David Podkameni Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

I had vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery March 30, 2010 by Dr. Podkameni. I have to say that Dr. P is a guy that actually cares about his patients. So many times I have seen Dr's that you can tell the only thing they care about is their bmw payments. Not Dr P though, he spent a ton of time with me. I had to have a little extra time to recoup but he was there for me. I dont think i would of been as well taken care of with other surgeons. I dont regret my decision in picking Dr. P one bit, and will praise his name when ever possible. Dr P is a cool cat, and a great surgeon.

Dr. P is a terrific surgen. I had some unplanned complications and he was great about explaining the issues and making me feel comfortable with the issues at hand. He was great about explaining what needed to be done and why. When the second surgery was over he was great about explaining what was done. 6 months after my RNY I ended up having hernia repair surgery which he also did. I would recommend him anyday.

I met Dr. P. when I went to the informational session at Banner Gateway Medical Center last month. I was impressed with the way he handled the audience and their questions. He was very patient and gave great explanations. As a nurse, I have had a lot of experience with surgeons and he did not have the arrogance that I often see associated with them.rnrnI had my first office with Dr. P. on Feb. 11. He asked pertinent questions, reviewed my medical history and patiently answered my questions. He asked me what type of surgery I thought I needed and he concurred that the Roux en Y was the one. He spent a lot of time reviewing the surgery, aftercare and risks. rnrnI will meet with him, as well as the anesthesiologist, two weeks prior to surgery. At that time, I will go on a clear liquid diet, no caffiene or sugar,with 4 protein shakes a day. rnrnThe Bariatric Center offers a pre and post-op diet package that includes all the required supplements that will be needed for purchase. I am seriously considering getting that to reduce the stress of thinking about getting it together.rnrnHis office is at the Banner Gateway Bariatric Center. Due to recent budget cuts, they have two staff members, a RN and dietician, who handle everything from office visits to working with the insurance companies to get authorization. I must say while I was greatly prepared when I went in, my authorization process went very smoothly. I saw him on Nov. 11 and was approved on Nov. 18. rnrnNow I am just waiting to get my surgery date from the hospital surgery scheduler. Yeah!

I will be seeing him for the first time on December 19th. I had to deal with his office staff all day yesterday and the were very nicernand informative. I was a emotional mess since I had just been approved for my surgery and find out 5 minutes later that my Dr. can not do it because he is leaving Banner- my insurance.rnHis office stresses after care as being the reason for the sucess of weight loss.rnI finally met Dr. Podkameni and was very impressed wth him. He is very knowledgablernand took his time with my husband and I. He explained how my safety is important to him.rnHis office staff is great. He is the Medical Director of Bnner Gateway Briatric Cnter. Theyrnhave on site Nurses, Dietiian, Pyschologst...rnand offer support groups on each every month.rnThey also have a exercise therapist who I mt on Monday Jan 14th. rnI had attended another info seminar last yearrnby a different Doctor which was not a informative as his was. I haven't had te surery yet, but so far I would give him and his tam a 10.rnrn

I had my surgery two weeks ago with Dr Podkameni. I read alot about the surgery and had a few questions for him which he answered just as I hoped. Aftercare is very important with him and I found that he is very easy to talk with. The Office Nurse Debbie is very well informed and personal. Eileen is also a big help with scheduling. It seems they are a new group that is growing and settling into their new hospital. I have found it a good experience. I do recommend Dr Podkameni to others.