Joseph Afram Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Afram seemed to be a humbled man, very informative and pleasant. His staff is very helpful and the office has a calmed feeling that overcomes you. There is nothing now, that I can say that I least like about him. Maybe I can answer this question better over time. Dr. Afram was very informative and made my husband feel very much comfortable with the entire procedure. His perspective on aftercare is a must. He makes it mandatory that you continue all of your aftercare and they have a very comprehensive aftercare program. Explained all the risks of the surgery in great detail. Overall I would recommend him.

I had my first meeting with Dr. Afram yesterday, and let me tell you, I was impressed. He made me feel very comfortable, and I did not feel that he was judging me because of my size as he spoke to me. I had several questions I wanted to ask, and he answered every last one of them, before I could ask.
What I really like about Dr. Afram, is that he stresses the importance of behavioral changes, and the need to attend the support group meeting before and after the surgery. He also has an extensive follow up program, which I am happy about, because let me tell you I am a wimp when it comes to pain.
My rating for him on a scale of 1 to 10 would definitely be a 10.
I would suggest Dr. Afram to anyone living in the DC Area.

Dr. Afram was informative and kind. I have only had the initial consultation. The office staff is helpful. Although, it seems as though you have to keep in touch in regards to insurance status. Weight for Life handles all the insurance matters. However, after my initial denial letter,the weight for life staff told me, I probably shoud wait until the recent legislation in MD is in effect to try again. I not one who takes no for an answer, I wrote my own appeal and was approved. Dr. Afram emphasizes the surgery is a tool. He informed e of the risk and complications.

6-27-01 Hi Everyone. Sorry that I haven't updated my info. I've had a busy week. Yes, I've decided to have Dr.Afram do the surgery. My 1st impression of him was that he was very knowledgeable. He was patient and took the time to explain everything to me. When I went to his office, there were a great many postop people there. They were very pleased with him. That was good for me to hear because I had intended to have Dr. Vanquiri do the surgery. He was very adament about the aftercare and the making of the support group meetings. He said they were mandatory. His staff seemed fine to me. Nothing exceptional. Nothing bad. He informed me of the risks of surgery. I've only met him one time so I can only say what that one time experience was like. Several people on the WLS site recommended him highly. That made me feel so much more comfortable. They said that he was very dedicated to them and they also said that the hospital that he operates at was very peaceful and nice. They said the stay was nice. That's all I can ask for. A competent surgeon with a great bedside manner and a great aftercare program with a good hospital stay.

My first impression of Dr. Afram was, he is very serious. He seemed careful to give factual and detailed information about the RNY surgery. At this point I have had only one visit. The office staff is friendly and courteous and seem to be sensitive to the needs of obese people. I liked that Dr. Afram was very professional and informative. He gave a clear and objective perspective about the surgery. He gave balanced information, advantages and risk of surgery. He emphasized that surgery is a tool for living not a magic bullet. The program is a very comprehensive and aftercare is a lifetime endeavor. I am unable to rate him at this point overall because I have only had the initial consultation. However, I do plan on having the surgery, insurance permitting, and he is my first choice for a surgeon.

1)He is very professional, and personable.

2)It only got better.

3)Very nice in office. The person who processed my Ins paper work to me seemed like she could of used an Asst. I had to keep calling.
4)I have not found anything I've disliked so far
5)He offers a complete program.

6)Strongly emphasizes aftercare.

7)Yes! The group meeting & online support group is wonderful.

8)Yes

9)Definite 9!

10)Both were Great!

I liked him from the start. Although we were a little rushed (he fit me in for a private consult, in part because I couldn't get to one of his regular information sessions for a couple of months). In fact, the only complaint I might have is a selfish one--he is popular (for good reason), and his schedule can be very crowded. But then, that's true of every good physician I've ever met.

My impression of him only got better over time. I was especially pleased with the very careful way I was tested before surgery (e.g., I was glad to find out that I had gallstones--the radiologist couldn't understand why I wasn't in pain from them, yet--and so Dr. Afram did a "preemptive strike" by taking my gallbladder out during the bariatric surgery).

He had made it clear that there were very good reasons for the precautions he takes, both before, during, and after the surgery. He presented not only the risks but the steps he takes to minimize them.

The surgery is only one part of a larger program that includes a variety of advance preparations (which, aside from the medical tests, included psychological assessment and nutritional counseling), on-line and in-person support groups, regular check-ups afterward, and nutritional and psychogical counselors on staff and available.

Although, in general, I like a good "bedside manner," I care *much* more about surgical copetence, and I have great confidence in Dr. Afram. Actually, I suspect his bedside manner was very good, even better than I remember. But I really blanked out quite a lot from the anesthesia and pain meds---just as well, I suppose. Still, even had that not been the case, the most important thing is the skill and carefullness of the surgeon. Dr. Afram wins my vote.

Dr. Afram was professional and friendly. My impression of him did not change, he is a man of few words. I love Dr. Afram's staff -they are warm and friendly and ready to help you solve all of your weightloss problems.

Dr. Afram is a man of few words! He is thorough and will be ready to respond to any question you may pose to him. He has an entire program set up for you after you have had the surgery. He informs every patient of all the risk that may occur during surgery.

Dr. Afram is a 9 (no one deserves a 10!)

I would recommend people who were interested in weightloss surgery to Dr. Afram without hesitation.

My first impression of Dr. Afram was that he knows exactly what he is doing, probably with one hand tied behind his back and one eye closed.
No, he remains the same knowledgeable professional that i first met.
His office staff is so very helpful, they don't mind how many times you pester them (as I have) they remain just as eager to answer the same question over and over again. (Kudos Velma).
Each and every person on his staff can not stress enough, how important all of the after care programs are, they have given out schedules for the entire year of every after care class, which is twice a week.
You are made to understand te risk of this proceedure, verbally and in writting, you are informed of what can and what has gone wrong and how to avoid these issues.
I would like to say that Surgical Competence is better, and it is, however, you need the Bed Side Manner to make you more at ease.

I liked Dr. Afram. He was more then willing to answer my questions. He even spoke with my husband. I met only two staff memebers that day---both were equally friendly. Now I'm waiting on -- if I'm approved or not. I will let you know soon.