Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Associates Bariatric Center

My first impression of Dr. Higa was that he was down to earth and has a great sense of humor. This never changed, the guy is a crack up. His staff are all very nice and professional. Aftercare is a priority for him and the other doctors affiliated with him. All risks and dangers were fully explained to me by the Dr. or his staff. Dr. Higa was very competent and had great bedside manners.

My first encounter with Dr. Higa was a seminar he gave 12/17/03. Dr. Higa definately gives me the impression of a very knowledgable doctor, one I believe is qualified to put my trust in with WLS. He is straight forward an appears to be of no-nonsence. It is obvious he is truly caring in giving this seminar and making the decision if you are the right person who should or shouldn't have this surgery.

I had my initial surgical visit yesterday 05/24/04. Dr. Higa has given me the green light for qualifying as a candidate. I still have to go through the insurance approval now. Funny, but right after, I stopped at a store to buy something to drink. One of the clerks stated, "See, now that is a Happy Person!" If they only knew the reason why! YES!

It is true that Dr. Higa's staff is very busy. They serve a lot of patients.

My surgery expierence could not have been any smoother with NO COMPLICATIONS. From the moment I woke up in recovery, I virtually had no pain. My only discomfor was the tubes and monitors hooked up. ANd because I was doing so well, I was released the very following day.

DR. KELVIN HIGA IS THE BEST!

I am seeing Dr. Higa's Nurse, Alice, who is also very awesome. Alice, with Dr. Higa, makes a GREAT TEAM, and I would recommend them to ANYONE considering WLS.

You may see more about then at www.valleysurgicalspecialists.com!

Dr. Boone (Valley Surgical Center, Fresno) performed my Lap RNY surgery in February 2000. It is now 4.5 years later and my opinion of him has never changed -- he is OUTSTANDING! Quiet, funny, caring, smart, great bedside manner, visits often in the hospital. His associate, Dr. Higa, performed my gall bladder surgery in March 2004. I trust any surgeon in that office. They are all very, very good.

I first met Dr. Higa at a WLS seminar. He was very knowledgeable. He discussed all of the implications, complications and benefits of having surgery. He was also quite funny. Dr. Higa's office staff is very nice and quick to return calls to patients. I have no complaints about Dr. Higa. I would recommend him to any potential candidate for WLS. I have not had surgery yet so I will update this when I do to let you know his surgical competence and beside manner.

After careful research on bariatric surgery surgeons I chose Dr. Keith Boone of Fresno, CA. I was impressed with Dr. Boone from the first time I met him. He took all the time with me that I needed. He answered my questions and addressed my concerns. He did not "sugar coat" this surgery. He was forthright about the risks involved and stressed that bariatric surgery is to only be done as a last effort. He is genuinly kind and compassionate. He even saw me waiting in the lobby after my appt. and came up and talked with me. How often do you see a doctor do that?
His staff is also nice and they are very patient. (I called them a lot!)
Dr. Boone stresses aftercare. His job doesn't stop at surgeon, he is very concerned that you are in good health at all stages after surgery.
I am thoroughly pleased with Dr. Boone's surgical competence and bedside manner. I would highly recomend him as he was highly recomended to me.

First impression was that he is a very busy man and had little time for actual questions.
He became more personable as time passed
Office is staff is ok

intelligent, thorough

not at all

busy but organized

busy

this doctor has an excellent reputation

Yes, there are post surg appts.

not sure

(risks are always there) I don't recall

I would rate my surgeon above average. ( I did meet with 2 other surgeons and selected Dr. Keith Boone)

both are excellent

Very nice. Rest of questions, too soon to tell.

There office was very nice and everyone was friendly. Dr. Higa made me feel comfortable and safe. I tell people that I wouldn't want anyone to go anywhere else. I knew that everything would be fine. I have had 3 of my friends go and they all turned out great was no problems at all. They are very into there program and stress about your follow-up apps. They make sure that after surgery you are doing well. They make sure you have a complete blood work-up every year. I can't say enough about Dr. Higa. He is one of the best.
The only bad thing is sometimes your in the waiting room a long time. Sometimes your in and out of there.

very professional, kind

office staff is the best

- it is a long wait for an appt.

- his associates are also very good and you can get in to see them quicker

will have to get back to you about aftercare - my surgery will be in July 2004

all risk factors were addressed

rate him - so far A+

I've seen a professional manner at all times.