George Zorn, III Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Zorn is a very professional, warm man who treated me with respect. He patiently answered my long list of questions. After meeting with him, I feel comfortable having him perform my surgery. I was even able to consider doing the procedure laparoscopically when he initially said it would not be possible. He did keep us waiting for more than an hour. His front desk staff unfortunately are not as professional and kind as he is. Getting through to anyone on the phone is very difficult. Dr. Zorn has an excellent aftercare program in place and gave me a booklet about nutrtition after surgery at the preop visit.

He is an older gentleman. He is very calm and that put me at ease. The time that I have had to wait for the surgery to take place has been the most difficult part of my transition so far. All the other questions I can't answer because I really haven't had that much interaction with Dr. Zorn.

One thing I have come to realize through this whole process is that it is only going to be as good as I make it. The first six months after surgery are most crucial. But the time before surgery is important. I am going to have my surgery at one of the most busiest times of my year . . . Christmas, and I am finding it important to prepare in all aspects, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

My daughter had the surgery and her doctor was not nearly as strict as the Center I am going to, but I think I really needed the emphasis put on how dramatic a change I am going to go through. After surgery I will update this.

made me feel at ease. very comfident and knowelegeable about this procedure.lots of experience. more later....

The below information was from when I was with UCLA. I could NO LONGER WAIT for them. I have switched to San Diego's Pacific Bariatric and have had my surgery on 10/31/01 with Dr. Zorn. He is wonderful! I also met Mary Murphy and Leo Murphy and Duane Rumsey. I can tell anyone about my impressions of them.


Ok, is it me or does anyone else with Kaiser in the LA and OC areas equally feel the frustration of the unbelievably LONG wait for a consultation? This is no smear on the UCLA center or Dr. Livingston at all but when I get all the necessary pre-approval testing done, gain approval letter from my insurer, Kaiser, and then find out I have an EIGHT MONTH WAIT until my first consultation visit, NOT THE SURGERY DATE, I passed out! ehehe I think there must be a massive exodus from the ends of the earth to seek out the genius of Dr. Livingston, his fellow surgeons and lovely staff! This definately makes me feel proud and excited but does nothing about the EIGHT MONTH waiting period of total anxiety. lol You'd be surprised what the mind can conceive in EIGHT months! I have literally driven myself mad running all the possibilities out in my head. My one and only nightmare is that I will arrive on Oct. 4th, meet with the renowned surgeon only to be told that I am denied by him. This is the part of my script where I gasp and pass out dead of shock! ehehe Ok, humour has to get me somewhere within the framework of, yes, EIGHT MONTHS! ehehe and this isn't even counting the period of months prior for all of my testing to be completed and my insurer to approve. Ok, I will be back when I've heard anything or when I've had my surgery. And you better betcha that I'm gonna be bearing gifts on October 4th! If it is this hard to get in, I'm bringing Frankinsence, Myrrh and Gold to this man's feet! :) Can anyone here relate? ehehe I can't wait!

I feel very confident in Dr. Zorn. His success rate is very high and he has a comfortable relationship with his patients. I had the LAP procedure and felt little pain following the surgery. At 1 and 1/2 weeks post-op I am feeling great - just a little low on energy.
I highly recommend Dr. Zorn!

Dr. Zorn was great. I really liked his professionalism.

6/6/01
I just went with to the seminar yesterday (mandatory before your consultation) and Dr. Tanaka was the speaker. He is hilarious. He had been filling in for three other doctors at the hospital and was incredibly tired but still answered every question and proved his intelligence with every statement. I felt really really comfortable with his knowledge and am going to ask that he be my surgeon. He is definately a sarcastic fellow but he doesn't give you any bull and I like that! I think he should get more rest though (especially around my surgery :) !)

7/2/01
New Update: Well I have been assigned to Dr. Zorn. This is kinda of a relief because I have heard some bad things about Dr. Tanaka (great surgeon bad bed-side manner). My friend just had her consult with him and he basically was very grumpy and rushed her through the whole thing because he was in a hurry and acted like his time was too valuable for her. I have heard fabulous things about Dr. Zorn both about his skill and his wonderful nature and his encouragement for success. I am so pleased with this new development.

7/12/01
I met with Dr. Zorn yesterday. He is the nicest man. I feel totally at ease in his capable hands. He was patient as I asked him questions. He gave off a really good vibe and I had a smile as I left his office knowing I picked the right surgeon.

Dr. Zorn is an intense individual, but you can tell he is kind and caring. He first asked what I knew about the surgery, and then filled in the details. He also told me he thought I would do well with this surgery, given that I am already pretty active. He put me at ease. He is the first Dr. I have dealt with in a long time, that doesn't look you up and down, and shake their head, like they are judging you based on your size, as a failure.
He is well rounded in promotion of aftercare, explanation of risks, surgical competence and bedside manner.
Hopefully, this will carry over throughout my whole surgery process.

Dr Zorn is quite charming. I was referred out to Pacific Bariatric in San Diego. Dr Zorn made me feel confortable at all times.

I meet with Dr. Zorn only once so far and liked him right away. He was friendly and took his time answering all of my questions i diden't feel rushed at all. Had heard that he stressed aftercare, but diden't with me. I was disappointed with that. The reciptionist was polite, but not very friendly. All the rest of the staff was great and made me feel very comfortable. Over all i was pleased.