David Suh Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Hi all,
I am home, recovering and doing very well. I'm going to tell about my surgery journey, because I enjoyed reading them so much when I was pre-op. Here goes:
My hospital was Inland Valley in Wildomar, CA
My Doctor was Dr. David Suh
I had a surgery time of 4:30pm and was instructed to report to surgery at 1:30pm. I had a terrible migraine all day and I do think a morning appt. would be the way to go. Any way I was not called in for pre-op until 4:00pm. They would not let my husband (John) in with me and said it was against their policy. Once inside, I pressed the issue and they went and got him. They got me all hooked up and I saw my doctor scoot by once, but he didn't glance my way. John and I waited and talked and I began to cry. The pre-op nurse was very kind and compassionate, but I couldn't have done it without John. I also had pictures of my kids and I kept looking at them. I prayed and said alot of affirmations about healing.
At about 5:00pm the anesthesiologist came over and I told him I was very scared. He said he would give me something and when he left he turned and said, "This is it, there is no final call...no reprieve from the govenor." He laughed and split. John and I looked at each other and were like what a weird sense of humor and didn't he realize how much that freaked me out. I cried some more. I expected my doc to be over to see me any time, but he never showed. They took me to the OR and I moved to the operating table. When Dr. funnybone (anesthesiologist) started tying my arms down, I asked where Dr. Suh was and would I be able to see him before I went under. The answer was no!!! At this point I had an anxiety attack, and couldn't breathe. The OR nurse was telling me to take a deep breath and then I was out.
The first thing I remember was waking up in my room and asking for my husband.(John said this was at 9:30 pm) I was in and out all night and I would look up, see his face and feel relieved and full of love. By about. At 4:00am I wanted to get up and walk, but they told me it would be a while, because they were busy. At 6:00am John asked for help to get me out of bed and once they showed him how to unhook things we didn't need to bother them anymore. I was up every 2-3 hours after that. The pain was really not bad at all (except when I first woke up from the surgery.)
Dr. Suh came to see me at about 10:00am and I asked if I could go home that day. He said if I continued to do this good , "Yes" and he would be back later to release me. He didn't come back, but I was released at 4:00pm...less than 24 hours after my surgery. I was ecstatic.The best part was walking in my door and seeing my 2 kids. I grabbed them and hugged them and cried with happiness. Being home and surrounded with love is the best "medicine" for me.
I'm really feeling great. I plan to write a letter to the hospital administrtion and to my Dr. about the negative aspects of my hospital experience. I believe they need to know so they can improve if they choose to. My advice is if any of these things would bother you...ask about them in advance. I assumed my Dr. would come to see me before surgery and I assumed I wouldn't have to negotiate for my husbands presence in pre-op because this had been my previous experience . Each hospital is different and you can not assume anything...you must be your own advocate. I would not recommend this hospital for the above reasons and some post-op ones as well:
1) My husband was not notified when I was brought to my room after surgery. The bottom floor of the hosp. was closed and he found a security guard who called upstairs and found where I had been taken. This postponed him being with me for about 1/2hour. Maybe not a big deal to some, but extremely important to us.
2) A CNA shook her finger in my face and scolded me that I better follow my diet after this. I had an overwhelming urge to grab her finger and shove it up her nose, but I refrained.
If all of this seems petty to you than this facility may be fine, I personally would not use it again.
With all that said, again I am really doing great. I am greatful to be well and starting on my losing journey. This post is not meant to be a negative one. Most if not all of the above could have been avoided if I had advocated for the things that were important to me before surgery. If you can't get what you want at one place than you can go to another. And we deserve the best there is to offer, we are the consumers. I hope this helps some in their process.
One last note, I can not believe the lack of pain in my recovery. It is awesome. I highly recommend the lap procedure for anyone who can have it. I am on clear liquids and protein drinkks until I 8-7 when i see the Dr. and get my staples out. I have 7 tiny incisions with 1-3 staples in each one.
Can't wait to update you on my progress!
Cheryl Vaught 43yo
Lap RNY on 7-31-02
270/

Although we had started with another surgeon in the area, we were not that impressed with the organization of his office.
We attended a bariatric support group for the Crown Surgical Group at the invitation of Patt Caldwell.
We were impressed with the doctor, the group, and ALL the patients that attended. Everyone had positive opinions of Dr. Suh. He is supposed to be a very capable laparoscopic surgeon.
After continued frustration with the first doctor, we changed to Dr. Suh. I am very glad I made this move. His staff is very professional, caring, efficient, and able. There were no undue delays in the process and in fact they made extra efforts to help when any obstacles were encountered.
The hospital staff was excellent. The surgery went very well. I was released the next afternoon. I have had very little discomfort. My wife and I are so impressed with Dr. Suh, Dr. Dada, Sondra, Mo, the rest of the staff, and the hospital. I can't say enough about them. It has been a very good experience.

DR. Suh is a very nice person. He is very informative and up front about the procedure. I stayed at his office for a least an hour just talking to him and asking him all the questions I had. He answered everyone clearly for me to understand. He has a wonderful nurse that is also very helpful. The whole team at Crowns is Great! Thanks DR. Suh and Sondra you two have made a change in my life.

Dr.Suh was very likeable and friendly. He answered all my questions.

His office staff is nice, although they are a very busy office.


He really has structured aftercare and emphasizes it very much, so I'm told.

Mo (the insurance lady) is very helpful and played a major role in getting my approval through so quickly. From the time of my first office visit to the date of my surgery it will be one month.

It's great that this office offers a support group. The group is very helpful. The after care is great and Sondra the bariatric nurse is great. She is there with help and answers to all your questions. This group of Doctors and staff seems to really care about their patients!

Overall, I was impressed by Dr. Suh, the whole team at Crown Surgical Group was great and very positive in reaffirming the results of the surgery. Dr. Suh was realistic and told me my procedure would be conducted laparascopically, and it was a success.
The emphasis was to get me involved with the support group for peer help and support. The risks of surgery were made very clear to me and explained. I walked into surgery with not a single doubt or question. Dr. Suh has a wonderful bedside manner and I felt he represents competence and capabilities of a skilled surgeon. I would do it all over again!

Dr Suh made a good first impression even though I had a two and a half hour wait to see him(Emergency). Explained the surgery and the possible side effects Ect. Also did a physical exam and told me I was ok for the procedure laprascopically.

Dr. Suh and his staff are great. He was very informative, he highly reccommends checking out this sight. I have been in his office only twice (Wildomar location) but have called the office a few times. The staff always treats me like a long time friend. So far they seem to be helping me along quite a bit. I was scheduled with another doctor, and was forced to change a week before my first date. Dr. Suh does the proceedure lapriscopically which is a big plus, and his staff is helping me get it all done quickly so I can have it done around the same time I had planned on before. Dr. Suh requires that I go to support groups at least once a month, and gave mr a very strict, long protocol to follow for after care. He also has an awesome patient advocate available 24/7 to help you through anything that may come up. She is great. I would rate him and his staff a 9. I feel that surgical competence and bedside manner are both important. He seems to have both.

I was thrilled from the very first time I met Dr. Suh. My husband, and a good friend were with me and we all drilled him with our questions. He was patient in making sure he answered each one and was very kind. Dr. Suh offered alot of very informative information. Not only did he make me feel comfortable and confident, but he also took the time to explain the risks involved to make sure I had no concerns. I would recommend him to anyone considering this surgery. (Plus he has an extended degree in \\\"Laprascopic\\\" surgery - which is the way I had mine done.) Thank you so much, Dr. Suh!!!

I had my Surgical consultation with Dr. Suh on 1/16/09. Went into the office, had to watch a video and complete some paperwork. Got weighed and then saw the Dr. He did a quick examination and asked if I had questions. He was very cordial and I felt he wasn't rushed to answer questions or to get out to examine another patient. I have confidence in Dr Suh. He told me that I'm a good candidate for surgery and that I need to cut out carbs and add protein. He also said no more snacking or sugars. I had to get a gallbladder ultrasound, an echocardiogram and bloodwork done. There was a bit of delay between Dr. Suh's office and my PCP because the surgeon's office told me they didn't get the reports they needed for clearance. After many emails and calls back and forth - the coordinator told me that Dr. Suh cleared me for surgery. She said she would forward request for clearance from my pcp. This would take approx 7 to 10 working days. About 1 week later I received my surgery authorization in the mail. On April 13, 2009, the coordinator told me I was tentatively scheduled for April 21, 2009. The next day I got confirmation and had appts scheduled for me on the 16th of April! Talk about quick! The office was great at keeping me updated. I would recommend Dr. Suh anytime!