Deron Ludwig Bariatric Surgeon MD, Bariatric Program Surgical Director

Dr. Ludwig appears to be an extremely confident and professional surgeon. His office staff is very kind, professional, and compassionate. They could care less if I called several times a day--they always had a welcoming attitude. I found the Pre-Operation education to be absolutley wonderful. Everything was brought up at one time or another and I felt very prepared for the surgery, knowing what to expect and what the pathway would be for me. Dr. Ludwig and his staff presented no bias or preference for LapBand vx. RYN, even when I tried to get them to help me with the decision. The decision was ultimately mine to make, and I am so pleased about that. There is a structured Aftercare Program, which consists on Post-Op Class, Bariatric support group, and more. Physical therapy was initiated for me prior to surgery and will continue a few weeks after, as my MD decides. Risks of surgery was discussed at length. I am providing an Excellent rating for Dr. Ludwig, and his partner, Dr. Simchek, who I never did meet, but who was in surgery with me as well. I felt Dr. Ludwig's surgical competence was fantastic and appreciate the time he spent with me prior and after surgery to address important information. I'm just delighted!

Dr. Ludwig was amazing. He made me feel so comfortable about the surgery.

He is an excellent surgeon. Caring and kind. The staff is very compentant and takes time to address every issue that I was concerned about. They have a very good aftercare program that includes behavior modification support and a Buddies program. They are always there to help out even after surgery. They have a seminar and a pre-surgery class that goes into great detail about the risks of surgery. I think both surical competence and a good beside manner are important but if I had to pick I think I would go with surgical competence.

Yeah I really didn't get to know him that well. In order for me to have the surgery turns out that I would have to pay 3500.00 for 2 years of after-care. The surgery medicare will pay for. What A Bit**!!

An absolutely wonderful surgeon. The staff at his office could not be more helpful. They are always concerned with the patients best interest. The Successful Solutions aftercare program is so perfect!! I felt so much confidence in the program and the surgery that I did not have a moments hesitation. It has been over two years since my surgery and I have not had a moment of regret.rn

My first impression of Dr. Ludwig was that he was very knowledgable and wanted what was best for me. I was considering RNY and together we decided that the Lapband would be a better choice. He was very thorough in his preop testing, which made me feel very comfortable when it came time for sugery. rnI am now 3 months postop and he is still very concerned with how I am doing and I never feel rushed during an office visit. Can't say that about too many docs these days. rnDr. L has the best office staff that I have ever encountered. They are all very caring and always willing to help and answer questions.rnDr. L and Dr. S have a great aftercare program. Postop classes and a monthly support group meeting. I feel that I have total support from the docs and everyone in their office. rnThe risks of both RNY and Lapband were both addressed at my initial visit and I felt very well informed when I left the office that day. rnOverall, I think that I would have to rate both the docs and the staff a 10 on a scale of 1-10.rnI believe that both docs are very competent with their surgery skills and both of them have an excellent bedside manner.rnThe only downside to the whole experience has been that there seems to be more RNY info and patients than there is Lapband, but I'm sure that that will soon be changing!

Hello! Im writing exactly one week post op after having a gastric BAND placed. Dr Deron Ludwig and his partner Dr Eric Simchuk performed my surgery on 4/25/08. I have to say my first impression of Dr Ludwig was different than most people. That is because I have worked with him in the operating room for 2 years now assisting him on gastric bypass, among other surgeries, including the very surgery I had. It was almost instantaneous when I met him, that I found him to be charming, funny and highly skilled. As I began to work more with him, I realized he is an amazing surgeon. He is thorough, conscientious and pro-active in his care. I saw many of the same qualities in his partner Dr Eric Simchuk, when he came on board in the fall of 2007. Working with these two Dr's are the best part of my job! As far as their office staff, what can I say? The succesful solutions office is a well oiled machine. They have the entire program down to a beautiful science. All of the staff is professional, caring, compassionate, non-judgemental and honestly there at all times to help US, the patients. They never seem put out or make you feel stupid if you have a million seemingly \"silly\" questions. The office is neat and comfortable, including chairs that can accomodate a tush that is NOT a size 6, if you know what I mean. The succesfull solutions program is organized and systematic. Dr Ludwig has made sure all elements and components are in place. From just considering surgery, all the way through lots of aftercare and followups, this program has all the bases covered and then some! You will be in the best hands possible when you make the commitment to change your life forever and have surgery with Dr Ludwig or his partner Dr Simchuk. And as I read the question on the site that says do I have anything negative to say?, I will think really hard.......Hmmmmm...... The only thing I could say about Dr Ludwig is perhaps some might meet him and think hes on the younger side and possibly on the quiet side. I have heard patients say this before and my response is always the same. Dr Ludwig is not an old geezer thats for sure, but more importantly, he is the best at what he does. And as for those who may find him to be quiet? I believe he is so focused on his patients and their needs, hes always thinking of how he can and will help them and things along those lines. Know that Dr Ludwig has a great sense of humor and loves to laugh, but he also loves to do his job well and take amazing care of his patients and his staff!!rnrnThanks for your timernHelen

My first impression of Dr. Ludwig was very positive. It was in a presentation to a group of people who were interested in having bariatric surgery. His presentation was thorough and easy to understand; and he was very open to questions from members of the group. Since then, I have learned that he's not only knowledgeable but also very caring, friendly, encouraging... and his surgical skill in taking me through what was a somewhat difficult surgery was magnificent! He made sure I knew what the risks of the surgery were, in general and specifically for me, and his skill in getting me where I am today is proof that I was right when I decided his surgical skills could get me through those risks. He's a very competent surgeon; and with Dr. Ludwig, you don't have to give up a good bedside manner to get that competence... he's a complete package.rnrnDr. Ludwig's program is built with a strong emphasis on his patients' aftercare. He and his staff are wonderfully accessible to help us with any questions we may have and with information to help us along the way.rnrnI'm very happy; and I'd recommend Dr. Ludwig and Successful Solutions without reservation. I do think, however, that anybody considering weight loss surgery needs to do his/her own \"study\" before making the decision. It's important for you to be very well informed and very comfortable yourself, rather than just make a life-changing decision based on what others say.

Dr. Ludwig and his staff are great. From the very first visit I had with them they are very informative and professional and kind. I would contacting his office if you are thinking about weight loss surgery. Every step of the way his staff is with you before surgery and after surgery making sure everything goes smoothly. I was very pleased with his care and his staffs care in the hospital and after. Dr. Ludwig is very accomplished surgeon and very caring and looks out for your well being. I felt very comfortable every step of the way to weight loss surgery. He stress the importance of follow up care along with education after surgery so you are successful in your weight loss journey.

I liked Dr. Ludwig from the moment he gave our pre-op presentation.rnHe is kind, compassionate, patient, and highly skilled.rnHis office staff are very friendly, and helpful to work with.rnrnIf you're thinking about WLS, and go to Dr. Ludwig, you will be in good hands. I think they provide a great aftercare program. I felt like I knew exactly what to expect during my hospitalization due to the thorough pre-op class that I took. I knew how many needle sticks I would get, how pain would be managed, how I would feel. And, the nurses from the office actually came to say hello while I was in pre-op, and afterwards too on a daily basis. I thought that was above and beyond, and I appreciated the personal touch.rnDr. Ludwig was very attentive too.rnrnI had all of the information I needed to make an informed decision about gastric bypass, and was very comforted by Dr. Ludwig's surgical record, and I wasn't shy. I asked about infection control, and was also happy that he uses the same people in the OR during his surgeries.rnrnHe is one of the few doctors I have met that have a wonderful, empathetic personality, never make you feel rushed, AND, have great skill in what they do. Terrific combination!rnrnI have attended post-op class and I go to the \"Bariatric Buddies\" support group monthly. It helps that Kathy moderates the group and we can focus on topics that are coming up for us.rnAlso, the speakers and activities have been fun!