Sarasota Memorial Hospital Bariatric Center

Dr. Fitz (as we call him at the hospital) was very informative. My first appointment he made me feel comfortable, as I was very nervous. He answered all my questions, and even answered some I didn't ask. He talked to me as a person, not just another patient. I would recommend him to anyone who is looking to have this surgery! I have also found out that since this is a new procedure at our hospital, Dr. Fitzgerald will be working with Dr. Wizeman on my surgery. Two great surgeons, what else could I ask for?!

Dr.Fitzgerald was great, and very forthcoming with info about surgery; and eager to address my concerns. The office staff is incredible, they have called me every step of the way. They emphasize aftercare, like breathing! IT is crucial!
I would give them 5 gold stars. Surgical competence is greatly important! lol But both need to be outstanding.

He was very straight with me. I had gastric stapling in Tulsa in 1982. He asked me what would make this surgery now have a permanent outcome... i told him that i now know that i am a complusive overeater and have stayed with OA since 1985... the stapling was prior to me finding OA, there was no extensive pre or post op counseling or followup, and i have aged 23 years and want my life back!
He ad his partner at LiveLite in Junction City, Kansas have done 500+ RNY, but only 10 "revisions" which is what mine will be, plus more hospital time due to adhesions and altered anatomy from prior surgery...
I had to undergo extra diagnostic tests, a scope and barium swallow before he would commit to doing the surgery.
Dr. Stevens looked me in the eye and said: My goal for you is to get this weight off and have you functioning at your full potential as a doctor again. You will be doing the work, you MUST keep in OA, and you must want this more than anyone else.I said: AMEN!
Medical staff, dietician and all program suppport people: FANTASTIC. The staff of Geary Community Hosp were so attentive and professional for my entire day of pre-op testing, they eased my anxiety and made the day go fast.
Surgery is May 4... more later!

Dr. Stevens is a wonderful caring doctor. He and Dr. Bollman both operated on me. Dr. Stevens had also operated on me for my gall bladder and removed a lump from my breast. Carla is Dr. Stevens nurse and she is so kind and caring also. I think it is great how all three doctors give of thier time each month to come to the meetings so that questions can be answered and everyone can share and get input. It is not like that in Arizona. I have quit going to the meetings as everytime I went there is no doctor there. I really miss my care group in Junction City. You could always ask Pam and Patty anything and they were so helpful with the insurance. I wish I could have brought Dr. Stevens with me to Arizona. He is the best. You couldn't be in better hands when you have this surgery. I rate Dr. Stevens and Dr. Bollman as the best doctors. Make sure when you go to get out of bed in the hospital you take you pain med about 10 min before you get out of bed. I didn't want to take pain med. and it hurt when you got up but when I started taking the med. it was much easier.

He's very nice (very cute). Was very direct and to the point. His nurse was awesome as is everyone in the hospital.

I had my pre-op testing done on January 28. The staff were wonderful. I showed up a little early for my appointment but they didn't make me wait. They started to work immediately and what I had expected on being a whole day of testing was completed in about 5 hours.
The call the next day to make sure I was okay was encouraging as well.
If surgery goes as well as pre-op testing, then I'm sure I will be well taken care of. My surgery is scheduled for February 25.








I have had my consult but not my pre-op testing.
My first impression of Dr. Stevens was not a good one I'm afraid. I am sure that it was not his fault, but I expected him to be more encouraging. He appeared knowledgeable and was up on his research informing me that revision patients whose surgery was still in tact, according to research do not do as well with their weight loss. Since my surgery is 17 years old And I can eat as much as anyone I don't see how that could be so. I appreciate his desire to be as informative as possible, however, we didn't click at all. I would not allow this to change my plans for surgery, afterall, I'm interested more in his skill level than his bedside manner. He and his father-in-law, whom he performed surgery with, have successfully done over 500 RNY procedures. That is what is important to me.
He did inform me of all the risks and greatly emphasized aftercare. His staff is wonderful. Everyone I met was extremely pleasant.

Honestly, I chose the program as Jundction City, Kansas because they perform revisions, and they are closer to where I live than Kansas City would be. On a scal of 1 to 10 he is about a 7 right now. I'll let you know if his score changes as time goes on!

I love Dr. Stevens! I had originally wanted to have the Lap-Band surgery and not the Roux N Y bypass. He was genuinely concerned about my reasons for having a Lap-band- I didn't want a long recovery. After talking to him for at least an hour- I realized the Lap-band would have been a mistake and I decided (along w/my husband)that the bypass would be the best thing for me. He was right, I am soooo glad I had this done. His staff is wonderful. They take the time to listen and they are all so knowledgeable and caring. They have support group meetings that the doctors, nurses, and the Liv-Lite staff attend. I don't go to them because I am so far away. (I attend a local one). I would rate him and his staff as a 10! The only downside is that I am 3 1/2 hours away, so I can't just pop in if I think anything is wrong.

My first impression of Dr. Stevens has remained true thru time. He is a kind, caring Doctor who is no nonsense. Your health is first with him and weight loss is second. He does not jeopardize your health for extremely fast weight loss. He knows what is expected for your weight and he expects compliance but does not condone inappropriate eating habits or not eating for faster weight loss. His office staff and nurse are excellent caring people who are always available to answer questions and help in any way possible. There was nothing that I didn't like about Dr. Stevens. Aftercare is extremely important to Dr. Stevens and he expects you to show up for your scheduled appointments which are frequent in the first six months. He also has bloodwork done at regular intervals. He explained the benefits and risks of surgery very well and made it clear that he would only do what was in my best interest, even if that meant not doing surgery. I would rate him a 13 on a one to ten scale. He has great bedside manner and is a highly skilled surgeon.

My first impression of Dr. stevens was what a nice guy. His bed side manner was impeccable. I would reccomend him to anyone that needs a surgeon in Kansas. His nurse is a wonderful lady. She is so quiet.

Dr. Stevens is a very caring person and he is really good looking.He even gives you his home phone number in case you need to reach him about anything at all. His office staff are great. He and his partner Dr. Bollman are big advocates of aftercare. His aftercare visits are as followed: 2weeks,6weeks,3months,6months,9months,1 year, and then yearly. Dr. Stevens is very informative and makes sure that you understand what you are getting yourself into. Overall, I would rate him as excellent and his bedside manner/sugical competence are impecable. I am very satisfied and would reccomend him to anyone.