David Oliak Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

FIRST IMPRESSION: I really liked how he did not promise a magic bullet. He emphasized how the surgery was not a cure-all, but a tool. I was prepared to hear a snake-oil salesman, but found an intelligent, fact based discussion presented in a matter-of-fact style that impressed me. He did not try to say that all of his patients were 100% successful in losing all their weight, but emphasized what factors would make for good success, and what would be likely to have a disappointing result. This allowed me to decide if it was something that was right for me. rnOFFICE STAFF: very professional rnThe staff dealing with finances were helpful, honest in their estimates, and willing to spend time explaining and researching the insurance coverage. No last minute surprises or hidden costs. For those expenses not covered by insurance they provided a number of options and were willing to customize to theblue individual. THE AFTER CARE STAFF is skilled and I was impressed with their prompt response to what might have been a surgical complication. (It wasn't) But don't expect them to have the time to listen to your life story. The after care appointments are thorough but a quick in and out.rnLIKE LEAST: He is very busy. It is not likely you will see him much after surgery unless you have a medical problem. rnFUTURE PATIENTS NEED TO KNOW: If you are federal Blue Cross/Blue Shield, in California surgeons are covered under Blue Shield. He is preferred provider for Blue Cross, but not for Blue Shield. However, his financial staff agreed to accept the co-pay amounts for preferred providors instead of what they could have charged.rnAFTERCARE: Is strongly emphasized.rnSTRUCTURED AFTERCARE: many aspects: on line support, large and small group meetings available twice a month, exercise \"events\", regular follow-up visits, additional visits with the nutritionist available at no extra cost.rnRISKS OF SURGERY: He was honest. He did not diminish the risks and required that smokers quit a minimum of 1 month prior to surgery. He also required a 10 pound weight loss prior to surgery to minimize surgical risk.rnOVERALL: If you want good medical skills, he will be an excellent choice. If you want the doctor himself to hold your hand, act as a personal friend or psychologist - you probably want to choose another physician. rnSURGICAL COMPETENCE: excellentrnBEDSIDE MANNER: Very attentive before and after surgery while in the hospital. I never felt as though he was trying to rush away. I am confident that if I had experienced any sort of medical problems after surgery he would have spent as much time with me as required.rnrn

My first impression of Dr. Oliak was that he was caring and kind doctor who really understood my situation. He was not judgemental too. I felt very safe as he was very knowledgeable about the lap band procedure. The office staff is very friendly and helpful! What I like best is the continual support. Aftercare is emphasized very strongly! Yes, there is a great aftercare program! I would rate Dr. Oliak a perfect 10!!!! Everything about the surgery including potential risks were addressed. I was very nervous and scared the day of surgery, but with Dr. Oiak's surgical competence, his great bedside manner, an absolutely wonderful assistant Alli my journey has been very successful and the best thing I've ever done for myself!

- My 1st impression of Dr. Oliak was that he was a very funny, kind of quirky guy.rnrn-He is still quirky but he is also compassionate, understanding, nonjudgmental and very smart!rnrn- Everyone in the office is so sweet and super friendly!rnrn- The thing that I like least would be that the appointments are very rarely kept on time, so even though your appointment is at 3 pm you probably spend about a half hour in the waiting room. However, the other side to that is that he doesn't rush through your visits. He treats each person individually and really focuses on one on one attention.rnrn-Future patients should know that he is a GREAT surgeon. The office is friendly and quick! They don't string you along or give you the run around. They give FIRST CLASS care to their patients.rnrn-Dr. O is all about the after care!! They have a pretty unique aftercare program. They really want to make sure each patient is successful.rnrn- There is a structured aftercare and it goes in steps based on your time frame from the surgery date.rnrn- Dr. O gives it to you straight. He answers all of your questions about the risks of the surgery. You have to complete a seminar before you can have the surgery and you have to attend at least one support group meeting before you can be scheduled for surgery so that you have a clear idea of what to expect from the surgery.rnrn- Overall, if I had to rate Dr. Oliak on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best, I would give him a 10+rnHe has both surgical comptenece and bedside manner, and what he might lack on the bedside manner you get from his staff and from his \"right hand\" Alli Merriman. Together they make an awesome team!

I just want to say Thank You Dr. Oliak, from the bottom of my heart, for you have given me the best tool one could ever ask for. I have always had a positive outlook in life but now, I can say that I truly love life and am enjoying the new me with my family. Dr. Oliak and his entire staff made it very easy for me before and after surgery. Thank you.

I've only met him once but he seemed very nice and caring. He was very thorough in explaining things. I'll know more after I have my first appointment. I have only been to his seminar thus far.

One day I just happen to be home, and I was able to catch the Tyra Banks show. I saw Dr. Oliak on the show, and the last hope I had inside me decided to call for information. I thought to myself, another seminar can’t hurt. rnrnWhen I called Dr. Oliak's office, his staff was very professional and set me up for an orientation. Since I had been to many orientations before, I knew the normal drill. rnrnDuring the orientation, what stood out for me was Dr. Oliak’s statistics (that were left out in many other presentations), his overall experience, the friendliness of his office, his strong interest in his specialty, and ultimately the cost of the program.rnrnHis cash price was a considerable amount less than other programs. I knew I would be getting quality at an affordable price. My prayers were answered, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. I knew I would be in good hands.

Dr. O. continues to impress me, as does his PA (Alison), with thoroughness, caring, attention to detail....and amazing post-op care & follow-up programs. rnrnI come from a medical family, & even my family of docs was impressed with Dr.O's demeanor, professionalism, & overall excellence. rnrnThey will not tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear in a clear & caring way. They are very honest, compassionate & goes above-and-beyond for patients. God blessed me deeply by bringing this surgeon and his staff into my life. They are incredibly encouraging & are constantly educating and \"upgrading\" themselves to be able to provide the best service to their patients. rnrnI could not recommend this surgeon enough.

Dr. Oliak is my surgeon. What can I say? He is a very kind and knowledgeable surgeon. I absolutely love Dr. Oliak. He was very warm, gentle and made me feel so comfortable. And I'm sure somewhere he bares the nickname of \"golden hands\". He performs magic with his hands. I HIGHLY recommend him. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give him an 11+. He was very patient with me and spent about an hour going over my history, explaining everything that I would encounter and hopefully not encounter, and making sure that all of my questions were answered. His bedside manner was excellent and he took his time with explaining everything in detail. He made sure that my medical history was covered thoroughly and that I have had all of my pre-op clearances.

Dr. Oliak was awesome! Its been a few years now (over 5) since my surgery and I dont live in his area anymore but he was just perfect!

Dr Oliak is the best.