Obesity Surgery Center Bariatric Center

2/16/01 I met with Dr. Anez (Woodbridge Office) yesterday and boy do I feel better! I think I have spent too much time reading postings on the site and got overwhelmed with so much information that I was really having a hard time dealing w/my emotions about surgery! But seeing him in person helped to make this decision more 'real' and it was a good first impression. Dr. Anez was so polite and easy to talk to. Although, there wasn't all that much conversation. He was about getting the facts out there on the table. I had read so much that I found that I already knew and understood much of what he had to say. But I did learn quite a bit more about after-care from the booklet he provided. My mother attended with me which was helpful and supportive. (Thanks mom!) I came with a short list of questions which he answered very patiently and not rushed even though all the things were covered in the booklet (which I hadn't read yet). He really stressed aftercare and attend support group meetings. Shannon at the front desk was super sweet. She said I should hear from them in about a week on my approval and that Kaiser usually has a pretty quick turnaround on approvals. So I should have a surgery date in the next couple of weeks. Even though she said that they are booked into April, I am planning to do it in May since my mother will be finished w/work-related travel and she's going to be my caretaker after I get out of the hospital. Lord knows my husband is no Florence Nightingale!!!! Dr. Anez also invited me to attend a Staple Club meeting at Fair Oaks Hospital next Monday, too. He'll be there to introduce a new chair for patients and wants his patients' input and reaction to the chair. It will be higher and bigger to accommodate his pre-op patients. Funny thing...while I was in the waiting room it occurred to me that his furniture needed updating. It appeared very old (60's) and worn-out and low to the floor. One thing I liked was that he mentioned not trying to stay for the entire meeting whenever he speaks at them b/c he didn't want to inhibit any patients from being open about their experiences in front of him. That and the chair issue proved to me how sensitive he is to the plight of people with severe weight issues. I rate him to be a 10!!!!!

Actually, I met with Dr. Hamli his partner. He is very nice and very informative. He made sure that I understood everything that was going to happen. Shannon is very nice. She is going to process my paper work to Aetna today (1/31/01) and hopefully it will be quick..

Dr. Anez was pleased with the research I'd done, prior to meeting him. I had already gotten a clear idea of what the surgery entailed, and he liked the fact that I was already well-informed. He went over a booklet put out by his office, during our first visit, outlining what the surgery would mean, and how it would be done. He answered all my questions. I remain pleased with him, and his abilities.

His staff in the Woodbridge office were always pleasant, however they don't have the time to "hold hands" with all their patients, when it came to getting things scheduled. They didn't mind me calling to check on things, but I had to prod them a couple of times, to get them to call my insurance case manager and give her information so she'd write up my approval letter. Stay on top of your case, folks - it's your surgery and your body, and ultimately your wallet at stake. Double check that you are going to a facility that your insurance company approves of for your presurgical testing - make sure you have precertification for things - stuff like that.

There isn't anything I disliked about Dr. Anez - he's a caring, well-informed individual. He's always been very pleasant with me, and, I think, was kinda tickled by my rather obvious enthusiasm.

Aftercare is emphasized - come back to see him every month for the first 3 months, then every three months for a year - that kinda stuff. He also really pushes for you to attend his support group meetings. I've been to two so far. They've been okay, but it's been realllllllly cold at the church where they house the meetings - last time I brought a BLANKET!

I'd give Dr. Anez a 10 out of 10.

I've only had one visit with Dr Anez but I really liked him. He made me feel so at home and like he really understood how I felt. You can really tell he knows what he is doing and that he does care. He is very business like but he does take time to answer any questions you have. He gives you a book about the surgery and goes over everything with you. As far as the staff I just loved them. They are just so helpful. Since I haven't had the sugery done yet I can't answer alot of question but I know he is very big on aftercare. As far as risks we did go over different types that could be involved during or after surgery. Extra thanks to his staff.

I liked him very much. He is straight foward and to the point. I didn't feel rushed, and he answered all my questions. His office staff was really helpful. The nurse I saw the second visit was great, and also answered all my questions I forgot to ask the first time.

Dr. Anez and his staff were excellent, both before, during and after sugery. Everything about the procedure was explained well and he has a nutritionist that is great and very helpful. Given a choice i would definitely choose him again!

Dr.Anez was one of the best doctors I've been to. He was very understanding and explained everything so I could understand. You have to see Sally for 4 weeks to learn how to eat right before and after your surgey. If I had to do this over again I WOULD. Any question you have he takes the time to answer untill you understand all. He is very big on taking all your vitamins.If you can go to Fair Oaks then your lucky the staff was great and very helpful after my surgey. Just get up and WALK and in no time you will feel better.

September 17, 2000 -- Initial consultation on 9-12-00. He was to the point and very business like. I agree with other posts that this is OK. I want a surgeon who like Dr. Anez seems capable and confident. He answered all my concerns (which I remembered to ask him) to my satisfaction. His office staff was friendly and appear very efficient. He gives a binder of info at your initial consultation that covers many questions. After going over that, I have a few questions and am certain he will answer those on a future appointment.

One negative. He did not shut the door to his office for the consultation. I know I could have requested this but did not. As the staff desk with patients coming and going is right outside, it proved to be distracting and made me feel as though I needed to rush the meeting. This had more to do with me then him, so it shouldn't discourage you from going to him. Just a heads up. I have full confidence in his skills and ability to help me to a successful outcome.

Will update later.

JANUARY 11, 2001 -- 7 days post op
A++ is the rating for Anez and his office staff. I am not going to erase my former comments as that seems dishonest. But I must say I was nervous and it was me. He and his office staff are awesome, very very helpful and kind.

I REALLY WAS IMPRESSED WITH MY DOCTOR THE FIRST TIME I MET HIM .HE MADE ME FEEL THAT HE WANTED TO HELP ME ,I DON'T WANT TO FORGET HIS OFFICE STAFF THEY WERE THE FIRST FACES THAT I SAW AND SPOKE WITH ON THE PHONE .PUT IT THIS WAY I CAME IN HAPPY AND LEFT OUT THE SAME WAY.DR.ANEZ CARES VERY MUCH ABOUT THE AFTER CARE OF HIS PAITENTS ,YOU MUST DO WHAT HE TELLS YOU TO OR YOU WILL SURLY HAVE PROBLEMS.HE DID LET ME KNOW THE RISKS OF THE SURGERY ,I UNDERSTOOD HIM VERY WELL WHICH IS WHAT HE MAKES SURE THAT YOU DO.I WOULD RATE DR.ANEZ ,HIS STAFF AND THE WONDERFUL NUTRI.. SALLY AN OVER AND BEYOUND 11+++.I'M VERY HAPPY WITH THE WAY EVERYTHING IS GOING THUS FAR.

I think Dr. Anez is a wonderful doctor. He explained everthing that was going to happen and was there every step of the way. I feel his staff is very good also. They understand what you are going through and want you to be successful.

Aftercare is the most important part of the surgery. The surgery changes your life forever. The staff really focuses on that and what to except after the surgery. Dr Anez's staff has a monthly support group at two locations that helps everyone in all stages of the surgery.

PLease note that I had to have my surgery twice due to the fact that where the connection was made to my intestines had a kink it it. That was a had part to over come but I must say that Dr. Anez was with me in the hospital at all hours of the night.