North Valley Surgical Associates Bariatric Center

Dr. Simchuk and the office at North Valley Surgical Associates have been great.
My only complaint is about the "program fees", but I guess most practices have them now to cover their costs that insurance does not reimburse them for.
The first visit to his office I was having a metabolic test which meant sitting quietly for about 15 minutes. During this time I overheard the Dr. on the phone in an adjoining office; he was arguing assertively with an insurance company who was stalling on approving a patient's surgery. At one point he asked the person if their daughter or son needed this surgery, would they work this hard to prevent them from getting the procedure they needed? Although I was not meant to hear this conversation, it won me over, he really cares for his patients and will advocate for their needs. That said, Dr. Simchuk has a very gentle caring demeanor. He's happy to explain and answer questions, was thorough in explaining the process, the choices, their program-especially the importance of aftercare.
The office recently went through some staffing changes, including new office manager and nutritionist (who is also a mental health counselor) -these changes occurred in early-Spring 2011. There are a lot of steps and staff members who are assigned certain tasks in the process and figuring them all out took a little while, but I've been very impressed with the coordination and thoroughness overall.
My very first phone contact with the office was a little cold, because of the issue of the program fee, which was $3500.00 at the time, period. They have since made changes to the fees and given options for a much lower fee (the amount is now related to the length of time for their aftercare program, a minimum of 6 months, up to 5 years, I think). I have to say that I'm still not really sure what all this "fee" really covers that a person at another center wouldn't get anyway. The letter states it's for 24-hour access to the office & surgeons as needed, photodocumentation of your process, newsletter, food & exercise journal, nutritional counseling, surgeon involvement in support groups, informational seminar, the binder of information, and protein supplement & vitamin starter kit. It also states that you get access to online chat group, website access and information- these two do not exist at this time (7/30/2011) but I have been told they are "working on it". The binder, the journal, the supplement & vitamin samples, and the informational seminar have been valuable. -I'm not sure if you would get that good a quality elsewhere for these. ***What this fee meant for ME ==> The next nearest surgeon my insurance would approve was in Sacramento, about 2 hours away. I wanted a reputable, thorough, personable surgeon that was local. I wanted my surgery locally. And I wanted aftercare to be convenient so that I will actually follow through. Although I had to scramble for the $$, it has already been worth it in so many ways.
One thing I wish I'd known but didn't, and it was probably because the nutritionist/counselor was brand new- was that she, Kathy, can do both the nutritional counseling and the psych assessment required by insurance companies. They may have information in place to inform patients of that now.
They offer a lot of protein supplements and vitamins for sale at their office, but as of July 2011 their price list & description of what they offer was, well, very basic. I wanted brands, description, quantity, and price, maybe an internet address for more info - The list I got had mostly the type of item with a price & no other info. Some didn't even have prices. I think this may be a new venture for the office.
A great thing they provide is "the binder" - it has gobs of information about them, the practice, the different types of surgeries, risks, diet pre & post surgery, activity/exercise info, contact info, what to expect in the hospital, all kinds of stuff-very thorough, I use it and have added to it.
The hospital/surgical care at Enloe was great; Dr. Simchuk checked on me each day and seemed to really care about how I was doing. The hospital liaison met with me there on my second day regarding aftercare diet and recovery and then called to follow up the following Tuesday as well.
Obviously these are just my opinions based on my experiences, but I've tried to be thorough. As with any surgery, be sure to check out all your options, get referrals on providers, and TAKE YOUR TIME in making these decisions. I'm glad that I did.

Dr. Ludwig appears to be an extremely confident and professional surgeon. His office staff is very kind, professional, and compassionate. They could care less if I called several times a day--they always had a welcoming attitude. I found the Pre-Operation education to be absolutley wonderful. Everything was brought up at one time or another and I felt very prepared for the surgery, knowing what to expect and what the pathway would be for me. Dr. Ludwig and his staff presented no bias or preference for LapBand vx. RYN, even when I tried to get them to help me with the decision. The decision was ultimately mine to make, and I am so pleased about that. There is a structured Aftercare Program, which consists on Post-Op Class, Bariatric support group, and more. Physical therapy was initiated for me prior to surgery and will continue a few weeks after, as my MD decides. Risks of surgery was discussed at length. I am providing an Excellent rating for Dr. Ludwig, and his partner, Dr. Simchek, who I never did meet, but who was in surgery with me as well. I felt Dr. Ludwig's surgical competence was fantastic and appreciate the time he spent with me prior and after surgery to address important information. I'm just delighted!

Dr. Ludwig was amazing. He made me feel so comfortable about the surgery.

He is an excellent surgeon. Caring and kind. The staff is very compentant and takes time to address every issue that I was concerned about. They have a very good aftercare program that includes behavior modification support and a Buddies program. They are always there to help out even after surgery. They have a seminar and a pre-surgery class that goes into great detail about the risks of surgery. I think both surical competence and a good beside manner are important but if I had to pick I think I would go with surgical competence.

My husband and I were very impressed with Dr. Simchuk from the first moment we meet him at our initial consultation. He was very thorough and informative. rnrnFrom the very beginning through the surgery, Dr. Simchuk and the office staff have been great.rnrnSuccessful Solutions places great emphasis on aftercare by offering several support groups and resources, which believe me you will need after surgery. As they say, they are giving you a tool, not a cure. It is up to you to make the necessary life changes for your surgery to be successful. It is NOT a quick fix! There is continual work to be done.rnrnThe risks of surgery were gone over several times from the beginning in the consulation to the final pre-0p appointment.rnrnI would rate Dr. Simchuk and his partner, Dr. Ludwig, a 10. Both their surgical competence and there bedside manner are wonderful.

Yeah I really didn't get to know him that well. In order for me to have the surgery turns out that I would have to pay 3500.00 for 2 years of after-care. The surgery medicare will pay for. What A Bit**!!

Dr. Simchuck is a soft spoken caring Dr. I am so glad I chose him to perform my surgery. There is nothing that i can say negative about him or his staff. I would do this surgery again with Dr. simchuck in a heartbeat. I had 0 complications and at 3 weeks out I feel very good.

An absolutely wonderful surgeon. The staff at his office could not be more helpful. They are always concerned with the patients best interest. The Successful Solutions aftercare program is so perfect!! I felt so much confidence in the program and the surgery that I did not have a moments hesitation. It has been over two years since my surgery and I have not had a moment of regret.rn

My first impression of Dr. Ludwig was that he was very knowledgable and wanted what was best for me. I was considering RNY and together we decided that the Lapband would be a better choice. He was very thorough in his preop testing, which made me feel very comfortable when it came time for sugery. rnI am now 3 months postop and he is still very concerned with how I am doing and I never feel rushed during an office visit. Can't say that about too many docs these days. rnDr. L has the best office staff that I have ever encountered. They are all very caring and always willing to help and answer questions.rnDr. L and Dr. S have a great aftercare program. Postop classes and a monthly support group meeting. I feel that I have total support from the docs and everyone in their office. rnThe risks of both RNY and Lapband were both addressed at my initial visit and I felt very well informed when I left the office that day. rnOverall, I think that I would have to rate both the docs and the staff a 10 on a scale of 1-10.rnI believe that both docs are very competent with their surgery skills and both of them have an excellent bedside manner.rnThe only downside to the whole experience has been that there seems to be more RNY info and patients than there is Lapband, but I'm sure that that will soon be changing!

Hello! Im writing exactly one week post op after having a gastric BAND placed. Dr Deron Ludwig and his partner Dr Eric Simchuk performed my surgery on 4/25/08. I have to say my first impression of Dr Ludwig was different than most people. That is because I have worked with him in the operating room for 2 years now assisting him on gastric bypass, among other surgeries, including the very surgery I had. It was almost instantaneous when I met him, that I found him to be charming, funny and highly skilled. As I began to work more with him, I realized he is an amazing surgeon. He is thorough, conscientious and pro-active in his care. I saw many of the same qualities in his partner Dr Eric Simchuk, when he came on board in the fall of 2007. Working with these two Dr's are the best part of my job! As far as their office staff, what can I say? The succesful solutions office is a well oiled machine. They have the entire program down to a beautiful science. All of the staff is professional, caring, compassionate, non-judgemental and honestly there at all times to help US, the patients. They never seem put out or make you feel stupid if you have a million seemingly \"silly\" questions. The office is neat and comfortable, including chairs that can accomodate a tush that is NOT a size 6, if you know what I mean. The succesfull solutions program is organized and systematic. Dr Ludwig has made sure all elements and components are in place. From just considering surgery, all the way through lots of aftercare and followups, this program has all the bases covered and then some! You will be in the best hands possible when you make the commitment to change your life forever and have surgery with Dr Ludwig or his partner Dr Simchuk. And as I read the question on the site that says do I have anything negative to say?, I will think really hard.......Hmmmmm...... The only thing I could say about Dr Ludwig is perhaps some might meet him and think hes on the younger side and possibly on the quiet side. I have heard patients say this before and my response is always the same. Dr Ludwig is not an old geezer thats for sure, but more importantly, he is the best at what he does. And as for those who may find him to be quiet? I believe he is so focused on his patients and their needs, hes always thinking of how he can and will help them and things along those lines. Know that Dr Ludwig has a great sense of humor and loves to laugh, but he also loves to do his job well and take amazing care of his patients and his staff!!rnrnThanks for your timernHelen