Craig Chang Bariatric Surgeon

My first impression of Doctor Chang was how organized & sincere his staff was and how calm and reassuring he was. There is no hype in his program only facts, information and support. I think he has a great manner and takes what ever time is necessary to make the best experience for his patients. The only issue I have is that because I am a patient from out of town and I am not familiar with the Citizens Hospital I think they could have given me more information about the hospital facilities and procedures. I rate Doctor Chang & the program a 10. The nearest large city to me had 4 programs to chose from. I interviewed 3 of them before going to see Doctor Chang. I chose Doctor Chang because of the calm straight forward personal feeling you get from the doctor & the staff.

The first one I met was Ron the P.A. and he is everything everyone says about him, a really nice sweet guy. He made me feel totally comfortable. My first impression of Dr. Chang was that he was young and cute but he knows his stuff. He is a little put off but from what I have read it takes him time to warm up to his patients. Either way from my discussion with him I totally trust him to do my surgery and know that no matter what he will have my best interest at heart. He told me that "if I was a failure,that would make him a failure" I thinks that speaks for itself. At this point I would rate him 9. We will see........

Dr. Chang is an incredible doctor. On my first appointment he was very serious in stating that this will be a life style change. He wants all his patients and their families to know that it will be a change that will last forever. He is very personable and makes you feel comfortable being in his office. He wants you to call his office at anytime if you have a problem or concern. He is there for his patients! I would recommend him to anyone who is considering lap band surgery.
His staff is friendly and willing to help. Mr. Ron rocks and is there for support and for aftercare concerns. Thank you Doctor Chang for being an awesome doctor! A job well done.

Dr. Chang is wonderful. He is very dedicated to ensuring that WLS is right for the person, that you are committed to doing what is required to be successful.
His office and staff is very friendly and supportive.
Dr. Chang comes across as very compendent and knowledgeable. He is also very firm in stating what he expects and what it takes to be successful. He does have a very structured before and aftercare program.
I would rate him a perfect 10. I drove 3 hours each way to have him as my surgeon and continue to make that drive for my aftercare appointment. He is that good.

02-05-05
I met with DR.Chang.Chang was that he is very straight to the point. very caring, devoted , surgeon he cares about his patients. he tells you that exercise is very important to the weight loss.The office staff is very caring. I would recommend him to anyone as a fine surgeon who cares very much about his work. His P.A, nurses and office staff are helpful, kind.

Dr. Chang is a very caring, devoted , surgeon he cares about his patients and takes the time to listen he will tell you are doing good I'm glad he is a big part of my life his office staff has always been very helpful and very concerned he tells me that exercise is very important to the weight loss He knows what he is doing is very knowledgable I tell every one about him and if they are interested in the surgery I give them his name

I cannot stress strongly enough how I feel about Dr. Chang. He is a WONDERFUL physician, the best I have ever known. I had my surgery 6 months ago. I knew going in that there was a possibility that I would not be able to go through this because I had had several abdominal surguries that had created a great deal of scarring. Any other doctor would have thrown in the towel but not Dr. Chang. He worked for more than six hours getting past the scarring to complete my surgery. I will be forever grateful. I am now 85 pounds lighter and have a quality of life that I didn't think I'd ever have again.
He told me everything to expect from the beginning, gave helpful suggestions, was kind and thoughtful, and very professional. I can think of nothing but positive things to say. The hospital in Victoria was surprisingly clean and the staff incredibly considerate. My sister stayed in the room with me the first night and they were so careful not to disturb either one of us. They turned down the hall lights to allow us to sleep. When they checked on me during the night, they never turned on the overhead lights. They very quietly took care of everything they needed to care for and did it in the most considerate way possible.

My first impression of Dr Chang was that he is very straight to the point. Which I liked, and although I went into this thinking I would have the Adjustable lap band
I listened to what he had to say and am going
with the bypass. Being 37 I am ready to have this permanence to my life. He was honest and I liked that too. The office staff has been great on the phone and in person. His insistence on after care shows me that he will hang in there with me and help me succeed. I, at this point, rate him top notch or would not be going to him at all. I am very picky about my physicians. I am spoiled lol I want surgical competence, bedside manner all in one package, and i'm sure I have it in Dr. Chang.

March 25th, 2004 my life began again. I had a consultation with a surgeon in San Antonio, Texas 18 years ago regarding gastric bypass but decided against it due to the high risk. My weight slowly climbed up…up and up. After researching and realizing my mobility was in danger due to Fibromaylgia and a neck injury, I finally found a wonderful surgeon names “Dr. Craig Chang”.

By the time I found Dr. Chang, I was 5’8” and weighed 307lbs. I had tried diets only to gain more weight then I had lost. This pattern continued all my life. Nearly four years ago my body began to turn on itself. I was always sick, in extreme pain and unable to work because my cognitive skills were suffering due to all the pain medication I needed to live day to day. Out of desperation I started looking for help. I feel God sent my answer in the form of Dr. Craig Chang.

I started researching Gastric Bypass again and found myself contacting Dr. Chang’s office for a consultation. The office personnel were extremely kind and understanding of my urgency. They made appointments with a therapist, dietitian and Dr. Chang all the same day to make the process easier. When I entered their office, such a warm individual named Ron greeted me. Ron made the visit so comforting and informative.

My first impression of Dr. Chang was rather harsh. I needed to loose 5 lbs. prior to surgery per Dr. Chang. I could not understand how a doctor who did not have a weight problem and could not possibly understand how hard it is to loose weight would have the audacity to insist that I loose weigh prior to surgery and then to tell me if I gained even one pound he would not do the surgery. I was upset so I told him that I would have no problem loosing 5 lbs. so then he said; well then lets make it 10 lbs. I was furious and told my husband; just forget it…lets go home! Instead my husband drove me to the therapist group meeting. I am so glad that he did because it made me realize that Dr. Chang was testing my commitment to loosing weight.

Surgery week came along and I had lost 15 lbs. My surgery was done laparoscopicly which cut down on the recovery time. I was up walking the halls of the hospital the very night of my surgery. My opinion of Dr. Chang quickly changed as I saw a compassionate person who had nothing to gain by my weight loss other then the thrill of one more success story. He is not only concerned about my weight loss but also has proven he is concerned about each patients mental state.

On my birthday, 7 ½ months post op, I have lost a total of 100 lbs. What a birthday present! Only another 25 lbs to reach my goal! I am so grateful that I was privileged enough that Dr. Chang choose me as his patient. God knew I needed a surgeon who was strong, compassionate and was willing to be a vessel used by God to rid me of the demon called obesity.

I am enjoying my new life again. Everyone who sees me is delighted with the change. My husband is proud of his new wife and can’t stop showing my before and after photo’s. Finally I am able to prepare meals again, clean my own house and enjoy my family again. I could not have traveled down this path without my husbands support.

Thanks Dr. Chang! For those who are searching …take the time to consult with Dr. Chang. I know you will have NO REGRETS!

God Bless,
Loretta W

I thought that he was very nice, and is very strait foward.

He is this way for your benifit,a dn he really cares about his patients
The office staff is very caring, and personal..they address you by your name and treat you like family.