Ameet G Patel Bariatric Surgeon M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S.

I loved him from the minute I met him! He was laid back, confident, and very sure I would benefit well from this surgery...that definitely helped to ease the worries I was having about my decision! He explained everything thoroughly, making sure I understood every detail of what was going to happen. His nurse, Beth, was wonderful as well. She made sure I was updated on any changes, and gave me a direct line to contact her should I have any problems. I was also able to get a hold of them through email. I felt both of these options were much better then calling an office, talking to a receptionist, and hoping my message got passed along. I checked into the hospital the night before the surgery for pre-op testing, and he came in to talk to me, which also helped calm me down. I loved that he was so sure of himself, but not in a cocky, offensive way...he was very friendly to me, my husband, and all the nursing staff, which is always a good indication to someone's character. On one of the nights in the hospital, he had a late surgery, and sent in the nursing staff to apologize for him not being able to come see me. The only problems I had were with his vitamin regiment, which after reasearch I found out were not the correct vitamins I should be taking. But then again...he's a surgeon, not a nutritionist. I would completely recommend him to anyone trying to pick a surgeon!

First impression: approachable and friendly
Impression changed?: no
Office staff: friendly, very helpful and knowledgeable
Least like about surgeon: nothing so far
Emphasizes aftercare?: yes!
Structured aftercare program?: has support group run by dietitian and hospital nurse
How addresses surgery risks: requires seminar attendance, computer-guided informed consent quiz and requires family meeting with surgeon
Overall rating of surgeon- not enough info yet
Overall rating of his program- A

For me, bedside manner is EXTREMELY important. The surgical competence of the surgeon is, of course, number one but
I would not deal with an asshole surgeon. I had one of those before I found this surgeon. Nice guys (or in this case, surgeons) shouldn't have to finish last.

He is so easy going he should defuse bombs for a living!rnrnHe proved his unflappable nature when I developed inter-operative complications.rnrnHe is a work-a-holic and has a public and private list and goes off to do MASSIVE biliary surgeries in between sorting out us fatties so he is the real deal and not a money machine.rnrnBeth his NP keeps in touch with me to check on my health. As I am a NP too she trusts my judgement and we exchange information as I need it. I'm heading back for a three month check up. They have both given me private phone numbers. Very impressed!rnrnMr Patel was VERY honest about the surgical risks especially with my BMI. He pulled no punches but made me utterly aware of what I was getting myself in to.rnrnI give Mr Patel 10/10. He is cautious, considerate and methodical..the very best traits in a surgeon!rnrnBedside manner was easygoing, warm and honest. What more do you need? This altogether cost me £9800, every other bariatric surgery centre started at £12000 and went up the way...taking into account this man is a hepatobiliary surgeon as well his skill base far exceeds others thus he is the best option and the best value option for UK folk. He has also done over 51 DS operations and multiple RNY's etc. I would say GO FOR IT!

What was your first impression of him/her?

Dr. Patel was very friendly and put me at ease right away. He was extremely knowledgeable and explained things to me in an easy to understand kind of way. Additionally he took the time to answer my questions regardless of how silly they were and never once did he make me feel like they were unimportant.

How would you describe his/her office staff?

His staff was very professional and pleasant.

What should future patients know about him/her?

Not sure if there is anything that stands out... He is a lot taller than I expected and his hands are large... makes me wonder if he gets back aches from having to bend over for so many hours during surgery or if he gets cramps in his hands because they seem like they would dwarf the instruments he uses.

How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?

He stressed that aftercare is important.

Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?


How did he/she address the risks of surgery?

He went over each of the risks and the percentages of people that get them and he talked with me about things I can do to help reduce the risks.

How would you rate him/her overall?

I think he is great so far and am looking forward to surgery with no reservations about my surgeon.

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great?

Unable to answer this question right now because my surgery isn't until April 16.

Banding was done by Dr Debruyne in Belgium. A good surgeon, but only carries out banding.rnrnRevision Surgeon was Mr Ameet Patel who has carried out all the WLS types and has expertise in revisions.