Pacific Bariatric Surgical Medical Group, Inc. Bariatric Center
My first impression of the Pacific Bariatric office was very soothing. I especially like the huge salt water aquarium with the big puffer fish! (LOL) The staff at PB are very friendly and go out of their way to accomodate and help you out if you need it. I wasn't nervous but I imagine those who are would be put to ease quickly by the staff.
I first saw Dr. Rumsey at a PB seminar and have only heard and read good things since. Finally meeting him at my pre-op consultation, he was very warm and non-rushed. I'm glad I chose him. He is requiring a pre-op weight loss but that's ok. He discussed some of the risks that could happen but they have such a good reputation, I'm not worried about it in the least bit. He was very thorough and happy to answer any questions I had.
We talked just a tad about aftercare but there will be one more appointment before the surgery that will cover this part. There was a lot of pre-op information though. I received a packet of what to expect, what to do the first few weeks and how to get ready in preparation. You can never know to much about that!
I didn't see him again until it was after the surgery when he came in to tell me how well everything went. On the day I was discharged he came in that morning. My roomie had already been cleared to leave so I was there by myself. I told him she had abandoned me (jokingly) and he said, "Awww, you're not abandoned! You have ME!" and put his arm around me. It was very sweet! He then filled up a 1 ounce cup of the water and said, "Now, here - I want you to drink this, the whole thing." It was only an ounce but after sipping just ounces the previous days it was nice to know I wouldn't explode if I did drink the whole thing at once...LOL. He was very thorough in what I had to do in the next few days and I'll see him again on Monday before I head home.
At my consult, Dr. Zorn was very thorough and spent a good deal of time talking with my partner and myself about his expectations and what I can expect from surgery. Dr. Zorn spent approximately 25 minutes with us and I felt good about the consulation. I know from friends who have had him as a surgeon that he is kind and skilled. I feel very comfortable with him and I am glad that I chose him for my surgeon.
Dr. Rumsey was very nice & proffesional. He was straight forward & answered all my questions. His office staff was very nice as well, even offering a lollipop to my daughter who was waiting for me with my wife. His office has a huge salt water fish tank. It's very relaxing to watch. He explained risks of surgery and told me out of nearly 7000 procedures they have only had a 6 deaths. Way below the average for this surgery nation wide. Rate 10 out of 10
for pacific bariatric. The only negative was parking availability.
10/29/2003 - I have only met Dr. Zorn once. My surgery is scheduled for April 12, 2004, and will be done laproscopically (hopefully). My impression of Dr. Zorn is that he is very nice and very concerned about his patients. He works with Pacific Barriatrics in San Diego and the staff there have been very nice. The only negative I have to say is that I am disappointed with how long it is until my surgery. I got my date about one month ago...so it was over 6 months out from when they scheduled me. My understanding is that Dr. Zorn only does Lap surgeries on Mondays...which is the reason for the delay. I did request to be put on the cancellation list, so I am hopeful the surgery may happen sooner.
All in all I am pleased with Pacific Barriatrics and Dr. Zorn so far.
Great smile, wanted to really know ME, Answered my questions before I could ask..
Immediately I felt confident in his ability as a surgeon and humane being.
Big, gentle man, very kind. I could tell he took great pride in his work.
His office staff rate 5 star, I ador Myla for always being kind and forthright with me.
The office staff is deligent in follow-up, paperwork, crossing the T's and dotting the I's....Yes someone will always want it faster but comparing them to another leading So. Calif. facility this place is a CLASS ACT with CARING professionls that are ALWAYS DOING THEIR BEST.....
My surgery is Nov. 18, 2003 and I look forward to updating....
My first impression of Dr. Rumsey was that he was a pretty serious man, which is good because he's going to be operating on me :) He was very nice and made sure to answer all of my questions. The office is interesting because we got to meet people who had just had surgery and were there for their post op appointments. It really put my mind at ease because I saw that they were all a-okay. He definitely addressed all of the risks of surgery and he emphasized how important aftercare is. Pacific Bariatrics wants to keep in touch with you for the rest of your life to see how you're doing with your journey. As of now I'd rate Dr. Rumsey at a 9, and hopefully a 10 after surgery. Surgical competence is definitely most important to me.
Dr Zorn seemed completely knowledgeable and patient with my many many questions. I was in his office for well over an hour, and I was running late from the earlier consultation with an internist. I was thrilled that Dr. Zorn's office had large (I mean huge) paper gowns. He is very clear that this process is a tool to assist the on-going weight loss efforts that the patient is already working. He didn't discuss the risks with me like I thought he would. I particularly appreciate the attitude his office has toward preparing for the surgery. They are very focused on doing the activities to prepare your body for major surgery, as well as establish the habits you will need to be successful post-op. I interviewed one other doctor who was connected with my PCP group. This doctor has his own weight loss program and seemed anti WLS. He is the entry point to the bariatric surgery program and you must fail at his program before being considered for surgery. I feel so blessed to be able to go to Pacific Bariatric and choose Dr. Zorn.
UPDATE:::::5 months later and still a few days pre-op, I was surprised how much turnover there is in Pacific Bariatric. I am now on my 4th patient coordinator.
Post Op UPDATE:::::I LOVE Dr. Zorn. He is attentive to detail, ensuring that the scars are pretty. He is expert in his field. He is funny and sensitive. I am so fortunate.
I met with my sugeon, Dr. Eugene Rumsey...last week on 9/24/03. He was on-time...and very nice. He seemed to explain things very well with great drawings.
I dont know why, but I was expecting to meet with him in an office setting...across from a desk. I was completely wrong...and was put in a room to undress...and get checked out. He checked my heart beat, blood preassure, tummy, legs, feet...etc. He told me that my legs were strong. They also weighed me, of course. I hadnt gained any weight, but I havent lost any either. He gave me a sheet of paper that stated he wanted me to lose 20 pounds before surgery. I knew this was coming!