surgeon.


How did your impression change over time? My original impression was only reinforced. Dr. Rivera told me after surgery that he would not discharge me until "I was ready to be released" He kept his word! I stayed 2 days longer.

How would you describe his/her office staff?
The office staff was always understanding and eager to help.

What did you like least about him/her? There is nothing that I did notlike about Dr. Rivera.

What should future patients know about him/her?
He is excellent always willing to answer and explain any questions and take as much time as necessary.

How much does he/she emphasize aftercare? He told me that that speed of proper recovery is directly related to the attention paid to my aftercare.

Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?
This was done through the Heart and Wellness center of the Hospital.

How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
The risks were addressed in an honest and strait forward manor.

How would you rate him/her all? Excellent!

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or both great?
Competence is better, and I understand Dr. Rivera is a perfectionist. This Doctor had both!