John Zografakis Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

I have just started on this journey, but I truly cannot say enough good things about Dr Z and his staff at Summa. Dr Z is is positive, upbeat, encouraging, and supportive. I met with Dr Wells for the first time today, and boy I was blown away. Someone who truly understands the struggle. He was so knowledgeable, and encouraging. I am looking forward to working closely with both of these remarkable men.

Dr. Zografakis did Rouen-Y surgery on my 5/21/12. Everything went extremely well. I was home after on 2 days in the hospital. His office staff has been fantastic and to date I have lost 216 lbs with no problems whatsoever. The doctor is exceptional with a great bed side manner and his staff is very good as well.

Dr Z is amazing!!!!!!!!!! He is energetic, has a good sense of humor but will be serious and professional when necessary. I just had VSG (Sleeve) surgery on Monday (11/5/12) and it went very well. I went in for the Lap Band but Dr. Z does not recommend it. Too many post-op complications. So just FYI if you are dead set on the Lap Band. He told me he would do it if my heart was super set on it but he really pushes you towards the VSG surgery. And I am glad he did. I couldn't be happier!

His Bariatric Clinic at Summa is awesome. They thoroughly prepare you for the surgery. You see a nutritionist, a psychologist, and Dr. Wells who is just committed to pre-op weight loss. You go to an Optifast diet class (you are on Optifast 2-8 weeks pre-op depending on your BMI) as well as an exercise class and a nutrition class. The nutrition class is soooooo informative for post-op nutrition and care.

The Summa clinic itself is very very busy. They have added a third surgeon because of this. It is very hard to get an appointment but Jeff the scheduler is very good. He tries his best to work around your schedule. But honestly a lot of appointments are very inconvenient (and you will have many appointments) but make sure you keep them no matter what and do not be late.

After the surgery Dr Z visited me several times. He is so uplifting and supportive and sincere. He wants you as comfortable as possible. He even sent me flowers! I guess they send all patients postop flowers, but that was such a nice surprise. I even have a nurse coming out this weekend to check on me to make sure all is well.

I highly recommend Dr Z and his Summa Bariatric Center as your place to have your gastric surgery!

He is so enthusiastic and supportive. I have faith that my surgery Wed will go well. I feel very prepared by all the nutrition, exercise,and pre-op classes i have had. Also, the required psychologist visits were helpful. I know that if I have any questions or issues after surgery their entire team is available to help. They have a nutritionist, exercise physiologist,psychologist, and nurse practitioner an staff and all available anytime. Feel very prepared and supported.The aftercare includes seeing all of the above mentioned and monthly support groups.

Dr. Z was a wonderful, skilled surgeon. He has a great sense of humor but is very professional. While in the hospital after surgery he never left before asking if there was anything he could do for me while he was there.

The program and office are very organized and structured. The pre-op classes are extensive. All of the staff are polite, professional and responsive. Their after care program is structured as well. There are support meetings each month that are open to everyone, patients, family and friends, post ops that did not have surgery at that hospital.

Dr. Zografakis has proven to be accessible, kind, considerate, patient, and incredibly skilled at his craft! I recommend the Summa bariatric center wholeheartedly!

Wonderful!

When I first met the Bariatric Team I felt reassured that I was in safe hands. As I wasn't particularly at the higher end of obesity scale, I was still OBESE and unhealthy, approx 230lbs due to poor eating habits, and high doses of long term steroids. Initially Dr 'Z' wasn't sure if I was heavy enough, but because of kidney probs and other health issues it was decided to go ahead after my pre-op testing which was extremely thorough. Including a Cadiac Catheterization to check my heart out! The team were very friendly open honest and supportive and non-judgemental, which I liked. Dr Z has a fabulous SOH but when he's got his game on, surgery day he's extremely serious, and there is no lighthearted banter, it's down to business, which I liked very much. Yes he thoroughly addressed the risks explaining each time I saw him and asking if I had any questions or concerns. The team includied a dietician, which is essential and she was very informative and no question was a 'silly' one! Even gave out tasters, prior to our surgeries of course! I was also given a personal folder which was full of information and I found enormously helpful, with things like contact numbers and full of advice, tracker tables, and daily food/liquid/water intake. there in black and white, which I found fantastic! I would have no problem in highly recommending Dr Zografakis and his team! Post surgical support is just as good regular labs, and tweaking of suppliments as we are all different and no two patients are the same which Dr Z always re-iterated.
I would highly recommend Dr Zografakis and his team they are in my opinion the best in the business!

7/15/10 Was my 1st consult with him and I could not believe how AWESOME he was! I was nervous and excited before the appointment but not I am just Extremely excited. I am glad he will be caring for me and his staff seems Awesome too. Lets hope these good vibes last! They all were very information and answered all of my questions and then some!

First Impression - Amusing.

Impression over time - Kind, caring, intelligent, re-assuring.

Office Staff - FABULOUS!

Like Least - Unwilling to learn or investigate more about bloodless surgery.

Future patients should know - he is very accomadating to your needs and wants as long as they are within his already set arsenal.

Aftercare - is stressed long before surgery and you are trained in much of it before surgery with the notice you are welcome to come back and relearn or further your education on your health.

Very structured aftercare program and lets you know they want to see you at least once a year for the rest of your life after your first years follow ups.

Risks discussed numerous times and put in writing.

How would I rate him/them overall? Ask again after the surgery.

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great?? I am impressed with both so far. Ask again after my surgery on Monday.