The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Ctr Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Center

I have not met Dr. Needleman yet, but I like what I have heard. I trust the Ohio State University Hospitals, feeling they are most capable of handling anything that may come along.

It has been nearly 2 months since I was told by OSU that I was "approved" for their program. Since then I have traveled to Columbus for another psych eval and nutrional consult. Both I have already completed, but have had to complete again with the professionals associated with OSU. Included in the nurtritional consult, I was required to have a MedGem reading (measures the bodies resting metabolic rate), the cost was $50, on top of my copay, and will not be covered by my insurance.

I am becoming quiet frustrated as I feel I am being drug along, despite having insurance approval. I already jumped through hoops with my insurance company, I don't feel I need to do this for a surgeon.

This week I had approx 10 lab tests drawn, and faxed the results to OSU. Friday I was told by Shannon, their program manager, that my case would be reviewed by the multi - disciplinary team next week, and at that time it would be decided weather or not I was accepted into their program.

Now, I have to do a 4 week diet program, and maybe I will be scheduled to see the surgeon in a couple of months.!!!!!!!! AAARGGGHHH, I'm not happy. I have been going at this for nearly a year, have battled the insurance company, and feel I'm being needlessly scrutinized by the the OSU bariatric program.

I met Dr. Needleman on 1/31/06, and he is worth the wait!! His staff is awesome, energetic and friendly. Dr. Needleman is very professional, but very down to earth. He doesn't have a good complex that some doctors have. He explained everything to me and my husband in a mannner that was easy to understand but not condescending.

Anyone else that is interested in having this procedure done at OSU should be aware there is a lot involved, this a very structured program, but this is all to provide the patient with the greatest chance of success. I

1) What was your first impression of him/her? I thought Dr. Needleman was very nice, personable, very confident and competent. I felt very reassured and comfortable, didn't feel rushed.
2) How did your impression change over time? I still belive in my first impression, but have noticed that while he doesn't rush the patient, he has a very hectic and overloaded schedule.
3) What did you like least about him/her? He can be difficult to contact. Make sure in your appointments to get all of your questions asked and answered, or you will be a long time waiting for him.
4) What should future patients know about him/her? Great Doctor!
5) How much does he/she emphasize aftercare? Very important....critical to continued success.
6) Does he/she have a structured aftercare program? Yes. I felt it was TOO structured. I needed special attention because of the emergency conversion of my surgery from lap to open incision, and because of my allergy to Nutrasweet(aspartame, phenylalanine). Many of the medication prescribed to me contained Nutrasweet. He was unaware of the nutrasweet being in the medication...until I did the research and contacted his office for options.
7) How did he/she address the risks of surgery? Very direct, open and honest. I would have liked more details, but you can ask any questions....and I couldn't think of them, there on the spot.....bring notes to the office and do your homework!
8) How would you rate him/her overall? Great Doctor! on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being best, an 8.5 or 9.
9) Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great? Both are great, I would give him a 9, or 9.5 on surgical skills and a 7.5 or 8 on bedside manner in the hospital, better in his office.

COMMENT: Whenever I saw Dr. Needleman in the hospital, he was always surrounded by his residents and students. It was a little intimidating to have him checking his "work" on me and all of the eyes watching and looking. I felt a little self conscious in front of all the "observers". Special cudo's to Dr. Needleman's resident, Dr. Andrew Hendershot. I felt very comfortable with him. He had a very friendly and approachable demeaner. I wish I could have seen him again at the office, when I started feeling better and making some progress.

Dr. Needleman and his team is EXCEPTIONAL! He was very knowledgable and very down to earth. He answered all of my questions, and basically had a very good bedside manners. The process that the OSU program has is extensive, but is definately nessicary. I wouldnt change anything about their process b/c this truely is a lifestyle change and their program prepares you for it. The hospital staff was wonderful. Dr. Needleman's Nurce, Janice is the best! She is quick to return calls and she is proactive in filling out paperwork. She does what ever she can to take the stress off of you.

The whole team again was EXCEPTIONAL!

KUDOS, to Dr. Needleman and his surgical/nursing/administrative team.

Dr. Needleman was very kind and caring. He
explained the surgery thoroughly and answered
all my questions. He did not rush me or make me feel like I was just another "case".

The office staff are all top notch. Not sure
how Dr. Needleman was so fortunate to get
such great people. Maybe, they were just fortunate to get Dr. Needleman. I think it speaks highly of his priorities and leadership.

The aftercare program seems very structured.
Periodic checkups that includes Dr. Needleman
checking you, dietitian counseling and bloodwork.

Dr. Needleman does not pull punches about the surgery. He definitely explains the risks while still showing confidence in the
potential successes of this type surgery.

Since I was at a teaching hospital I saw Dr. Needleman once while in the hospital. I can
understand the busyness connected with my doctor also being a teaching surgeon.

His bedside manner was kind. His competence
was not measured by how long he stood next to my bed, it was the fact that his expertise got me through the surgery and the followup
care was and is still thorough.

Dr. Needleman was very informative during our first meeting, he covered all of the benefits, the side effects and the risk that are associated with the surgey. He was very personable and appeared to take a genuine interest in answering all questions that my husband and I had. The only downfall to the intial meeting was a 3 1/2 hour wait, between seeing the doctor and his nutritionist. Aftercare is very structured the staff is very quick to respond to all calls as well. I would reccommend Dr. Needleman to anyone interested in getting gastric bypass surgery.

He has a wonderful bedside manner. He's very caring and listens. mHe answered all my questions before surgery. He even tolerated me crying in front of him the first visit. He didn't seem uncomfortable or like he was ready to run. I would recommend him to anyone. His office nurse has been wonderful with follow-up. She went out of her way several times after the surgery to get me meds and check on me. The care i receved in the hospital from the doctors under him was great. They were all very caring. There were two women in his office that were a little unpleasant, but I just ignored them and focused on the doctor and his nurse.

My husband Gary and I met Dr. Needleman on March,8 2005, I have heard so much about him already, it was like meeting and old friend. I am looking forward to having him as my surgeon as I feel very safe with him. My first meeting was only supposed to have been a consult but after looking at my chart and seeing all I have done and prepared for this, he said Well, lets get you a date for surgery. Both my husband and I looked at each other and cried. Three years of hard work to get to here those words, It was almost unreal, but I hold in my hand a little card with the date all in black ink, so here we go.
Update: surgery went well, Dr. Needleman was so very caring, I had a bit of a probelm and had to go back into the hospital for a few more days. But nothing due to the doctor, but only due to not good enough pain control on my part.

Dr. Needleman is a very warm and caring doctor. He cares for you as a person and not just another body to operate on. He allowed me to come back and answered the rest of the questions that I had. He did address the risks of surgery. I would rate Dr. Needleman very high. Both surgical competence and bedside manner is very important. Dr. Needleman was honest and open about the risks of surgery.

I met Dr. Needleman on Feb. 1, 2005 and I really do feel comfortable with him. He answered all of my questions and was easy to talk to. The staff at his office and at the OSU Medical Center have been nothing but helpful and friendly. I truly would recommend their program to anyone.

Knowledgeable, professional and caring
It did not he is the most knowledgeable and caring perfessional I have met.
Very good.

His patients should come prepared to ask questions and he will give you the answers or tell you who can answer them.


A great deal. He has been a speaker at the support group meetings I attend and he always lets me know that I can speak to him or the nutritionist or nurse on his staff at any time.

Very straight forward and explained so I could understand.

A "10"

Both great!!