Virginia Hospital Center Physician Group - Surgical Specialists Bariatric Center

I saw Dr. Salameh for my first consultation on 12/2/2013. He was friendly, kind, and easy to talk to, all qualities I appreciate in a health care professional. He was also knowledgeable and experienced.

From there I had a whirlwind of appointments with his nutritionist, and two endoscopies performed by Dr. Salameh himself. For all of these, I was impressed with his staff as well as everyone else I encountered in Virginia Hospital Center.

The surgery itself, VSG, was easy for me - I was asleep the entire time. My recovery in the hospital was fine, everyone was great, friendly, helpful, and knowledgable. My recovery at home has been extremely easy.

I've only had my first follow up so far, but it went well and my opinions of Dr. Salameh remain the same - I don't feel that I'm no longer important now that I've had my surgery, he answered my questions and spent plenty of time making sure everything was going well.

So far, I have been super pleased with the entire experience. But I'm also only 2.5 weeks post-op. I will try to update this at a later date.

Update: Three years later I am still super pleased.

Dr. Salameh did my Vertical Gastric Sleeve on December 17th. I actually switched from another group in Northern Virginia and am very happy with this decision. I liked the personal feel that Dr. Salameh and his group provide - I did not feel like just another patient going through a well oiled machine. The dietian, Jenna, is fantastic! She is realistic and understanding and works with you to create goals that are reasonable. The office nurse - Michelle - kept me up to date on my insurance authorization process and helped overcome some barriers the insurance company threw at me.

The other reason I am glad I changed to Dr. Salameh is that the care at Virginia Hospital Center was excellent! Every person who played a part in my care was kind and helpful and made me feel like I was the only patient that they were taking care of that day. The OR nurse even made sure to put my glasses on me when I was coming out of anesthesia so that I could see what was going on. It is these little personal touches that really made a difference.

Although I am only three weeks out - I have had no complications and am very happy with the care I received. I would recommend Dr. Salameh and his team to anyone going through weight loss surgery.

I'm very happy with Dr. Mayes and Dr. Salameh. I had surgery on 17 September 2012 and both Dr. Mayes and Dr. Salameh completed the laproscopic RNY. Because Dr. Mayes went on vacation the day after my surgery much of my aftercare was completed by Dr. Salameh. I apperciate that the practice has two doctors so you are able to get the help you need and want. Since surgery they have added an additional doctor to the bariatric practice (Dr. Parker) and she has been very helpful as well. Unfortunately I developed a small bowel obstruction a little after 3 weeks out of surgery. The practice was extremely helpful, caring and concerned with this complication. While I didn't require surgery, Dr. Salameh was with me through the entire process. The staff at the office are extremely helpful and very nice! I reccomend all the doctors in this practice!

I could not be happier with my choice of surgeon. Dr Salameh is superb and highly skilled and qualified. I am considering the duodenal switch and he took great care to explain to me all the options as well as the risks and benefits of each option in a very clear and realistic fashion. He spent a lot of time answering my questions - I had many! His seminar was very comprehensive and I met many of his patients at his support group and I was very impressed. I look forward to my surgery!!!

Dr. Salameh was very careful to make sure that I understood all of the ramifications of my upcoming surgery. It was kind of weird to discuss the fact that there was a small chance of death, a small chance of leakage and a small chance of having to convert from laproscopic to open surgery.

All of my pre-op questions were answered before I even asked them.

Post-surgery: Dr. Salameh talked with my sister-in-law (my health advocate) and explained how everything went to her. I saw my doctor within 24 hours of surgery and he reviewed everything with me.

I would (and will) recommend him to anyone in the DC area considering yhis type of surgery.

Dr. Mayes is one of the best surgeons I have had experienced. From day one when my husband and I had our first meeting with him, he and his staff were very caring and conscienceous and my needs. I found him to be very thorough in answering our questions and addressing our concerns. He explained every step or the process and the risks involved. He explained how to prepare for the surgery what I would be facing after the surgery and how to care for myself while recovering. I had additional concerns because I have suffered a series of abdominal hernia repairs (4) and have mesh patches implanted in my abdominal wall. So I had to have two CTSCANs to locate the mesh before he would agree to do the surgery. So, I was on pins and needles awaiting his response. All was well with the scan report and Dr. Mayes was able to work around the mesh, as well as close (yet another) minor hernia by placing a few stitches in a small opening in my abdominal wall before exiting. I felt as confident with the care I would receive going into surgery as I did in my recovery. I knew that I could contact Dr. Mayes and present any questions or concerns with my health care.

Dr. Salameh is warm, competent, and thorough. I think his judgement is excellent, and his bedside manner very reassuring. My surgery went flawlessly, and my healing was rapid. The hospital facilities were great. I would recommend him to any of my family or friends who needed weight loss surgery.

Further, his staff was wonderful. I was having problems with my insurance company and they were sympathetic and helpful. Really, I can't thank them enough for all their help in making it work!

Kaiser Permanente referred me to Dr. Mayes. I feel like it hit the jackpot! I've met with him and immediately felt comfortable. I believe he honestly cares about me and my weight-loss success! My sleeve will be done on December 1st, 2011. I look forward to the life that Dr. Mayes has given back to me!!!

If you are considering weight loss surgery, you owe it to yourself to get a consultation with Dr. James Mayes!

I just had my initial consultation with Dr. Salameh. I really liked Dr. Salameh. He spent a lot of time discussing my concerns and answering questions regarding which type of surgery would be the best. We decided on the Gastric Sleeve. They seem to have a good network of dieticians and psychologists they work with. Also, it is only about 10 minutes from my house.

I would definitely recommend Dr. Salameh. I have never had any problems with Dr. Salameh or his staff. Anytime I need to make an appt or have an issue I email Michelle. She is great.