Dana Portenier Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

I think he is great. He is very honest in answering my questions. He has a sense of humor which I like.

I was very pleased overall with Dr. Portenier. He is that rare mix of exceptional interpersonal skills and knowledge. On each of the two meetings with him, I found him very personable and down to earth and he took as much time as was needed to answer all of my questions. He is very matter of fact about the risks, benefits, and role of surgery in weight loss. He also discussed in detail the measures they take to try to manage risks during and after surgery. rnrnBecause the Duke program is a fellow training program, at least some part of your surgery and care will be managed by a bariatric surgery fellow in training. The one that was working with Dr Portenier was also very personable and knowledgeable. rnrnThe office staff is very pleasant and helpful, although often very difficult to access on the telephone. It was not unusual to leave messages and wait days for a return call. I'm sure that responses to urgent problems would be quicker, but thankfully I haven't had need to evaluate that.rnrnOverall, I'd rate Dr. Portenier and the Duke WLS program very highly. I have no regrets about using them for this healthcare service.

My first impression was \"Wow, He's handsome!\" Our relationship has been pretty short thus far. I have met with assistants and they have been very friendly. Im sure we will have a better relationship in the coming months.

Very nice & informative. Anwsered all questions. Went over pro & cons of all procedures available. Discussed things to do before surgery (wt loss, shrinking liver). Great bedside manner.
Only problems is long wait for appointments and long waiting time in the office.

My First impression of Dr. Portenier is that he is very thorough and he really did put me at ease. I will see him agian but this first appt. was more him asking about me and the next will be him telling me more about the surgery that I have decided to have. I look forward to our next appt.rnI am very pleased with Dr. Porteniers Office staff they are caring and they smile when you enter and treat you like a person. (NOT a FAT PERSON)If I am not mistaken some of the staff have been throught the surgery themselves so it's nice to have people around that know what you are going to go through and what you have been through. Dr. Portenier and the Duke weight loss center is very thorough, when screening their perspective patients I felt like I was in very capable hands. Bariatric surgery is what he does. The center has a great after care program we are seen of course by the Dr. but also by the Nut. and Pych. at 3 weeks 3mo., 6mo., and 1 year and it is strongly suggested that we come to a monthly support group their at the hospital. I was impressed with the after care they show their patients. The risks of sugery are gone over many times during the process I thought that not only did they give a lot of info on the risks but where very willing at any time to answer any question that I might have had.rnI thought that my experience on a whole was great.

Great Doctor, very caring and concerned.
My impression has not changed I still think he was and is the best of the best.
Good and very accomodating.
I did not dislike anything about him.
He is an awesome doctor and extremly good at what he does. Yes he emphasizes aftercare.
Yes he does have a structured aftercare program.
He is straight forward about the risk and if he feels you are not a good canidate then he lets you know that but they also try to help you so that you maybe able to work towards being a caidate.I would give him a 100% he is awesome. I am very happy with the surgery I could not have asked for better and he has a good bedside manner as well.

My husband & I attended a seminar that Dr Portenier conducted at Durham Regional Hospital. He was kind and direct and did not sugar coat the surgery, its risks or possibilities or the fact that it was merely a tool in the overall process. We met with him and the rest of the staff on Oct. 8th. He took the time to answer our questions and helped us to determine which proceedure would be the most appropriate for me. I felt his confidence and it set me at ease. He made me no guarantees; he made it clear I was responsible to eat right, exercise and live a healthier lifestyle and if I did I would be successful. If I did not, I would struggle and potentially would be unsuccessful. This is a huge decision for anyone and to have a surgeon in your corner who actually is your partner and makes it known that is his intention, is astounding. I fee very fortunate to have been put in contact with Dr. Portenier and the entire professional staff at Duke Weight Loss Center. I will probably have this surgery right around the new year. What a wonderful way to start a year!rnrnDona LrnChapel Hillrn

I'm not sure how Dr. Portenier became my surgeon at the Duke Weight Loss Surgical Center but I am glad it happened. I was initially undecided about whether I wanted a Lap Band or the RnY so I set up an extra appt and it was scheduled with Dr. P. From the beginning he was honest and open about the good, the bad and the ugly about bariatric surgery. I felt adequately informed about all aspects of the process. rnrnDr. Portenier also really stresses the importances of long term aftercare. The day after my RnY, he sat in my hospital room and reiterated that bariatric surgery is not the easy way out. His honest and matter of fact style is really appreciated.rnrnI did have some questions/concerns with the post op care I received particularly about fluid advancement/liquid diet tolerance immediate post op and pain control but those concerns were more hospital based rather than surgeon based. If I hadn't been so well informed prior to surgery my experience would not have been as positive.rn

Dr. Portenier is a nice man with a great bedside manner. He was very informative about what to expect pre and post surgery. He works with the Duke Weight Loss Center and they have an extensive after care program. I look forward to a longterm relationship with him and the program.

Dr. Portenier was a very nice dr. he explained everything about my surgery in details he was always available to answer any questions i might have had. He is a very good Dr. i would highly recommend him to other patients i would rate him a 10 + on surgical competence and bedside manner!