Alexander Onopchenko Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Dr. Onopchenko delivers a caring and patient spiel in promotion of his gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery history. On the first visit he will answer all your questions, spend as much time as you need to feel comfortable to proceed with the surgery process. After you are hooked his true colors show. He is condescending, uncaring and shows this in his unprofessional bedside manner in the visits thereafter. Visits after the 1st lasted under 5 minutes. I am not complaining about his ability as a bariatric surgeon its just the point up to the surgery and the visits after, do you really want to deal with someone who talks down to you. Please please please search him on google for other reviews!

The biggest issue I had with him is that he will argue with you, he does not like to be wrong. I asked him about conflicting information I received from the initial seminal and the boot camp and he started to argue with me and then rephrased it so he could be right. His staff was courteous to a point when I complained about the issue but they were like his minions turning the situation and making it as if I was wrong even though the issue is his attitude. I am the most easy going person and have never been so angry and flushed about something in my 45 years.

UPDATE: I had my surgery with Dr. O on May 19 and I am still very happy I chose him! His office has been great throughout the whole process, and the hospital staff took great care of me as well. Its been 3 weeks since my surgery and I'm feeling very good. Including my pre-op diet I have now lost almost 40 pounds. :-) I would definitely do it again. Thanks Dr. O!


I was very happy with my consultation with Dr. Onopchenko. He was very kind and I felt comfortable speaking with him. I did not feel any judgement as I usually do from providers when discussing weight related topics. He was very knowledgeable and answered my questions thoroughly. He provided his expert advice and recommendations while acknowledging my thoughts and preferences. I feel very confident that he will be performing my surgery. He has done many many surgeries and his safety statistics and weight loss results are very good. I am now in the process of completing all of my evaluations, clearances and dietitian visits. The whole staff of the practice have all been wonderful. I can have my questions answered quickly and easily and all appointments have been scheduled conveniently. I have never waited more than 5 minutes at an appointment with them. The office works together to ensure all required aspects for insurance coverage are followed correctly which takes the worry off of me. They gave me a packet of paperwork to keep track of all I need to do, with phone numbers and addresses of multiple providers in the area. This was very helpful. Based on my experience so far, I highly recommend Dr. Onopchenko and Atlanticare Bariatrics.

Dr O is one of the best doctors I have ever had, from the moment I walked into his office he was very honest and personable, he is a man with a lot of knowledge and is always willing to share and elaborate on the things he is explaining and talking about! I had my surgery 3 years ago and still see him on occasions and he is the only doctor I enjoy going to see... Even after my surgery I got a phone call at home from him checking in on me!!

The older he gets, the less patience he has for you. He is super nice while selling the surgery at the seminars. But, don't expect that in the following office visits. The staff is truly nice though. Him? Not so much. He doesn't listen to concerns and can definitely be condescending. He makes me feel that I am bothering him because I show up to my appointment that I am paying for. I kept telling him there was no restriction in the band each time I went and he actually had the nerve to tell me "Yes, there is. You are just not eating enough protein." I explained I am eating too much protein and can not even eat carbs because I am allergic to gluten. He would blow me off completely and "pretend" to do a fill. I say this because I finally left and went to a much better surgeon who immediately ordered a Fluoroscopy. The results? The port was completely upside-down, so the nine times I paid out of pocket begging Onopchenko to listen to me that there is no fill/restriction, and he would stick the needle in and "fill" it [after wiggling it all around and hurting me], he was actually just sending the saline into my body. Pathetic.
A few times I was in waiting to see him in an exam room, I could hear him talking with other patients through the wall, explaining to them why they are wrong and he wasn't listening to them either. He has a huge ego problem. What a waste of time and health for me. So GLAD to NOT be his patient anymore. I sure hope others have much better experiences. I hope he starts to see his patients as PEOPLE soon!

Dr O is one of the most skilled surgeons I know. He is NOT gruff, just no nonsense. I believe he truly cares about his patient population. I had to have my gallbladder removed in October and he was just as fantastic as he was when he did my gastric bypass RNY in December 2003. I highly recommend his program because I've heard horror stories about others' experiences. The whole process from start to finish is impeccable from the physical aspects to the psychological as well. He follows you indefinitely to make sure your journey is successful. You can't find a better gastric surgeon. His staff are all wonderful, too. :)

I have to say that Dr. Onopchenko was very courteous during my initial interview. I scheduled my appointment with him directly after the orientation seminar. His staff was very accomodating to my work schedule and they were quick to get me in. Once I was seen, he answered all of my questions and made certain that I did not have anything left unanswered. Being a nurse, I did extensive research not only on this surgery, but also this surgeon. I pointed out to Dr. O that I did my research on him as well. I think we as a society should have a more active role in our healthcare and subsequently our healthcare decisions. I have spoken with numerous individuals that have either had surgery with him, or know someone that has. I have NVER heard anything bad about him, in fact, I have only heard good things and that he is the BEST at what he does. He gave me a list of things I needed to do in order to prepare for the surgery and as of yesterday, I have completed that list. Now it is all up to me, and when I schedule. I understand that some individuals may lash out, especially if they are turned away from the surgery for any reason. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience, so far it has been nothing but positive. This is LIFE CHANGING and something NOT to be taken lightly. Not only do you need to be physically prepared, but also mentally and emotionally. I am very happy with my decision and I am looking forward to my surgery!!
***UPDATE***
I had my surgery on October 27, 2010 and I could not be more pleased!! I have to say that Dr. O is truly the best! I had a great experience from his staff, to the hospital and staff to Dr. Onopchenko! I have to admit that this is the best decision I have ever made. He has ensured that I follow his recommendations, that I take care of myself. My weight loss is right on track. I have to admit I have not had any dumping, then again, I eat what is recommended and not what isn't. If I had to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat! If you listen to what he tells you and follow the receommendations, you will be fine!!

Well all I can say is that he has done 6 surgery's on me lacerration of the legs 3 hernia's and Gastric bypass. He is the best. I dont care how far you have to travel to use him. this is the man for your surgery....no other!!! Love you'r Skilled hands Dr. O

dr. onopchenko and his staff are very well educated and friendly... i would recommend them to my friends and family!

Wonderful man skilled surgeon and is dedicated to helping along the journey.
Office staff supportive helpful. He requests you bring significant other to initial seminar.Strong on after care I am asked if attending support groups elsewhere. His after care support is grouped by surgery type and also has a support group for yhose who need to get back on track after first year. This is my experience Only negative was on last lab work did not get a call re: pending results. But realize that I got to lab late so not all test results were final and his staff called to find out lab results so that I could keep my appointment informative.

I know for a fact that Dr. Onopchenko is the best surgeon for me. He has done the gastric bypass surgery on my mother...sister and brother-in-law. My mother is 5 years post op....my sister is 4 years post op and my brother-in-law is 1 1/2 years post op. All are maintaining their weight loss. Most of all though....Dr. Onopchenko is down to earth...takes his time with you....does not sugar coat anything and will answer all you questions honestly. I have total faith in his surgical competence and trust being under his care. He continues to follow up with you after the surgery. He considers himself your doctor for life. Again...I witness this with my family. rnrnThere has been a change in staff since the year my mother had her surgery done...so getting used to new staff and their personalities is an adjustment...but they are all well informed of what needs to be done....especially for insurance approvals.rn