UW Health Surgical Weight Management Program Bariatric Center

Had my last pre-op appointment on March 26, 2013. Was "greeted" by a young receptionist who I've overheard talking badly with another worker about patients asking "dumb questions" over the phone, so I know that she has an attitude that she is extremely smart, and patients are just plain irritating and dumb. My gosh, how in the world are we as patients supposed to know what questions to ask? This is all new to us. It is a complicated process and it's not something we've ever encountered before. While this person was taking my weight and bp, she was asking me rapid-fire questions, almost like an inquisition, and was using acronyms as if I was supposed to know what she was referring to. Evidently she thinks that it's impressive to do this. Gee whiz, acronyms are used in every workplace..congratulations for knowing the ones used in your workplace. Later I was seen by the physician's assistant who said things to me like "maybe bariatric surgery isn't right for you" because I had gained 10 lbs since the death of my mother the month before, and because I had taken up drinking. So very encouraging...NOT. This clinic takes so much pride in thinking that they are such great communicators, but nothing could be further from the truth. When I saw the surgeon I told him that I would like to be on a liquid diet from now until surgery in order to lose weight. But the notation regarding this was not read by anyone and now I have until April 18th before I see the dietitian and have no idea what exactly I'm supposed to do until then. They don't bother to give any preliminary information before you have an appointment with their various specialists. They don't give you any idea of what to expect or how to prepare for things, or what they expect from you. They scrutinize you as if you are on trial instead of treating you like the patient - the person seeking help. Dr. Campos' office at the hospital could not be more different from this clinic. The staff at the hospital is so very kind, so very informative and helpful. I will be so thankful when I no longer have to visit the UW Bariatric Clinic.

First impression was great. It was after the surgery that it went down hill. I called for an appointment and nobody returned my calls.

I got an infection and Doctor Garen nor his staff returned calls. I ended up going to a different hospital that my insurance covered and was admitted there for four days. Dr Garren did return the new doctor's calls but not until the next day. The infection was so bad the ER doctor said if I hadn't come in when I did I wouldn't have made it to the next day.

I have found another surgeon for my followup care and am very pleased with him. He is not part of UW health.

Very friendly, truly cares about people who are suffering with crippling weight problems, is very confident yet not arrogant. Emphasized exercise after the surgery as the key to losing large amounts of fat.

My first impression was he seems competent. He is open and direct. I like that I don't want anyone who won't be honest. He was very honest about the surgical risks. I feel very well informed.rnrnHe did a great job. I felt very little pain by the 4th day. Incisions healed up nice. rnrnOh and he is nice eye candy too!

I met doctor Michiel Garen at one of the out reach support groups at u.w clinics, He was very knowledgable of the rists involed with the bariactric surgery. You have to follow all the requirments of the procedures of getting ready for the surgery,he is very understanding, good bedside manners, very caring, and very handsome. I would adope him in a heart beat for a son.rn just-ducky

Drs. Garren and Gould are fantastic so far. I have met them only in group settings, but will have my pre-op appointment with Dr. Garren on 9/8/08. I've found them both to be warm and sincere, and both have a great since of humor. I really appreciate that one of them usually attends the monthly support group to answer questions, and also that they are vocal and vehement advocates in the community for insurance coverage of WLS. Their introductory seminar was very well organized and informative, and I feel they have emphasized well the risks and responsibilities inherent in any WLS, as well as the importance of aftercare and continued support. I am thrilled to have access to this clinic for my surgery!

Dr. Garren, along with the rest of the team at UW Health Bariatric Clinic have been outstanding. They have been honest, supporting, caring, and respectful. They have an excellent program that really emphasizes the importance of an overall lifestyle change, with bariatric surgery being just one tool in the grand scheme of things.

I think the world of Dr. Garren and wish I could somehow convey to him how much I appreciate what he and RNY have done to save my self/well-being. My initial appointment prior to surgery was very nice, and my first impression was that he was very caring. He was friendly, welcoming and I felt like my husband and I had all the time in the world to ask questions. Our second meeting was in the OR prep room and I loved the rapor that he had with the nurses and Dr. Gould. He made me feel extremely comfortable and reassured. Dr. Garren also has a great sense of humor, and it was obvious his OR colleagues respect him very much. He and Dr. Gould are also very active with leading the support group which I find impressive! In fact, the entire UW Bariatric Clinic staff is great from Susan who helped me with my application & insurance paperwork, to Dawn who always greets me with a smile, to Diane the nutritionist who keeps it real, to all of the nurses and staff who are nothing but encouraging and warm.

HE SAVED MY LIFE.rnOverall, I've had nothing but a great impression of him. He can be a tad goofy, but he's on top of his game surgically and has great bedside manner. Which, in my opinion makes him a lot more relateable and helpful. I'm a huge fan of him personally and my surgery went AMAZINGLY well because of his hard work. THANK YOU!rnWhile I have never had an issue with him, I am not a huge fan of the UW Health Bariatric Surgery Program. I have to say, a lot of components of the program seem to be set up to make people have to lie to their providers. Which is never good.

My surgeon was absolutely wonderful. When I first saw him speak at information night I introduced myself to him because we have a mutual friend. He was absolutely delightful to chat with. I am on the high end of BMI and age range and it never was an issue with him. He told everyone at the info night that his commitment to us was for as long as he lived! His statistics are excellent and were also thorough. The whole program was beyond thorough. I was taught everything I needed to know and more. Aftercare is also marvelous and so is the staff. They are always available by phone, even on weekends. I live about 60 miles away and they bent over backwards to schedule as much on one day as possible to avoid extra driving. Also Meriter Hospital was the best hospital I have ever been in. I work in medicine and this was a phenomenal experience. they certainly deserve the Center of Excellence rating!