Frank H. Chae Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

I met Dr. Chae for the first time on Feb. 14th and my impression of him was a good feeling. He seemed to be honest and answer all of our questions. My husband had specific questions regarding his concerns, Dr. Chae addresses his questions as well. I am a little nervous and excited at the same time. I have a surgery date scheduled. (4/28/03)

I was first introduced to Dr. Chae and his staff nearly a year ago on a referral from my PCP. I was totally impressed from word one. Susie is absolutely wonderful, bent over backwards to help me and has continued ever since. Kelly, the nutritionist is fantastic, very helpful and caring, and really knows her stuff.

My husband was concerned that they were just there to "sell" me on having the surgery. That didn't happen. Dr. Chae was extremely concerned about some issues I had and actually suggested that I not consider the surgery until I had taken care of these potential problems. Because I wanted to have the surgery so bad I listened to him and did as he asked. Honestly, it was a good thing I did because I went to my GYN to find out about reducing my extremely heavy periods and discovered that I had Level III Carcinoma of the cervix. I am nearly a year post-op from my hysterectomy, other issues are resolved, or almost so, and I'm ready for the surgery NOW.

In my opinion, Dr Chae is a very comforting person. I feel confident of his abilities, his care of me as a person, not just a number, and that together we have made the correct decision for me. He outlined the benefits and risks of each type of surgery, which one would be best for me and both times has offered alternative suggestions (i.e. less invasive) before choosing the RNY. I do not feel that he has pushed me into accepting this surgery just because that's the only one he does.

I've found their office to be busy but not overly so. I've never waited more than about 15 minutes. Their staff is professional, and caring. I've worked in a busy medical office before so maybe I'm a little more understanding of what they are going through. I'm ready to do this tomorrow, it can't happen soon enough. The only thing negative is how far out he is scheduled but that really can't be helped. The have options in place to move up your surgery date if at all possible.

I feel very at ease after having my first meeting with Dr. Chae. He seems very competent and intelligent, which is certainly more important to me than bedside manner, about which I couldn't care much less. I feel like I will be very safe in his hands. His staff is fantastic as well. The patient coordinator, Susie, especially; She seems almost as excited for me as I am for myself.

Dr. Chae is very kind and understanding. He does not make you feel uncomfortable in any way.I would recommend him to anyone! His staff is great to.

Dr. Chae has been fantastic from my first meeting with him through my last visit on Aug. 9th'02, (5 weeks out.) He is straight-up honest and very caring in regards to physical and emotional health. I am thrilled to have had him as my surgeon.

My first impression of Dr. Chae is that he is very thorough and professional.

The office staff is extremely helpful and willing to work with you in all areas.

There is nothing about Dr. Chae that I disliked, he is very good.

I didn't have any problems after surgery, so my after care was minimal. However, if I needed to ask something or was having problems, I would not hesitate to call.

I was thoroughly informed about the risks of surgery. Dr. Chae also made sure that I was physically able to handle the surgery before he performed it, including sending me to several doctors to make sure that all was fine.

I would say Dr. Chae is one of the better doctors I have been involved with.

Both are excellent.

Dr. Chae is an amazing man. He is the best Dr. that I have ever met. Of all my complications, he has been there for me, emotionaly and physically. I recommend him to anyone. His surgical expertise is the best and he genuinely cares for his patients. He is not only concerned about me, but my family as well since I spent a month in the hospital with complications. I feel very comfortable in his care. I wish more Drs. were like him.

Dr. Chae was immediatley friendly and seemed very interested in what I had to say and how I felt. He was very open about the risks of surgery and that this is a very serious step and should not be taken lightly.
His staff was very nice and informative.

Dr Chae tried very hard to impress on me the magnitude of the surgery and the possible side-effects and complications. I had to take 4 nutrition classes and have a psych evaluation before I could even make an appointment, so I had a pretty good idea of what to expect already. I was more than ready. He continues to be a very soft-spoken and humble man. His staff was extremely supportive and helpful. The one thing I liked least was the fact that he only has one day in clinic per week. If you are seriously considering the surgery, don't be put off by the information that his wait list is about a year out. If you finish the classes and see the psychologis, you will get in sooner. He is very conservative about progressing the diet after surgery. He also sees you at least twice after surgery and wants you to check in about six months out. If you are not experiencing any problems, a phone call or e-mail will do. He has a structured program to follow after surgery, but the same dietician that teaches the nutrition classes also facilitates a support group for post-op people that pre-ops are invited to join too. We learn the most from each other. I was very impressed with Dr. Chae. He has both surgical competence and bedside manner, which I find very important.

6-22-01: Although I have posted my note on Dr. Chae previously, I feel it appropriate to comment again. I think he is such a careful and safe a doctor. I had some post op complications...a pulmonary embolism three weeks out. This may or may not have been due to my surgery. Dr. Chae was very kind and visited me twice in the hospital even though I was being seen by another group of pulmonologists. I had some sever abdominal pain 4 weeks out and he was quick to respond and made sure I had follow up apointments. He carefully described what he thought it was and suggested I go back on Liquids for two weeks. This cleared up the possible inflamation. He is a GREAT listener, and a GREAT surgeon.