David von Rueden Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

My first impression of DVR was that he was very kind and had a great wit about him. My impression of him didn't change but I did feel like he really cared about the people he was helping. He is a very sweet and funny Dr. I felt absolutely comfortable. His staff is amazing. You deffinately get into a first name basis with all his wonderful workers. They are some of the kindest people. They will do anything/everything to help you get this surgery. The thing I probably like best about DVR and his Staff is there constant availability. They will do anything in the power to help you succeed. The thing I would tell future patients of DVR and the GBMC COMP. is to be honest and willing to really do your best and you will have a wonderful life changing experience. DVR makes very clear how important after care is. Sloan (dietician) is very caring as well in that aspect. They really want to see you succeed and they KNOW that you can! They have a very structured aftercare program. DVR was very honest about the risks of surgery and also the benefits. At the end of the day you feel like you are having a friend do the procedure. I would give DVR personnally and his staff @ The GBMC Comprehensive Obesity Management Program a rating of 10 out of 10. They truly are a center of excellence. His surgical competence and his bedside manner is outstanding. I 100% completely trust DVR!!

rnrnDr. Von Rueden is a great man, he is quiet but will answer any questions you have. His office staff will help you in any way possible. The first information session was very helpful for me and they also have good aftercare support. I am two weeks post-op and feel that I made a good decision having my surgery with Dr. Von Rueden, his staff and GBMC.

First impression was very good. Myrnmother went to the information seminar withrnme and we were both impressed. He seems a bit quiet at first.rnrnThe office staff is fantastic. They arernvery pleasant and helpful.rnrnSurgury pros and cons were covered atrnthe information seminar. They truly pullrnno punches.

My first impression wasn't great of either doctor in the practice. I was nervous and very sensitive. Also, they forced me to quit the one thing I haven't been able to quit for years- smoking. rnI found all of the Staff at the Obesity Management Clinic to be very nice, competant, and empathetic. rnWhen it came time for the surgery, I found so much support from Dr. Von Ruedin. I could see it in his eyes. That helped me feel safe and calm. rnI think he is a 10 out of 10.rnrnI witnessed DVR in action yesterday at my 3 mo post. He overheard a what may have been a potentially serious problem occuring in the hallway while he was examining me. He was out the door. It was so reassuring to know that he puts his patients needs first!!!!

My first impression of Dr David Von Rueden was that he was a very person and he seemed very caring. He answered all my questions at the informational session. I was very happy that he took his time to answer all my questions without even rushing me out of the door. The office staff is wonderful and very friendly. DVR stressed about all the risks of the surgery he did not sugar coat anything and I was very happy with the time we spent talking. Then I met with him the day of the consult and he was exactly the same. Very kind and compassionate and did not rush me out of his office. He knows his stuff and I feel very comfortable with him and I know I have chosen the right doctor for my surgery. The aftercare program he has is well structured and just right for my needs. He has a wonderful bedside manner and he is competent so I am 100% satisfied. I would recommend him to anyone.

So far, So good. Dr and staff has been great!rnHelpful and very nice.

After my first meeting with my surgeon, Dr. David von Rueden and his staff I am sure that I made a right choice becasue all are top notch. After my consultation with Dr. von Ruden I was supprised because some people had said they thought he was cold. I found him to be a very warm, smart and caring, honest person. He left me full of confidence in his WLS program at GBMC Hospital and his skill as a surgeon. I feel blessed to have found this wonderful man and his program and staff.

I have an informational seminar with Dr. Von Rueden's office and staff on August 31, 2005. He is not in PA anymore and works out of GBMC in Baltimore. He is one of many surgeons listed with my insurance. In addition, I have an appointment with Dr. Schweitzer out of John's Hopkins Bayview in November 2005. I haven't decided which Doctor I will choose. I think both of them have long waiting periods. It's insane the number of people wanting this surgery. It shows how desperate we are to lose the weight after trying so many diets without long term success. I will update this area as I move along the LONG process.
9/1/05- I met Dr. Von Rueden last night at the informational seminar. My first impression of him is that he is an excellent listener, very patient and knowledgable about his field. His office staff seemed nice but I didn't really have much time with them. They were very late in setting up the video and power point presentation (about 30 minutes late). I think they were having technical difficulties or they were waiting for everyone to show. The seminar was scheduled for 25 people, but only 17 showed. Not sure if people got scared or what! He really emphasizes before and after care and stresses how important aftercare is for long term success. His nutritional program ( before & aftecare) is very structured. Don't be scared by this as it is very important to prepare yourself and make sure you're as healthy as possible before getting the surgery. It's really for your own good. Although, I must admit I have fears about being able to stick to a pre-op diet.He does discuss the risks and benefits of surgery and is very thorough. It appears to me he will have both a good bedside manner as well as excellent surgical skills. I would rate him a 10. My husband and I truly respected the fact that he was patient, he remembered everyone's questions (a good listener), seemed knowledgeable and competent. Will update more after my first appointment.
12/1/05 --Update-- My surgeon, Dr. von Rueden, was featured in a local magazine and was rated one of the "Top Docs" in my area (Baltimore). Also, his center, "Comprehensive Obesity Management Program" at Greater Baltimore Medical Center was just honored with the designation "Center of Excellence". Very few bariatric centers have this designation. It is a very prestigious honor. I am so proud of them! He has a wonderful team and he is a wonderful Doctor!

2/2/05--Dr. von Rueden has a new partner, Dr. Moeinolmolki, who is fabulous. I had many complications and Dr. Moeinolmolki provided me with excellent care. He is extremely intelligent and caring! You will not be disappointed with either Doctor. Both are skillful surgeons and compassionate people.

<br>October 2005:<br> During my first consult- my impression of Dr. DVR was he was reserved, but a good listener, and readily able to answer honestly. My impression of the CRNP and RDLD was they seemed a bit mechanical -going thru the motions- with not much exchange of communication or collaboration yet. Perhaps this will change. The RDLD gave me lots of papers including some sort of old fashioned low fat, low calorie diet to follow. That was a bit surprising when my intention is to try and follow a post-op diet now (except for the portion size) so I will not have to adjust my diet as much after the surgery. Not sure why the CRNP told me to get the Echocardiogram now---when it says on the form 4-6 weeks prior to surgery date. My thought is there may be some concerns picked up from the exam they are not telling me. If that is the case, I will have to let them know I prefer brutal honesty in the future. I did not like the xeroxed copies of the prescriptions they provided which are needed for pre-op tests. They were very poor copies which does not present well when taken to get procedures and tests done. All pre-op prescriptions seemed there--except the psych eval which I was told they do not provide (?).<br>
Carolyn seems friendly and knowledgeable although her info about what the insurance requires did not seem to be understood by the CRNP. Again, probably will change. It was the first visit.<br>
The office was very large and accommodating for people of size with large chairs and doorways and the widest electric exam table I have ever seen (no fear of rolling off that one!) The office was sparcely decorated---doesn't seem like they have been there very long. They do not have a parking stamp (yet).
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Nov. 2005:<br> Second appointment- MY impression this visit: They appear to have all that is needed to seek authorization from ins. company. I had no success getting the staff to return calls after leaving 2-3 voicemail messages and had to wait until my appointment to get a response. Apparently they have limited or no coverage when a member of the team is on vacation or out sick. The communication seems disjointed among the COMP team. I was apparently scheduled to see only the dietician. I requested to see the CRNP about some medical questions. I am glad I was proactive or I may not have known to stop taking birth control pills or start scheduling the other pre-op required tests. I am not yet confident about the clinical judgment and advice from the CRNP---I would prefer to speak with the doctor directly rather than his CRNP. The experience with this program continues to feel rather mechanical (impersonal). Some team members do not seem to connect with the individual patient issues and do not prep before patient visits to get facts/history straight. Overall, the experience has been positive as its probably one of the more comprehensive WLS teams available in my area, but they have some areas for improvement.<br><br>
Dec. 2005: Third Consult---I'm approved! I got a date---1/17/06. I confirmed DVR will indeed be my surgeon (which was a concern of mine given other physicians have recently joined his program).<br>

Dr. Von Ruden is a Great surgeon. He made sure I was comfortable and not too nervouse. he made me feel accepted and not like I was just there to get it over with. He is a very personable and wonderful Doctor. I would recommend him to the world. His staff is also excellent, never hesitating to help you out with anything. Thanks Cherri, Sloan, and Kathy! I love you all!