Howard Kaufman Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Dr. Kaufman didn't come across as over warm and fuzzy on our first meeting, but as very through and professional. He didn't try to push any one surgery -- or even push me to believe I had to have WLS-- but was very direct and honest. He took a good deal of time explaining surgical options to my husband and myself and listened to my concerns. He also explained the risks of each procedure. [Update: I've warmed to him -- I think he's great! My aftercare has been exceptional and, something I love, he seems to remember everything I tell him from one time to the next. His sense of humor is delightfully wry and dry. I look forward to my followups.]rn<p>rnMaria Harrison, who worked with him, was great and has been very quick to return emails and offer support. [Update: the contact has stayed great and helpful. The lady really works hard. However she's move to UCLAs program (they don't do the DS right now). However, she still follows up with me via email and invited me to her new support group. I dearly love her!]rn<p>rnUSC bariatric seems to have an excellent after care program -- though I have to be sure to do my part too. So far everything about the program has been great.

Dr Kaufman was very easy to talk to and immediately made me feel at ease. Any questions I had he took the time to answer. He made sure I knew all the risks involved and that it was a lifelong change not a quick fix. Aftercare is very important and you meet with a nutritionist at every appointment. Out of 10 I would give him a 20. He just made me feel very comfortable. I think it's a package deal, competence and bedside manner they have to have both. It is a life changing procedure afterall.

DR K,
Was very personal and open with me. From the ver begining it was obvious that I was confused and scared. He and his staff were comforting.
His nurse gave me an email address that she actually responded to right away.
Dr. K and his partners (other surgeons @usc
held a seminar with films, talks and facts. Open questions from the floor were all responded to and I gained a very clear knowledge of what was goin on.
I Love Dr. K and Maria

4/12/04: I had my 1st meeting w/Dr. Kaufman today & to be quite honest, it was pretty much what I expected. I have been researching WLS for about a year so I felt well prepared. I'd read somewhere that appt. run late. My appt. was @ 1:00 but not seen until 1:40. I was done @ 3:00. What I find most surprising is I didn't feel like I was kept waiting, nor that a number of things happened to take up so much time (1 hr. 20 min). Actually it was a very pleasant experience.

I found Dr. Kaufman very professional, maybe even struggling to not be too friendly. I was very comfortable with both he & Maria (Program Coordinator/Nurse). The few questions I did have were very adequately answered (mostly by Maria prior to the Dr. coming in). Maria visits with you initially (takes medical history, provides lab orders, etc), then the Dr. comes in & there was a brief discussion then they both leave while you get in a gown (see above for a chuckle about that:-). He felt my abdomen, listened to my breathing, & chatted a little more.

Probably my only concern is he's relatively new to WLS. Though he does have 100's of lap. surgeries under his belt. Anyone interested in discussion Dr. Kaufman, please feel free to contact me.

I was extremely impressed with Dr. Kaufman's professionalism, how personable and friendly he is, and his willingness to listen and answer questions. His office staff is friendly, warm and genuine, and Maria, his program director is wonderful beyond words. Dr. Kaufman is highly skilled, well respected and has a great bedside manner. I just can't say enough about my experience with him and his office staff.