University of Washington Medical Center Bariatric Center

Dr. Khandelwal is a true professional... I felt very grateful to habe bren a patient of his. University of Washington is a teaching hospital and has evidently kept up with all of the major trends in healthcare. I had no complications, knew what was happening every step of the way, and his team continues to take excellent care of me whenever I have a question or concern. So happy with my care... before, during and after.

First let me say I was extremely terrified of having gastric bypass surgery. Had it not been for my confidence in Dr. Khandelwal, I don't think I could have gone through this procedure.

Before my initial evaluation with Dr. Khandelwal, I had to lose 25 lbs before my insurance would approve the consult. I lost the weight and scheduled my appointment with Dr. Khandelwal. The consult was short and sweet, but what really stuck with me was when he said very seriously, "As the person whose hands you are trusting your life with, I want you to lose 30 more pounds before surgery." He went on to explain this was to minimize my risks during and after surgery. I knew then I had found a medically responsible doctor that I could trust.

Before I had insurance involvement, I had met with other surgeons who were ready to do the surgery at my starting weight. They were charismatic and told me how great this surgery would be for me, but something didn't feel right. Dr. Khandelwal is not going to tell you a bunch feel good fluff. He's straight to the point, but I believe he has his patient's best interests in mind and that was more important to me than anything else.

I lost the additional 30 lbs and had my surgery with Dr. Khandelwal on 03/01/13. Everyone was sensitive to my fear of surgery and reassured me I was in good hands. I'm healing as expected and have nothing but nice things to say about Dr. Khandelwal and the entire team at UW Medical Center. I hope this helps anyone considering this surgeon.

Dr Khandelwal is a very informed and well versed bariatric surgeon. He is very up front with you and tells you the truth on all levels. I am very pleased with him. On this site it states he 'always removes the gall bladder' which is not accurate. If you have a documented problem before surgery of gall bladder problems, he will remove it but not just for the sake of removing it. I can't say good enough things about the UW Bariatric Surgical Specialty Center. As it is also a teaching hospital they keep everyone up on the best practices in the country and all the needed components are right there so you can get all of your appointments covered at the same visit. The only down side of this set up is that once you are in the hospital after surgery you have these groups of surgeons and doctors that come by and evaluate your conditions and treatment plan. This could really freak out someone who is not already in the medical field as I am. The staff calls the group of surgeons the 'white cloud' as they move from room to room. If you are novice to medical stuff it could make you think something was really wrong with you but it is just for teaching opportunities.

I first met Dr. Flum 1 year ago. I am now 6 months post op. When we first met we talked for about an hour about the surgry and why I wanted it. He asked me if I had any questions. I told him just one and it was a personal question. I asked him if he believed in God. His answer was yes and I found a great respect for him that day. I just saw Dr. Flum last week. He is very pleased with my progress. He is a very encouraging man and he makes me feel good about myself, but he doesn't soft peddle anything. He told me that he wanted me to exercise 7 days a week. If I missed one day one week I had to exercise 8 the next week. I highly recommend Dr. Flum. He saved my life!!!




6-18-10

I am now 6 year out from surgry, I see doctor Flum once a year now. He is still very much involved in my case. I send him Channukah cards, and sometime he has my dietician call just to see how I am doing. I know that if I ever have a problem or a question I can call and leave a message for him and he will call me back. I highly recommend him. He works at the University Of Washington Medical Center, in the surgical speciaialties department. Tell him Alicia sent you :)

I am very happy that I have Dr.Khandelwal, at the University of Washington! Dr.Khandelwal takes as much time as you need answering questions, informing you of what's to come and how it's going to be done, and what will happen when the surgery is over. Dr.Khandelwal specializes in this area of WLS and only does this for a living. I have no fear of my surgery due to the confidence I feel from Dr.Khandelwal.
I also am glad I am going through this at the UW, because you don't just have your surgery and get released to your PCP. At the UW you have a very big team of specialists that are there with you from the beginning of the process to many years down the road. You also have an on call nurse and daytime nurses to call at anytime if you want to call if you have ANY question or to let them know you are coming in.

Dr. Khandelwal seemed to be interested in educating and helping wls patients-to-be. The University of Washington has been very thorough making sure every test and process is completed before the surgery. The UW staff has been very friendly and professional. I felt comfortable talking with the staff and knew that I am going to receive the best care possible. I highly recommend the University of Washington especially Dr. Khandelwal.

First impression was great and he came highly recomended. Still think he's good surgeon. I'll be able to let you know better after my 6wk on 6/3/09. His staff has never been anything but thorough, kind, and knowledgeable. Short fuse? If you don't follow his instructions. I think he was too impatient with me at my 2 week post-op visit. I was feeling pretty sick physically and mentally. He's skilled. Aftercare is important for success of surgery. The UW Med. Center has a very structured program with Drs.,social workers, dietician, nurse on call etc. Honestly addressed risks from the very first meeting. Gave written material on risks and statistics. I rate him and the UW and staff overall a 10. Both but definitely surgical competence is more so.

I found him to be friendly, patient, kindrnprofessional, informative. Hasn't change how I think of him, staff wonderful. They will be getting a caring staff, who really care about you as a person from the minute you walk up to the front desk. The aftercare from reading my notebook is excellent, the risks of surgery was well addressed and all questions answered honestly. I would rate my doctor a 10 so far. For me both, I 'm humane and want to be treated with respect and dignity,and competence is a must !

What can I say? Dr. Flum is the best! We met a few months back for my first consultation and trust me, that was an eye opener! He is VERY straight forward and holds nothing back. There is no candy coating with this man! And I appreciated that, I needed to come back down to reality! He also stressed the importance of being prepared. He only wants the best for his patients, the best meaning absolute success. Our second consult was much more relaxed. I had made the necessary changes in my life and he was very happy with the changes! I saw a side of him, that before, I did not see. He is so caring! Him and his staff are very helpful and professional, not to meantion personable. I can't wait till my surgery. I have all faith in Dr. Flum and his team!

Other nurses from other places gave my a good impression before I met him. My first impression I thought he was serious, and hard hitting. But it made me be very real with the dangers I was about to ask for. Now I think he is a pussey cat, I have a great relationship with him, I joke with him and I can see the light in his eyes. Staff is very professional and timley.Jenn Rocks ! She did a great job for my in sceduling pre-apts and seminar. He was a little scarey at first, and I didn't know if he would even do it. I think this is clear for futer patients. You must convince him, after you convince yourself. Yes very structured aftercare with much more practical regular living then other places.Risks VERY BLUNTLY! A Big 9. 9 only because I would have perfered to see more of him while in the hospital after surgurey then a team of ........soooo many fACES EVERYBODY TACKING CARE OF OTHER ISSUES. TRUST HIM MORE.SURGICAL SKILL, WE GOTTA LIVE THROUGH IT . !