Synergy Bariatrics Bariatric Center

Dr C. is just... amazing, fantastic, talented, kind, wonderful, incredible... oh, did I mention I REALLY REALLY like this guy?

He's so supportive and encouraging, and truly interested in helping every single patient achieve the best possible outcome for him/herself. His skills as a surgeon are beyond reproach, IMO. He did my RNY open, AND removed my gall bladder at the same time, and now 5 days post-op, I'm feeling fantastic and can't wait for this ride to really begin!

My first impression of Dr. Caruana was mixed. I thought that he and his staff were very efficient, but I almost felt like just another number, or notch on the belt, per say. Over time I came to realize that they all were very competent and efficient, and they DO care about you as a person, but they are VERY busy--probably because they are damn good at what they do. The office staff is also efficient, almost too much so, but they are not rude--just busy. I haven't found anything that I haven't liked about Dr.C or the staff. Future patients should just keep in mind that the Dr. doesn't know you have questions unless you ask them. Aftercare is emphasized heavily, Dr. C even offers one month free at his gym--Synergy. Overall, on a scale of 1 - 10 I rate Dr.Caruana a 9.5. Surgical competence and bedside manner are important, and both are greaat.

My first impression of Dr.C was he is very sensative to overweight people and he knows what he is doing inside and out a very caring man. My feelings about him today are the same as the first time i met him. His office staff was very friendly and helpful. God bless them they are very patient people. I can honestly say there is nothing to not like about them. If you are planning to go see him go he is great. He is very big on after care too, so if you plan to go through with this you must put your all into it as he will. His after care program is very stuctured, Dr. C will address all the risk to you he is very honest. I give Dr.C from 1 to 10 he gets a 12. i cant say if the surgical competence or bedside manner is better than the other they are both wonderfu.

I had a wonderful first impression of Dr. Caruana. I knew right from the start that he was a caring individual who really wanted to help ME. His staff also is very sweet, they have been a pleasure to deal with. They really take the time to tell you what to expect and what they expect. They want to help you pre-op and post-op. ESPECIALLY post-op.

I had my consultation with Dr. Caruana on July 8th. He is a very nice, caring man. He and his staff made me feel very comfortable and were quite accomodating. It is important for the staff as well as yourself, to have everything that's requested. It's less aggravation for everyone.
Dr. Caruana did emphasize aftercare. He also went over all the pros and cons (risks) of having the surgery. He and his staff went over everything thoroughly, so that I really understood the process and that it wasn't going to be easy, but that anything worth doing, is worth doing well and will take hard work.
I would give Dr. Caruana an A (along with his staff). I think surgical competence along with bedside manner is great, if you are lucky enough to find a doctor that possesses both qualities.

Dr. Caruana is a very down-to-earth and humorous person. He doesn't patronize his patients or talk down to them, and he seems genuinely caring. He seems to really like what he's doing and how's he's helping people. He was very up front with what the procedure entailed, along with all of the risks involved. He seems dedicated to divesting his knowledge and practice to the Greater Western New York area, and is equally dedicated to aftercare involvement post-op. The caveat to all of these good traits is Dr. Caruana is EXTREMELY busy...sometimes to the point of not addressing questions you may have. The personal one-on-one time just wasn't there. Although his office staff is extremely efficient and knowledgeable about the whole process, some of them could use a little "sensitivity" training and understanding when it comes to this process, instead of trying to make each person's journey an exact blueprint of each WLS patient which has gone before. Besides the few staff sensitivity issues, I am very happy with the care. The aftercare has been heavily stressed, right up to having gym facilities, a juice bar, and WLS post-op meals for sale. Since i'm only 5 days post-op, i will have to reserve the rest of my opinion on aftercare to a later date.

Dr. Joseph Caruana is a great surgeon. I had difficult gas pains a couple days after surgery and called him on a Sunday. I reached his answering service, a women took my message and Dr. Caruana called back within minutes to tell me not to worry and gave me some suggestions. I was very pleased. His words were.."and remember, I am only a phone call away." I felt assured. At my first post op appointment he asked me quite a few questions, which shows his concern and that he is complete in his care.
He has a few assistants in different areas like nutrition, exercise and such. Sometimes you feel like your answering the same questions more than once but better safe than sorry.

My surgeon and his assistent were great. They made me feel very comfortable though the whole prossess.

I went to the required Info meeting 12/16/02. It answered all my questions, and he put me at ease with some of his jokes. Most of the office staff was nice, albeit a bit exasperated. They were busy, and I am sure that is why they came of as curt. In the end, he seemed to be concerned with complete care. Will update more after my first appointment.

1-28-02 I had my first consult! The Dr's office was very nice. the front desk was effecient, and his nurse Deanne was absolutely wonderful. Very easy to talk to. The Dr saw me personally. He was kind, soft spoken, and very thourough....he is an expert in dispensing HOPE. Oh and by the way - he was ON TIME!!!!!

5-5-03 I have not seen Dr. C since my surgery..... My family said he was great on coming in and updating them after I was done. Since then I have only dealt with Marc the PA (not complaining!!!) He is nice also. He is very encouraging....

5-9-03 Ok, I had a bad experience with the PA this weekend (He was the one on call) I am trying not to let this effect my whole outlook on Dr. C's Operation....

After hearing all these wonderful comments and the defensiveness that his patients have for him, my surgeon, my first impression of him was "routine". Believe, that impression lasted only for a few minutes. Dr. Caruana and his P.A. Marc are two wonderful and very caring people. The rest of the office staff are great and will be right there to help with any questions and or concerns. There really isn't anything to not like about Dr. Carauna except for maybe his location....wish he was closer to my neck of the woods. Future patients should know that with Dr. Caruana and his staff they are in great hands. You are introduced to your aftercare program at one of your pre-op appointments at Dr. Carauna's office and SYNERGY. As far as addressing the risks of surgery, that is done at you very first meeting with Dr. Caruana and his staff and elaborated on in future visits pryor to surgery.
Overall rating on Dr. Carauna and his staff would definatly have to be very high. Sugical competence and bedside manner were both great.