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

I believe I did this before but here it is again. Dr. Afram does have a web site at www.obesitycenter.org
It has alot of useful information and tips I am sure I will use. Check it out for info.
When I first entered his office he has before and after pics of previous patients. The little skinny-mini lady( I forgot her name-Iwas so nervous) at the front desk was very nice and made you feel good and not at all self conscience. It's a rather small office so you don't get that I hope he's not a stuffy doctor syndrome. The chairs are huge so that means they're comfortable. Dr. Afram explained everything and then you go to Velma who makes you so comfortable you want to call her mom. She explains the after care program which it essential to your sucess.The one negative thing I could say was I don't think he allowed enough time for questions even though he answered most in his informative talk he gives when you first go into his office. He even has a little rubber foam stomach to explain with.

My first time meeting Dr. A was at one of his seminar. He basically covered everything there and when I went for my consultation I did not have to review with him anything that he had already discussed. He seems like a very gentle man understanding the struggles of his patients continuous weight gain and failure to lose weight. He gave me positive reinforcement that because of my current weight, comorbididites and weight history that I should not have any issues with approval. I told him I was ready and that I hope to see him soon.

I was quite impressed with Dr. Afram. He used models of the the stomach before and after the procedure which helped alot. His office support, Sally, has been supportive with typing letters for my job and just entertaining the many questions I asked. After care was emphasized from the onset. Once monthly for the first year after surgery and the every 6 months for life. After care includes support group meetings once weekly, minimum.

My first (and so far only) impression was very good. I got an appointment right away. I was a little late due to getting turned around and the office staff was sympathetic. I have had DR's make me reschedule for less than that. He was very thorough, even though I had done a lot of research, which he noticed. I liked that he showed me little foam tummys of before and after, and answered all my questions thoughtfully. They seem to have a very rigid aftercare, and an on staff nutritionist.

Afram is very sincere and concerned about his patients's welfare
His office staff is very nice and knowledgable.
He explains in detail the risks and complications.

Had my first meeting with Dr. Afram on
11/8/99. I am still a little overwhelmed by
everything. He is a very straight forward
person and he went over all the risks of surgery
and the importance of the follow up. His
staff is very nice. Jennifer spent some time
with me and my husband going over things
again and again.

4/28/00 - I am not as happy with Dr. Afram now.
He didn't fill out my pain medication right
so my husband couldn't get it filled. I
called the doctor and he said to use Tylenol.
As you can guess that did not work very well.
We finally had to go and get another
perscription from the doctors office. I also
spent four days trying to get a hold of Jennifer.
I am having very bad gas pains.

8/10/00 - Well things are better. I don't know
that the doctor has had much to do with things
now. The support group is the best! Dr. Afram
is a great surgen. But you can not do better
then this support group. Very, Very Important!

1/29/01 - Well I have had more problems with Dr. Afram. He missed misdiagnosed my gall stones. Even after my PCP had found the gall stones with a ultra sound, Dr. Afram said it was gas! Afram left me in severe pain for two weeks with out doing anything but to tell me to take anti-acid. I have not seen him since.

Don't get me wrong, Dr. Afram is a wonderful surgen, but a lousy doctor.

Scheduled my appointment. Staff seems very friendly so far. Very responsive to my questions.

Originally I was listed as having Dr. Marcus, but fortunately for me I was introduced to Dr. Afram. My first meeting with "Dr. A" was in a group setting. He was very informational. I was definately impressed. He had everyone in his office that would be involved with you during your surgery (hisself, the person that schedules the appointments, the nutritionist, the psychiatrist and the person that sews you up after surgery. I really appreciated being able to hear from each of these individuals. (No offense to Dr. Marcus, but his support group meeting left me with ill feelings -- totally unorganized. After the consultation meeting with Dr. A, I scheduled a one on one with him which was also impressive. Unfortunately, I have to switch insurance companies since Dr. A doesn't take GW (and might I add that they don't normally cover the procedure), but the change in insurance companies is worth it. I have been also been attending bi-weekly meetings in Dr. A's office so that I can get use to making the meetings a habit. I don't have one negative thing to say about Dr. A or his office. They all are wonderful. I'll update once I have surgery, but I can't imagine my feeling for Dr. A and his staff changing.

This guy is great! explains everything in detail
holds nothing back.


His staff is very helpful, everyone is located hin
his office, no need to run all over town. His staff
is on the ball, they do everything all you have to
do is wait, Velma is wonderful and really know her
stuff.


Just attend one of his seminars, the rest is history.

Stresses how important

Yes, again stresses the importance.

Explain each risk in detail.

So, far superior.

Both

Dr. A appears very knowlegeable about the surgery and it's effects on the body, warns you about the drastic change in your eating habits and will answer all questions as thoroughly as you need. He will make himself available for appts and seems to really care about his patients.

I haven't had my surgery yet, so my "over time" impression has yet to be formed.

The staff is friendly and helpful and careful not to give any advice, but to refer you to the dr. None of the paperwork for insurance is done in his office - it's actually done by a subcontractor in California, of all places, considering we're in Wash, DC.

Everyone in the office is a skinny-mini, no whose had the surgery or a weight problem in general works for him at this time (April 2000 thru Aug. 2000, that's my timeframe knowing Dr. A.)

So far I give him a B.

Ask him questions.