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

I really liked James Sapala, He has a great personality and is an excellent surgeon. I was disappointed when he left. His replacements are not as thorough.

My first impression of Dr.Sapala was that he was very professional. He remains that way to me today, even though he abandoned me to move to N.Y. I miss him.
The office staff were very friendly and helpful.
All future patient should know that while this surgery is NOT without risk, they are in the best possible hands with Dr. Sapala.
Being informed on all the risks of this surgery is a must. It is NOT the easy way to lose weight, although it may be the most efficient.
The aftercare I recieved was very good, although I didn't feel as if I got enough instruction on post-RNY life. I am still learning after one year, and may have not recieved it well back then anyway.
I believe the risks were explained to me throughly and I was well informed overall.
Surgical competence is the most important thing to me, bedside manner is something we can deal with (if negative).
My only real issure with CORI overall is one I have mentioned before, which is the post-op management of living life with the stomach the "size of a grape". I feel there should be LOTS more education/discussion sessions on a monthly (at least) basis. That way we could at least express our fears, shared concerns, and issues with each other. I have now lost 132# but continue to worry that I may not be getting all the nutrition I need which is improtant for long-term health.
:-)

Down to earth, informative and professional. My opinion did not change with time. I did have only one complaint. He did not work with the bc/bs I had at the time. He did tell me that I would have to pay $6.000. up front with I agreed but than billed me for an additional $12oo. If he wanted $6200. I would have bowered that much in the first place. My biggest probkem after billing was the lack of support after surgery in my area. Dr. Sepala's office did keep me enformed of meetings in the Detroit area but of course that was too far from home. I did find him equally conpetent surgically and his bed side manner.

I've made a thorough survey of all the major bariatric hospitals in Manhattan and have attended public seminars at Lennox Hill, Columbia Presbyterian, Beth Israel, New York University and St. Vincent's. At each seminar I spoke with one or more surgeons -- some of them media stars -- and felt that each was highly qualified to be where they've gotten. But of all of these, Dr. James Sapala at St. Vincent's seems the top dog. He's the only surgeon in the world who's done over 4000 bariatric operations, and the only one who invented his own procedure -- the recently patented "Sapala-Wood Micropouch". The standard gastric bypass leaves you with a stomach the size of a lemon. The Micropouch leaves you with a stomach the size of a grape. Plus, the Micropouch doesn't stretch over time like the others do, which means you won't gain back the weight you lost. I haven't signed on the dotted line yet, but, trust me, I'm reaching for my pen as we speak.

My first Impression of him was he is a little man. He was very infromative and even draw us picture where the surgery is different. He was wonderful and answered all my and my husbands questions he didn't rush me knowing there where other patients wait out side. He staff has been great altho they are not good at returning phone calls. but very sweet. Dr. Sapala is a very experienced surgeon and I am confident that I am in the best hand for this surgery, The after care will be held at there office which is easy to get to. Dr. Sapala is up front about aftercare say he will see his patients for many years down the line and felt if you are not up for after care this surgery may not be for you. (great outlook)I would recommend Dr. Sapala to anyone.

I met Dr. Sapala at my initial consult and was very impressed by him. He had come very highly recommended from several people I know. I saw him in his Jackson office and it took me six weeks from the date I made my appointment to get in with him there. It was well worth the wait. He was running late that day due to surgery running over and the construction on 94. He got into my appointment two hours late. He answered all my questions and those of my friend who went with me. He did not rush me, did not talk down to me, treated me with respect and was very informative. He emphasized aftercare and the fact that this is a 50/50 relationship between the patient and surgeon. Overall I would rate him VERY highly and recommend him to anyone.

I was and still am very impressed with Dr. Sapala. His staff are remarksble and courteous. I was made aware of all the risks and my responsibilities. Because I am so far away from Dr. Sapala and his office my aftercare is very limited. I live in Buffalo and Dr. Sapala is in Manhattan. That's 8 hours away. We keep in touch by phone but I do hope to go to his office at my six month post op. I rate Dr. James Sapala a 10. He is a beautiful person!!

The only downside is my location and his busy schedule.

My nick-name for Dr. Sapala is "smiley!" He always carries a great big, warm smile on his face. He truly loves what he does, and his enthusiasm comes through. I chose CORI because of Dr. Sapala's extensive experience and excellent reputation, and also because I believed in the philosophy and success rate behind their Micro-pouch procedure. The CORI staff was excellent from the on-set -- always happy to answer my many questions and assist me in gathering all the pre-surgery data. My only complaint regarding Dr. Sapala would be that he's so busy with new patients, contacting him is difficult. Also, CORI does not have what I would consider an aftercare program. My follow-up appointments with Dr. Sapala were 2 weeks, 1 month, and not again until 6-7 months. Although his staff is available by phone for any questions or concerns, I would feel more reassured regarding blood levels, etc, if we could meet more frequently. I have also never been scheduled with a nutritionist, which I was under the impression would take place. CORI does do an excellent job, however, in preparing informational packets for their patients. These packets include detailed directions for what to expect before and during your surgery/hospital stay, post-op expectations, and an extensive food plan and diet for each stage of recovery. Dr. Sapala was very thorough in explaining surgical risks, which were discussed at both our group and individual appointments. I was impressed with the level of risk prevention that he maintains; For example, use of a filter for those at risk for blood clots, and use of heparin for about 10 days post-op as a clotting prevention. My own surgery was postponed for a month until my thyroid levels entered a normal range. I feel surgical competence is far more important than bedside manner, but Dr. Sapala definitely has both! He has a delightful and very caring personality!

My first impression of Dr. Sapala was that he is very caring and isn't one to rush you out of his office. He listened to my concerns and answered all my questions no matter how silly they were. I chose Dr. Sapala because my mom had him as her surgeon some 14 yrs ago. This in itself made me feel comfortable knowing that he knows what he is doing. I had a consult with a surgeon here in Lansing and his bedside manner stunk.

Update...found out today Dr. Sapala will not be available to do my surgery as he will be setting up a new clinic in New York. Dr. Kole has agreed to take me as a patient. I will not be meeting him until the surgery date due to work but have confindence that he will be just as good as Dr. Sapala.

Dr. Sapala is wonderful. He came very highly recommended to me from several people. Then after researching further and attending an informational seminar I was convinced. At my post op consult Dr. Sapala was very clear about the procedure and after-care. He stressed that this is a life long change in lifestyle and is not easy. You have to want to do it and buy into it. He took all the time that was needed and answered any and all concerns that I had. His staff is very knowledgable and caring. There is never a problem if you have questions. I was disappointed when I found out that he was no longer practicing out of the CORI office in Warren which is mor convenient. But he is worth the distance. I reside in Sterling Hgts, MI had surgery at Harper Hospital and will be continueing my after-care with Dr. Sapala in Garden City, MI.
Overall if I had to do it over again, I'd take the same route. Thank you Dr. Sapala for making bariatric surgery your life long endevour.