St. Agnes Hospital Bariatric Center
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HE'S A GREAT GUY, HE DONT BEAT AROUND THE BUSH ABOUT ANYTHING. ALL MY QUESTIONS WAS ANSWER WITH NO PROBLEM. I LIKE THAT.HE TOLD ME ALL THE PRO AND CON ABOUT WLS VERY PROFESSIONAL. ALL HIS STAFF WAS VERY HELPFUL AND ON TOP OF THINGS. FOR THE FIRST IMPRESSION EVERYTHING WAS GREAT.
My initial impression of Dr. Averbach was that he was a quiet, deeply analytical and serious man. He did not, however, seem unapproachable. I'm not sure that my impression has changed yet. Cathy at the office was extrememly helpful and informative. Theresa seems overworked, and flustered. I can only speak to how she has dealt with me. There was nothing that I did not like about Dr. Averbach. This was the second surgery that I consulted with and I must say that compared to the first, Dr. Magnuson, he was ten times more thorough and informative. Because I have MS, Dr. Averbach was forthcoming with his ignorance regarding my disease and how the desease would or could be effected by the surgery. He was clear that he would do some research and speak directly with my neurologist in order to make the decision as to whether or not the surgery would be in my best interest. The first surgery never even inquired as to my health issue, even though I use a walker to help me walk!! After care did not seem to be top on his list of priorities for me since he was not willing to recommend me for the surgery until he had resolved some of my special considerations. His staff however and the nutritionist, Arlene, have impressed upon me greatly how important aftercare will be for me to insure my continued health. Dr. Averbach was so thorough in discussing the risks of surgery and the possible complications and the procedure itself that I felt like he was trying to teach me to do the procedure!! I was impressed with Dr. Averbach's candor and willingness to admit that he did not have all the answers for my particular set of circumstances. He could have easily just dismissed my other health concerns (as did Dr. Magnuson), or turned me down as a candidate, but he went the extra mile to ensure my safety. I really appreciate that. I would prefer competence over bedside manner anyday, but of course both would be great!!
I've only met Dr. Averbach once thus far. He is very knowledgable, but very reserved.
Dr. Averbach is a no-nonsense type of fellow. He described the surgery fairly well but because I am a nurse, maybe didn't go into great detail as he would to someone who is not a nurse. His office staff is good and pleasant. The pre-op class was very informative and helpful. I would rate them all as very good.
Dr. Averbach is Russian, and comes in as a very matter of fact doctor very European. He does not beat around the bush. He was very straight forward with me, and made sure that I realized that the surgery is only a tool that if used correctly can be very effective and work very well. If used incorrectly it can be hazardous, and even deathly. I liked that because that is exactly how I feel about the surgery. It is my last chance to have a normal life. Now I am waiting for Insurance approval.
I met with Dr. Averback in March of this year. Prior to meeting him I had heard about him from others at the St. Agnes support group meetings. He is a very straight forward-no nonsense guy. He is very thorough and explains all the ins and outs of the procedure in detail. Before I met with him I had already met with the nutritionist and the psychologist, been to two support group meetings, had a gall bladder sonagram, a sleep study, a physical, a cardiac stress test, and updated blood work (all of which the nurse had suggested I get done when I scheduled my appointment). I had also read two books on weight loss surgery. I came in knowledgeable but he went over everything in detail ensuring that I understood what to expect and what he would do in surgery. He thoroughly answered all my questions. When I left his office I was comfortable with him and confident that he would do a thorough job with my surgery. He's not a touchy feely guy so if that's what you're looking for you might want to meet with Dr. Singh who works in the same office and is also very capable. I like Dr. Averback, he doesn't waste your time and doesn't kid around about the seriousness of the procedue. Overall, my relationship with him and his office has been outstanding. I have since attended two support group meetings and have been schedule for my pre-op visit with the program coordinator. This office really has their act together.
Dr Averbach answered all my questions and he has a very well bedside manner.My impression of him is that he was very understandable and helpful. He answered all my questions and eased all my fears of having this procedure.There was nothing that I didn't like about him. His office staff is very wonderful and on the ball in getting all the necessary paper work done and they are very friendly too. Dr.Averbach stresses aftercare and says you must continue to be very strong and do what you need to do to make this work after surgery. Yes, Dr.Averbachs' office does have a structured program and they also have a wonderful support group. Dr. Averbach was very straight forward with the procedure and how you will benefit by it. He did go over the risks with me and I perfectly understand everyone of them. I would rate Dr.Averbach from a scale from 1-10 he is a 50 which means he shows compassion to you and feels that this is the best decision you could ever make to becoming a healthy and better person. Dr. Averbach has a good surgical competence and a good bedside manner.
Feb.24, 2003
Since the middle of Jan.2003 I have been trying to track down Dr. Schweitzer and found out that he has transferred hospitals.
I am now in the process of trying to setup my consultation with him but having a hard time reaching his office at Bayview/Johns Hopkins.
D. Salm
3/5/03
I am now trying to get an appointment with Dr.Thomas Magnuson, his secretary Andi spent about 45 minutes with me on the phone answering all my quetions, that truly impressed me. I have yet to hear from Dr. Schweitzer's office and do not wish to e-mail him.
April, 2004
Met with Dr. Averbach in January 2004, went through psych consult, nutrionist app. and insurance approved on first go around. I am now four weeks out from surgery and getting anxious.
Dr Marymor is the greatest. My husband and I (he is going to have the surgery too) spent about 2 hours with him asking questions and getting truthful answers. He doesn't minimize the risks and is up front with you in what could go wrong.
I think anyone who is considering this surgery should go see him. See he works for the Bariatric Treatment Center in PA (He trained at the origianal clinic up in Michigan)and they are geared to folks with weight problems. Most Staff memebers including the nursing staff have a weight problem and are either getting ready for the surgery or are post op. It is great no one looks at you like it is your fault that you are fat and if you had some control you won't be here. They understand the struggles you have been through to get you to this point. Also all the chairs and other furniture is geared to large people. The hospital does nothing but Bariatric surgery so I figure they must have gotten it down pact by now. Dr. Marymor does about 600-700 bariatric surgeries a year and has been for about 3 years now so as I said he knows his stuff.
I advise anyone who is contemplating this surgery here in the Mid Atlantic area to go to Philly to have these guys do your surgery. I have always felt that if a surgeon does only one type of surgery he wolud be your best bet and these guys just confirm that for you after talking to them. As soon as we get our psych evals done my husband and I are ready to set the dates. The way things look it will be right after the first of the year.
The BTC have support groups always meeting and the staff that has had the surgery is always willing to answer any and all your questions