Hadar Spivak Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

My first impression of Dr Spivak was positive. He appears to be patient and understanding and I really felt like he understood me. I feel like he really wanted to help me. I attended the group seminar on March 31 and felt like he answered all of my questions. He addressed the pro's and con's of gastric bypass surgery so there would be no confusion. I have chosen to go all the way with the gastric bypass because I feel I need a permanent solution. I went for my private consultation on April 12....he gave me the green light....now we are waiting on my insurance to respond. Please pray they approve me.

Dr. Spivak was very knowledgeable about the information he passed along to everyone at the seminar. The seminar is required by him and his staff before you can be seen at his office. As doctors go, he is more than willing to answer any questions and go over any concerns you might have. I had originally been interested in having the lap band surgery, but after going to the seminar and doing a lot more inquiring, I have decided to do the bypass. He was very helpful in explaining the mechanics of both surgeries. I would highly recommend him and will do so. When I went to my PCP, I was told he would follow my success and if I would pick up some literature and information from Dr. Spivak, he would appreciate it. He said he has patients weekly ask him about WLS and would appreciate someone that follows their patients so closely afterwards. I felt very confident that Dr. Spivak is a skilled surgeon and knows his procedures. His very own confidence shines through and I felt very comfortable proceeding with my plans to have WLS. His staff has been both helpful and pleasant, not to mention how patient they have to be with all the patients. Once someone finally makes the decision to inquire about this surgery, they are excited and bouncing off the walls. The staff is very gracious and supportive.

I think Doctor Spivak is a wonderful surgeon. He is confident, experienced and very knowledgable. What more could you ask for in a surgeon? He has a terrific disposition and came to visit and check on me every day in the hospital. I was surprised however that my insurance company has had registered nurses call 2 times since I have been home, just to see how I am doing. They asked about what my incision sites look like and how I feel and what have I ate. And Doctor Spivak's office wasn't called at all. I asked for a pain prescription refill and they didn't approve it for about a week. I could have called and checked into to it.... but after the day or 2 that I requested it, I didn't still need it that much. If I had called, I am quite sure they would have went out of their way to help. They are really really good with insurance approvals for surgery... maybe that occupies a lot of time for them. Anyway... Dr Spivak is a WONDERFUL surgeon and I couldn't have ever hoped for a better doctor and that was the most important thing to me when picking a surgeon anyway!!!

My first impression of Dr. Spivak was that he knew what he was talking about and that he truly cared about his patients.
Before you can even get an appt to see him, you must attend a seminar. At the seminar, he talks about the types of surgeries that he performs, pros and cons of each, risks involved and what you can expect as a result. I found the seminar to be very interesting and he takes the time to answer any and all questions raised.
The second time I saw him was in his office for my initial visit, where again, he asked if I had any questions and again went through the different types of surgeries. He asked which I wanted and why, and then made him recommendation based on his examination and questions asked. I was very impressed.
His office staff is terrific. They too are very knowledgable regarding the surgeries, and totally up to date with dealing with the insurance companies. I didn't really do anything, they took care of all the paperwork and I was approved within 2 weeks.
The morning of surgery, of course I saw Doc and he asked if I was ready to begin a new part of my life. Again...quite impressed.
My husband however was not as impressed, as he said that when the surgery was over, Doc came in and told him everything went well and I was in recovery, and then left. Hubby said Doc didn't give him time to ask any questions and he just seemed in a hurry to get out of there. I again saw him a couple of times during my hospital stay, (I really don't remember the first couple of days, so I don't remember if he was there every day of not...I'm sure he was.) My first visit back to the office a month later was as terrific as the first time. Again the office staff was courteous and very friendly. I would very highly recommend Dr. Spivak and his staff.

I went to Dr. Spivak's required seminar on March 31, 2004. It was about 2 hours long with TONS of useful information. Included in this time was a time of Q & A with him and 2 former/current patients. It was great getting to hear first hand information from people who had gone through it already. The two who were there had opted for the LAP BAND. Dr. Spivak seems to be incredibly knowledgable. He seems to actually care about the people he's helping and was very open and honest with all questions asked. I felt very comfortable with him to the point that the very next day I made my first appointment with him. I had been checking around with other doctors and had even called a few offices to get information, etc. I felt like just a number with most offices I called and never made appointments with these other offices.

I continue to be impressed with the compassionate and professional dedication that Dr. Spivak demonstrates to his patients. He strives to be forthright and honest in his expectations of the lap band process and what it will, or in some cases will NOT do for an individual. If he doesn't feel that you are a good candidate for the surgery, he will suggest an alternative and let YOU be the judge. He is easy to talk to and is genuinely concerned with your weight loss success.

3/22 - Okay, I had my 1st consultation w/ Dr. Spivak. He is wonderful and was very thorough at answering all my questions. This is how it went: 1. I saw Dr. Spivak, a brief Q & A, took some weight/height measurements & listened to my chest, and felt for swelling in my legs & stomach. 2. He sent me to see the person regarding the paperwork (sorry, I forgot her name!) 3. She then gave me a diet to be on until the surgery, gave me a form to sign that states anything and everything that could go wrong w/ the surgery including death - kind of a notice that needed to be signed and witnessed (gulp!) 4. She then gave me a form which had listed the types of tests that needed to be ordered by my PCP, the results need to be screened prior to scheduling the surgery. That was it! They then sent me on my merry way.

Dr. Spivak is great. He staff is wonderful and very helpful. Dr. Spivak got right to the point and answered any and all questions I had. I've enjoyed my experience so far and look forward to dealing with him in the future.

My impression of Dr. Spivak was very positive from the first time I saw him at the required seminar Nov, 2003. When I went for my first appointment (Feb, 2004)I found him to be calm (important to me!) and straight-forward. I also met with Dr. Hewitt who I also liked--great sense of humor! Both docs gave all the risks and cautioned me not to expect to lose 100% of my excess weight. The office staff has been really great so far--I've spoken with Rachel a couple times and then Michelle and am so impressed with their attitude, 'cause I know they are very busy but they took the time to talk with (and reassure)me. PLUS, I feel like I'm a person to them and not just a number on a chart... About the only negative so far is a LONG wait. But I'd rather have a long wait and then a good experience then get in right away but not be pleased with the treatment in the examining room!!!

Before I decided on a surgeon to use, I made numerous phone calls and received many names of doctors to investigate. I was referred to Dr. Spivak by another bariatric surgeon in Houston; however after being told that the surgeon I called had not performed any lap band procedures (but was going to in the near future), they gave me Dr. Spivak's name.

I formed my first impression of Dr. Hadar Spivak before I actually met him. I read alot about him on the internet from his website, the HoustonAreaBandsters website, and also the obesityhelp.com website and also read comments about him from others who had previously had lap band surgery performed by Dr. Spivak. I researched him thoroughly through the Texas Medical Association and also the Civil Court Clerk's office in his county. Needless to say, I was impressed with the information I was provided.

After I met him at my first consultation appointment, my opinion of him was enhanced. He was most gracious, appeared extremely competent and professional. His office staff was responsive, pleasant, and proficient. There is nothing I disliked about Dr. Spivak or his staff except the distance between us (425 miles).

Future patients should realize that lap band surgery is very specialized and they should not entrust their care to just anyone they find on the internet or in their hometown. They should know that Dr. Spivak has performed over 600(?)lap band surgeries with a phenomenal success rate.

One couldn't ask for a more thorough aftercare program than the one Dr. Spivak offers. It provides a systematic and comprehensive plan which is explained in detail.

At my first consultation visit with Dr. Spivak, he explained every aspect of the surgery, and clarified all the risks and problems that could occur. I felt totally comfortable with him and he stayed with me until every question or concern was addressed. He assured me that, should I have difficulty, there was no situation that could develop that would prevent me from getting to him in time for him to handle it himself. I was extremely concerned about this issue, since, in my opinion, there are no bariatric surgeons in my region who are even half as competent as Dr. Spivak.

Overall, on a scale of 1-10, I would rate Dr. Spivak "over the top." His brilliant mix of surgical competence and bedside manner exceeded my expectations implausibly.
He and his office staff are incomparable (Brenda, Rachael - this means you !!!! Y'all are the best of the best.