James A. Sapala Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S.

Met Dr. Sapala this afternoon at the St. John Weight Loss Institute in Jackson. Was too excited about going there and actually seeing REAL people who had had the surgery. Was ushered into a room at my appointed time and after about 5 minutes Dr. Sapala entered. Greeted me and shook my hand. Explained what would happen during this visit -- that he'd go over my health history which he did, asking me questions. Afterwards he explained the surgery (which I already had a really good understanding of since I've been to his website lots of times). Said they just received a patent on the Sapala-Wood micropouch. Said he use to do the 3cc pouch, but found it stretched over time. He then developed the 1cc "micropouch" which doesn't stretch and has had no redo's after performing over 2000 surgeries. I was taking notes as he talked -- most of my questions he answered as he explained the surgery for example -- hair thinning - yes there is some, vitamins - yes you have to take them the rest of your life, change in smell of bowel movements and gas --there is some change, but not the terrible smell there is for other bypasses, follow-up care -- yes for the rest of my life. I then asked some of my questions. Dr. Sapala was VERY professional, friendly and knowledgeable. There was nothing I disliked about him. He said because I was over 50, overweight, had some water retention and was about to undergo major surgery he would be inserting a Greenfield Vena Cava Filter since I was high risk for blood clots. He said he had only lost 10 patients and that was not because of the surgery, but because of blood clots. He said he didn't want me to be the 11th and if I were his wife, sister or daughter he would recommend I have the cava filter inserted.He explained how it would be inserted in great detail - then I asked him to listen while I told him what I thought he had just told me -- he very patiently listened and corrected me to be sure I had a good understanding. He also mentioned the diet after the surgery and how important it is to follow the diet restrictions in order to be successful with the weight loss.

The office staff was nice. Since I'd been talking to them over the phone for so long I wanted to put names with faces. Teresa, Barb and Debbie were very nice. Anyway the only surprise which I hadn't known about was the $125 consultation fee and $5 for completing the insurance papers -- but that's ok, I figure I'll reach my deductible in no time.

Overall everything everyone's said about Dr. Sapala is true and then some. I trust him completely as far as the surgery and his bedside manner is great (not too friendly, not too standoffish). Afterwards while I was waiting for the printed material I told him I was looking forward to seeing him on the 21st - he said yes he would see me then and we gave each other a hug. So this is slowly coming to pass. 17 days..... Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!!!!!!

So far I can't say enough wonderful things about Dr. Sapala. I've never met a surgeon who seemed as caring or as in-tune with MO patients and what we go through.

I thought Dr. Sapala was very knowledgable and honest about the surgery. Everyone has been very kind and helpful. Dr. Sapala stresses the importance of follow-up care. All risks were stated to me. I believe he is the right surgeon for me.

Doctor Sapala or as his patients call him Dr. Jim is the most wonderful person I know. My first impression was a very kind and understanding man who does not talk above you with a $1000.00 a word vocabulary and has a grat smile. My impression just proved to be right he was right there when i awoke in icu and told me everything went fine. His staff is very good too they all all willign to help you in any way they can. Truthfully there is nothing that I dislike about Dr. Sapala at all. Things future patients should is they couldnt be in better hands as far as i am concerned. He is very aware of whats going on with his patients. Even though I am in Nevada and he is in Michigan his staff always keeps in cintact with me. He doesnt sugar coat the surgery at all he says its not a miracle cure and you need to work at it too. I would rate Dr. Jim a perfect 10+++++ . Surgical competence and bedside manner are both Dr. Jim finer points. I wish I was in MIchigan toi attend there monthly meetings I amsure they are really terrific and very informative. So if you are looking for a surgeon and dont mind traveling to detroit Dr. Jim is your surgeon.

He and his staff have been wonderful. Patient, informative, gentle and accomodating. So far so good. They came highly recommended.

Dr. Sapala is a wonderful man! He is very warm and personable. He makes excellent eye contact and I was immediately at ease with him. His office staff is the best. Everyone in the office is genuinely concerned and caring about the patients. He is very concerned about aftercare and has been adamant about keeping appointments, and making sure to do what he says to do. When I went for my initial consultation with Dr. S, he was very forthcoming about the possibilities of complications and risks of this surgery. Overall I would rate Dr. Sapala as top notch. I have already referred several friends and family members to him for his services. Dr. Sapala's surgical competence is the "gold standard". He is the inventor of the micro-pouch. His bedside manner is wonderful.

I met with Dr. Batay-Csorba today at the BTC in Ypsilanti. He was very to the point. He had his little chart and pointed to all the information. He seemed pleasant, but I felt he was kind of matter of fact which I'm not sure, it gave me an odd feeling. He told me I was a good candidate for the surgery. The staff were very friendly and the hospital was very nice. The aftercare seems very thorough there which is good. He did address the risks of surgery, but did not seem to worried about them. I think he is very competent, not sure of his bedside manner yet. Tomorrow I will meet Dr. Sapala and then I will report on how I found him. After that I will make my decision as to which to go with. I MET WITH DR. SAPALA YESTERDAY AND HE IS WONDERFUL! I have to decided to have my surgery done by him. He made me and my husband feel so comfortable and he did an excellent job of explaining the procedure and seemed genuinely concerned that we knew all we needed to. He answered every question I had and was sure to get a thorough health update from me. I feel like with him I am real person not just another number. He and his brother John are both fantastic! I just need a h-pylori test and psych evaluation and then my surgery will be done. I am so excited, but also scared!

Dr. Sapala is just wonderful, his staff is also very nice.He is very patient and calming.

I met Dr. Sapala on TUes., July 17th, 2001, at his office in Sterling Heights, MI. I had prepared a list of questions, based on info I had gotten from this site, and other research, and he was so comprehensive and thorough in his explanations of the surgery, lifestyle changes, etc., that he actually answered all of the questions in his inital visit with me. I also had a couple of questions for the nutritionist, which were also answered. (THe nutritionist is Dr. Sapala's brother, John.) Both men, as well as the other staff in the office (Joyce and the receptionist) were all extremely nice. Dr. Sapala immediately put me at ease--he projects a great deal of empathy, knowledge, and skill. I know I will be in good hands!

Doctor Sapala was running behind and as my husband, my daughter (8 years of age) and myself waited in the examining room talking, Dr. Sapala opens the door and says I am very sorry for the delay I will be with you folks in a minute. When he comes back in he introduces himself to each of us. We sit and he proceeds to explain what the surgery is all about. He was so impressive, I felt at ease from the start, I would have to say my family would rate Dr. Sapala a 10. His staff could have been a little more friendly. (Not the entire staff, only the one at the front desk, and maybe it was just a busy day and she was having an off day.)Dr. Sapala also informed me I would be considered a high risk patient, because of my blood clot history. He was quick to reasure us that he could address that as well, by putting in a catch net to handle any blood clots I may get.
As far as aftercare, he emphasized that following the program was vital to the success. That if you think by getting this surgery you can than eat what ever, you are headed for major problems.
At this point, I am now waiting for a surgical date.