Sarasota Memorial Hospital Bariatric Center

My first impression of Dr Stevens was at the Liv-Lite question and answer forum after the support meeting, he seemed very knowledgable and compassionate to all people there and the many questions asked of him. After my consulatation meeting I was even more impressed with him, he is genuinely interested in helping me make my life better with the tools/surgery he does. He office staff is very good, his nurse Carla is great she answered many questions and reviewed paperwork completely, she even took me on a tour of the hospital, showed my where pre-op,ICU and the Medical floors were as well as the waiting areas for my family. There is nothing about Dr. Stevens that I don't like. Dr Stevens recommends patients continue with the aftercare program with Liv-Lite,he even attends the meetings,as they give continued support and a network of people going throught the same things and lets you share with new people interested in the surgery. Dr Stevens explained all aspects of surgery, goals and risks to my satisfaction. I would rate Dr Stevens a 10+. Surgical competence and bedside manner are both important.

He was very mild-mannered and told me EVERYTHING I could expect for the surgery. His staff was very kind, friendly and informative. The only problem that I can see is that he doesn't perform the LAP RNY only the open as he thinks there are more complications with LAP than open.

I first met Dr. Stevens at the monthly meeting Liv-lite holds in JC. He answered the questions very honestly and openly. He never seemed to get frustrated. When I finally had my appointment with him, he was very kind and to the point. He answered my husbands questions and wanted to make sure that my husband felt as comfortable about me having surgery as I did. I have a phobia of blood transfusions and he discussed this with me without making me feel stupid. His office was a little disorganized but I feel this was due to them getting ready to move into a new office. Everyone was nice and wanted to make sure all of my questions and concerns had been addressed before I left that day. If I were to rate Dr. Stevens and the Liv-Lite program I would give them a 9 out of 10. Dr. Stevens and Dr. Bollman (his partner) are both very competent when it comes to the surgery. They both have a nice bedside manner but a little stiff. I'll take surgial competence over bedside manner any day!!!! I would definitely recommend the program and either Dr. to my closest friend or family memeber.

THANK YOU DR. STEVENS!

PRE-OPERATIVE: I was very impressed with this easy natured, caring physician. He seems quite motivated by a need to help morbidly obese patients. I spoke with him initially by phone. Then, I heard him speak at an information sharing meeting the Hospital set up. When we met in person (my pre-operative consultation) he spent about an hour talking to me about all aspects of this surgery and it's potential impact on my life. It was professional but not cold and clinical. He spoke in layman's terms about the surgery, risks, and benefits. He addressed my questions with patience and understanding.

Dr Stevens is a awsome doctor and person. I have never seen a doctor that cares so much about his patients and is willing to do anything to push them. Dr stevens is a tiny man but let me tell you he has a lot of respect from so many people. I would let dr stevens do surgery on me any time. I trust him and couldn't ask for a doctor.

Dr. Stevens is a wonderful, caring doctor. Very much family orinted. His staff is just sooo caring and wonderful, ready to help out in whatever you need.

He really went over the risks involved in the surgery, talked in depth about the differenceds between the Lap band and RNY so I could make an even more informed desison.

I think he is just great.

Stevens is part of a 2 dr practice with Bollman who is also his father in law. So far I'm pretty happy with them but not sure how I'm gonna manage to lose 30 pounds before surgery. His staff is great I love Carla to death she is a sweetie

Yes there is a structured aftercare program through Liv Lite

He is #1 in my book. I would reccomend this kind, bright, enthusiastic and encouraging Doctor to anyone. He and his staff are WONDERFUL!

I am 29 days post-op and have only wonderful things to say about Dr. Stevens. He is truly a dedicated professional with a friendly, attentive manner. He listens well, and bases his comments directly to your concerns while focusing on the issues dealing with the surgery. His accessability after the surgery, and the follow up by his staff have been fantastic. I called his emergency pager at 5:40 a.m. and he called me back at 6:00 a.m. Try getting that kind of response from your regular Dr.! His "chief of staff", a wonderful lady named Carla, phoned me each day after I got home to check on me, offering advice and instructions, reassurance, and answering my questions. During my two week anniversary appointment, with the stitches and gastric tube removed, Dr. Stevens again went over the pouch rules and made them even more appropriate for me in order to be successful in this journey. He has really made me feel that my success at this is the reason for his being there, and I appreciate that attitude. I can't say enough good things about his surgical skills; I'm healing rapidly without any complications. I am delighted with the results of the surgery, and feel that Dr. Stevens would be a great choice for anyone interested in this surgery! -- Gregory Caley