Frank H. Chae Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

Dr Chae performed a VGS surgery for me on 7/7/14 (any numerologists out there, this seems like a auspicious number?)
He seemed on top of everything from the get go he was calm, certain and very professional. The office staff is helpful, cordial and professional as well and everyone seems most empathetic.
After discussing the options, programs and prerequisites we agreed that the VGS was my best option.
I was in hospital overnight and released the next day. The day after that I returned to work.
While one week out there is still some pain and discomfort, I have tapered off the prescription pain pains and now am taking Tylenol.
The worst part for me was the phase 1 diet, oh how I hate broth and jello!
Tomorrow I get the drain removed and have my first post op check. Wish me luck!

I am very Thankful to have had Doctor Chae as my surgeon. I had some concerns before the sugery and and he answered every guestion I had. His Staff was very attentive and helpful.

I chose Dr Frank Chae for my surgeon because he has excellent credentials. Meeting him was a pleasure. After that he asked me to follow a process:
1) Pre-evaluation
2) Medical Records of previous 2 years stating obesity issues and weight records
3) Appointment with a Psychologist
4) Nutrition class of 5 hours (really good)
I completed all the requirements that they asked for, insurance coverage, etc.

My bad experience started with the lady in charge of dealing with patients, since the beginning, I did not understand why, maybe because I am of hispanic origin, she treated me with animosity, this animosity was evident in her body language and rude attitudes that I will never understand because I was respectful towards her all the time, but she made every effort to let me know in many noticeable ways that she did not like to be in a position of having to extend any customer service courtesies to me.

When I visit the Psychologist, he asked me to take a test, when I finished I approached her and asker her where to leave those papers, she pretended to be busy and with a demeaning attitude she said "put it there!"

Once, I called her to ask about my case, she asked me again for my medical records, I told her that I already gave them to her (?) it seems that she needs to be more organized, because every time I called her she did not seem to remember the state of my case, and asked me to wait 2 or 3 weeks, she never called me back to follow up on my case, after a while finally she called me to tell me that my insurance approved the surgery and that I will have a co-payment or out of pocket of $1,650 aprox. payable to the hospital, but when I asked her for my surgery's date, she rudely told me that "it is a process! The insurance took a lot of time with the approval", they need a letter signed by the doctor.

Weeks and weeks went by, and my husband called her, when he asked her about my case she made every vocal expression of disgust... disconcerted I decided to look for reviews, I found many people that in the past went through the same bad treatment that I endured, so I decided to go personally to find out what was happening with my case. When I got there I asked her if I could speak with a different person, (the lady in charge of dealing with the insurance company), because I was tired to deal with her. I don't want to believe that she could intentionally delay my case because my health is in question. She tried to justify herself, when I show her the printed reviews that other patients had posted about staff/processes delays and frustrations. Her only concerned was to blamed the negative reviews on another coworkers. The only thing she cared about was justifying herself. She clearly told me: "I don't care what you tell the doctor, your perception is wrong" but what is clearly wrong is her attitude towards minorities.

In summary, she said that it was her co-worker's fault, the lady in charge of contacting the insurance companies, that caused all the problems cause she sits on the papers. The same morning the lady in charge of dealing with the insurance companies called me and in a very rude tone told me that my insurance had denied my surgery. After almost 3 months of waiting...it seems to me that they just retaliated against me because I confronted them with their wrong attitude.

It is clear that Dr Chae doesn't know how some people of his staff treats his patients. Those ladies are arrogant and discriminate against minorities :(
It is a pity because he is such an excellent doctor.

Dr. Chae and his staff are Excellent! I appreciate how much time he takes with his clients. And his dietician, Kelly, has been my lifeline these last two year! THANK YOU Dr. Chae and Kelly for giving me my life back!!! You guys are the best!

Dr. Chae was amazing from the first moment I met him. Willing to listen, took more than the normal appointment time to answer questions and very compassionate. I'm only 5 days out from surgery, but there are not enough words to express how exceptional he truly is.

I just have to shout it from the rooftops - "Dr. Frank Chae is the most amazing surgeon!" He is in Lone Tree, CO at the Sky Ridge Medical Center (http://www.nationalbariatrics.com/). He is so kind, understanding, and not judgmental at all. I was completely comfortable with him about a subject (my weight) that I was not comfortable talking to anyone about. I went in there for a consultation about the different options for weight loss surgery. I was scared and knew there was no way I was going to go under a knife. He did not push me at all and explained the different surgeries and the pros and cons to all of them. He didn't even push me to make a follow up visit. He just told me that if I chose to continue what my next steps would be (by the way - they handled all of the back and forth with the insurance company - all I had to do was provide medical records which was a huge relief to me.)

He also has more experience with sleeve surgery than any other surgeon I researched (and, trust me, I researched A LOT!). That alone would be reason enough to go to him but there is more. His goal is not to just do the surgery - but that you are successful in your goals for weight loss. He does this by having assembled an incredible team to help his patients. He has a psychologist as well as a nutritionist and a fitness consultant. His fitness consultant (Taralyn Jensen-Jones at TJ Life Fitness http://tjlifefitness.com/) is amazing and works with you to slowly incorporate exercise into your life. She does not push or nag but tries to understand what makes you avoid exercise and then finds fun ways to overcome those things. I HATE exercise and usually rebel against anyone who tries to push me but she got me moving (which in itself is an amazing feat).

His nutritionist (Kelly Elliot at Bariatric Nutrition Resources, LLC http://www.bnrllc.com/) is incredible. She dedicates herself to helping you understand about your body, the food you eat, and the why of it all. She really cares about her patients and enjoys her work. She goes so far as trying the things she tells you to do (for example, they recommend that you start cutting out soda so she stopped drinking soda for a month to see what it was like). She won't tell you to do something she hasn't done herself (now that is dedication if you ask me). She has a depth of understanding about weight issues that I didn't think was possible from someone who hasn't had weight issues. She is as much psychologist as nutritionist. It is refreshing and puts you at ease.

He also offers a support group once a month. This is run by Kelly Elliot and is FREE of charge for the rest of your life if you like. Who else does that? The groups are great in that you get to talk to people taking the same journey as you and Kelly brings in speakers to help answer questions you may have about an assortment of different topics.

I cannot express enough about the kindness, understanding and expertise Dr. Frank Chae and his team.

p.s. Just so you know, I am not affiliated with Dr. Chae or anyone on his team. I just want everyone to have as amazing an experience with this as I have had!

Also, in case you are curious - I have lost 75 pounds in 5 months. I started out at 260 and, as of today, am 185.

Dr. Chae is amazing very detailed and excited for you also. After surgery I had a question I called the number and HE ANSWERED THE PHONE HIS SELF I was shocked I hung up but then called right back hehe He made this experience so comfortable

Dr. Chae is amazing. Very caring, gentle and my overall experience was FANTASTIC!!

This man saved my life!

I had Gastric bypass on June 2nd, 2009 with Dr. Chae. He is one of the most caring people I have evey met. He went through all my concerns and fears about the surgery and address each one. When I went in to the O. R. I was completely at ease.
I have lost 142 lbs. so far. ( I started out at 307) I can't say enough good things about before surgery care and the great after care. I have spoke to several of my friends and a few have had the surgery. Two of them had other Doctors do their surgery,1 had Dr. Chae. do hers. My friends that didn't have him now wish they did.
I have to say this is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I feel great I look pretty good too.
My health is over all the best it's been in years, I roller skate, ride bikes, swim with my grandchildren and they can't get over the new grandma they have.
Thank you, Dr. Chae & his staff for giving me my life back.

Dr. Chae was fantastic and so was all of the office staff. They were extremely knowledgeable about the entire process and very comforting. There is no judgement cast and they all just make you feel so comfortable with making such a big decision. I would and have rocommended them to anyone seeking weight loss surgery. The Hospital is the nicest I've been in and the staff there was great as well. The overall experience was amazing and one year later, 120 pounds healthier, it has been a turning point in my life, and the best thing I could have done!