The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Ctr Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Center

It seems that it has taken forever to get to this point in my jouney. On July 30, 2001 I have my first appointment to see Dr. Needleman. I have experienced several delays due to "lost" paperwork from Ohio State University Wellness Center. I hope the surgery date is very soon after my appointment.

Waiting for an appointment

I hear wonderful things about Dr. Needleman, but whenever any of us get together from the OSU Center - there is always discussion about the office. It's hard to get a hold of them (they must be swamped), they don't return faxes or messages, sometimes we get conflicting info, etc.

Dr. Needleman was great, very caring and understanding. Staff was very helpful and easily approachable. He seemed to understand that I didn't want to be this way, and that I had come to him for help.
I would not say anything derogatory towards Dr. Needleman. He also does the laparoscopic procedure, which is easier on the patient. I was fully aware of all the risks. I went through a program at Ohio State University Comprehensive Weight Mgmt, which included physical and psyhcological conerns. I was well prepared for surgery and it's aftermath. I have had a strict aftercare program, including visits with my surgeon and dieticians at Ohio State University. I would rate Dr. Needleman as excellent, in all aspects. I think surgical cmpetence is the most important aspect, however, bedside manner has a great deal to do with your recovery.
The only negetive aspect I experienced was the hospital care. I was at Ohio State University Medical Center for four days and was treated very poorly by the nursing staff there. I felt that I was considered a lazy, fat person who took the "easy" way out. Please, this is not easy. I struggled with this decision for at least three years. I did not go into this lightly, without trying other methods. I feel that I was ignored and looked down upon by the hospital staff, to include the nurses, who had my life in their hands for about three days. I couldn't take care of myself and had to rely on them. They failed miserably.

I met my surgeon yesterday and he was great... You can tell he is intelligent and a very compassionate man . Also he is in his early thirties , which I think is wonderful !! He also explains things in terms that are very easy to understand. He laid everything out on the table .. the procedure and the complications. My appt. was for 10:30 am and I was finished and walking out of there at 12:05 pm ... I think that was great for a doctors appt. that also included bloodwork . Very quick and professional !

Well... I hope one day soon..to say that Dr. Needleman is going to be my Surgeon. I am working on it. So far Bobbie has been wonderful in arranging my appointments..

I am really impressedwith him. He answered my questions very toughtfully. He didn't sugar-coat anything and he indulged me in my lack of medical jargon, I appreciate that. De. Needleman told me what could go wrong and what his intensions are. He also scheduled me much quickly than I had anticipated. I actually had to refuse an earlier date to get my "house" in order.

I went to meet the surgeon yesterday, Dr. Needleman! He was AMAZING!!! I was EXTREMELY at ease with him. I was so afraid that he would make me uncomfortable, or be really direct, "too professional", but in reality he was very down to earth, very informative, I could tell he knew what he was doing, he seemed to actually care about me as his patient, not just "another fat girl". He was amazing. If you ever have a choice, definatly pick him!!

Dr. Needleman is great...although I've only
met him once. He was kind, patient and
gentle. He was way behind on appointments
because he takes as much time as he needs
with each one and does not rush. That is
rare these days, and I for one appreciated it
His staff was nice also.

He told me everything I needed to know,
allowed me to ask anything I wanted to.

But, anyone going there initially should know
that you will more than likely spend a
substantial amount of time there. My
appointment was at 11:30, I was seen by him
at 2:30 and left the office at 3:45, after
my blood work.

He made me feel comfortable. I feel like he
genuinely cares.

I really don't know anything....I am scheduled to meet him 4/4/01

My pre-op appt is 4/4 - more later.