Joseph Caruana Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

I just recieved notice that Dr.C. willnot be participating in IHA any longer. I was able to get a 90 day extension as I have a date scheduled. I feel bad for those who are stuck now and yet grateful that I just squeaked by. It is a shame taht these HMO's are hard to work with.

I have 2 weeks left to wait and am getting plenty nervous- it is sinking in -how such a life change this will be. I know it will be a hard adjustment and I fear that as much s the thought of pain!

Had first consult with Dr. Caruana on 11/5. I was very impressed. There were a couple of people talking in the waiting room and they were raving about how great he is. I definitely felt comfortable with him. He said that after I get approval from my insurance company, he'd like me to come back to the office to meet with a dietitian and discuss various exercise options. Sounds like he wants to combine all the things his patients need into a "one stop shopping" location. I like that idea...

Dr. Caruana seemed to be very kind and professional. He carefully answered my questions and honestly outlined the risks of the procedure. He discussed aftercare and the food regime I would be on for the rest of my life and even offered to meet again with my husband to answer his questions. I had a great feeling all the way up to the end when he told me that there may be a problem with my insurance as he may not be working with Independent Health after January 1, 2002 and he most likely won't be able to fit my operation into his schedule until after that date ... now what??? I guess I just wait to see what happens and pray that I don't have to start this whole torturous waiting process again!!! As the only doctor in Erie and Niagara County performing this operation, I would hope that things will work out -- I don't want to wait another 4 months just to see another surgeon!!! Overall, I really liked Dr. Caruana and DO NOT want to start over!!!

Update! No need to start over -- I have been approved and have a date -- all is working out!!!!!!!!

MY FIRST IMPRESSION OF HIM WAS THAT HE WAS VERY NICE .I THINK HIS SECARTARY/ASSISTANT WAS VERY NICE AND FRIENDLY .

Dr. Caruana is a very dedicated, caring surgeon. I can see from my own talks with him that he combines intelligence, experience, thoroughness, and real concern for his patients' health and happiness. From what I've heard his other patients say, it looks like he has a big fan club of supporters. And now I'm one of them!

My initial appt. with Dr. C was 8/4/01. I met with him. When i was in the rom witht he doctor he seemed so friendly and caring . He explained the procedure to me and what woudl take place if approved by my insurance co. The staff at his office is great . I actually went to school with his asst. Marc so it made the procedure more less concerning.
8/28/01 -- Dr. C was on vaca for a week and my proimary care physchian never sent a referral to him so the approval from the ins. co. was delayed . No problems with the insurance co at all(independent health). Surgery was approved for 10/24/01. I'm so excited i can not wait for that date.

I was impressed with the ease that he operates with, I mean his confidence not arragant but true confidence. He seems very concerned with his patients, like they are his life. That is the way it should be. His secretary seems like she is dealing with a lot on her shoulders. I think she needs some help. Dr. C definitly emphasizes aftercare. This is a lifelong decision he makes sure you know that. I would rate him a 9 and his secretary a 6. Both bedside manner and surgical competence are great with this dr.
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I found Dr caruana to be very nice and thorough. He explained everything and made sure that I understood everything involved. I was very pleased with his compassion towards people and have complete faith in his abilities. Everyone in the office was very friendly. They were very quick on contacting the ins company for approval and to set me up with a date.

Dr. Caruana is very perfessional and very straight forward..which i liked. He told me point blank..if i don't quit smoking he refuses to do the surgery..i have only met him once..so i will let everyone know more about him later. Well Dr. Caruana is wonderful i have had no problems what so ever with him or his staff. While i was in the hospital I saw Dr. Caruana everyday and saw his assistant Marc probably about 3 times a day. I would reccomend Dr. Caruana to anyone in the Buffalo area contemplating wls.

Dr. Caruana and his staff are very friendly and very informative. They explained everything in detail and were great about answering any questions that I had. They all seem very kind and non judgemental. They were much easier to talk to than I expected. Overall, I felt very comfortable with Dr. Caruana and his staff. Everyone in the waiting room seemed to be really happy and excited as well. I took that as a good sign. It was stressed that aftercare will be a life long program. 5/27/01 I already got a call from my insurance company. I have to say that Rhonda must be pretty on top of things. I had my initial consult on Monday 5/21 and the insurance company was already calling me on 5/25. I am amazed. They must realize how important this surgery is to their patients. All I can say it that so far they are a definate thumbs up in my book. 7/14/01- I had my surgery on July 10th and Dr. Caruana is wonderful. He and his staff checked on me a couple of times a day while I was in the hospital. I called his answering service at about 7:30am this morning complaining of naesea and he called me back with in 15 minutes. I was so impressed. He is really top knotch.