Physicians East Surgical Weight Loss Center Bariatric Center

My surgeon is wonderful..very knowledgable about the procedure. he is a very popular surgeon for the gastic by-pass. I trust him.

My first impression of Dr,MacDonald was I didn't like him.The more I saw of him the friendlier he was.My surgery went well and he was so wonderful after the surgery.I highly recommend him to anyone who is considering this surgery.He have changed my life completely.I am so much better than I was 14 months ago.He explained all the risks and the ins and outs of the surgery.But I knew what I was up against and I had faith in Dr.MacDonald and the Lord.I am a better person because of Dr.MacDonald.He don't see you much during your follow up visits unless there is a problem.But he have a very good staff that is friendly and can answer all your questions.I think surgical competence as well as bedside manners are important to help the patient feel good about themselves and help in the healing process.I found all this to be true with Dr.MacDonald and all the Drs.I saw while I was in the hospital.I can not thank him enough for saving me from a lifetime of bad health,aches and pains and the self confidence I have gained about myself.Again a BIG THANK YOU DRMACDONALD,you are a wonderful surgeon!

I have met with Dr. MacDonald twice throughout this preliminary process. He seems very professional, and focused on his work....which is fine with me! His office staff has been so friendly and helpful. I have spoken with both my primary care doctor and my gynecologist, as well as friends of our family who are physicians. They all have nothing but positive comments about Dr. MacDonald. Everything I read confirms that he is definitely an expert in this field. Of course, I am still one month away from surgery. I can update after the experience.

Dr. MacDonald is a good surgeon. I really didn't meet with him that much though. I mostly met with his student dr's and his nurse Bobbie. His office staff is great. Very understanding and sensitive. What I liked least about him? Nothing. He was very patient with me and my mom and trust me we had alot of questions. Future patients should know that he is a very busy man but his staff has his back 1000%. He was very blount about the worst case scenerio. On a scale of 1-10 I would rate hime a 9 but his supporting staff is an 11. Surgical competence is most important just because I don't remember seeing him in the hospital although my mom said he stopped by 3 times in 2 days. The only negative thing to say is he does not emphasize aftercare as far as what to eat long term. And the fact that he is so busy.

I haven't met Dr.MacDonald yet.But I have met some of his staff like Natlie and Bobby Lou they are very nice people ,easy to talk to..

10-19-04
I met Dr.MacDonald for the first time onthe 10-19-04.He is a very good man.I really like the way he talks to you.He is straight to the point.

I met Dr. MacDonald for the first time in July of 2003 for my initial consultation. He does have a very brisk manner, but he is willing to answer questions. His nurses, Bobbie Lou and Natalie, are a true asset to his department. They are your first contact. After they sit you down (in a small group) and explain the surgery, the risks, and the post-op, you meet with Dr. MacDonald so he can judge your surgery need and type.

I was very impressed with the fact that it does take a long period of time to go from start to finish. I was on the waiting list for 1 year before I received my initial consultation visit and have had a six month wait from initial visit to surgery date. This is not the type of surgery that should be rushed head long into. And the waiting period keeps the "assembly line" effect down to a bare minimum.

I also like the fact that if Dr. MacDonald does not see a support network around you then he will not do the surgery. My husband is required to come to the pre-op or Dr. MacDonald will cancel the surgery. My father had the surgery 20 years ago and I believe that had he had a larger support network and had they had support groups back then, his post-op would not have been as difficult on him or the family.

The only negative thing I might say is that when I have made phone calls to ask insurance questions, or any thing other questions, the receptionists some times seem to be in a hurry to get you off the phone.

Overall I would rate Dr. MacDonald AND his department very highly and am very excited about my surgery on December 11, 2003.

When I first met Dr. MacDonald I really thought he was unfriendly and cold. He never smiled or seemed to warm up and I was more than a little bit uncomfortable around him although I knew he was the best to do this surgery. After my surgery my feeling changed completely. He did a complete turn around. I think that he just wants his patients absolutely sure that this is what they want and wants them to take this step very seriously. His office staff has always been wonderful especially Bobbie Lou and Natalie, his support staff. They are all very interested in keeping you informed both before and after surgery. They always have time to answer any questions and encourage you to ask them. All in all, I am 100% satisfied with the care I have received thru Dr. MacDonald and his staff.

Professional, no bull and tells you like it is. Not rude, but not overly nice to the point of candy coating anything. Very good man.

My mother was with me on my pre op meeting w/ my surgeon. The fact that she felt he was nice, knew what he was talking about, and took the time needed to help us both understand what to expect met a great deal to me. He was very good.
His office staff was made of of med. students and nurses who were also very nice.

He was very helpful and understanding. He made me feel very at ease with the surgery. His staff is incredible. His nurses are compassionate, concerned about your welfare and extremely helpful. They always returned my phone calls promptly when I had questions or concerns.

Dr. MacDonald has many years of exsperience with the surgery. He strongly emphasizes aftercare and made sure I was informed of all risks involved.

Overall I would rate him as an excellent surgeon whose competence is exceptional and bedside manner is average.