Joseph Caruana Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

Feb 1st. had 1st visit to see Dr. Caruana. Said I was a good canidate due to weight. BMI was 42. I have no serious health problems. No high blood pressure or no diabeties. Does run in family. He wants me to go see another Dr to have a filter in to help with blood clots. That is about the worse thing I have had. Should find out if approved for surgery in about 2weeks.
I was impressed with the Doctors office and the juice bar. I like them having the fitness center in the office. I think that will be so nice and close to my home. The office staff seemed pleasant so far. Doct was up front about the questions I asked.

Recieved phone call that I was approved for surgery. I was shocked because I tried for another surgery about 2 years ago and they said no about 6 times. Yeah! im excited but more scared than anything.

I went and talked to the other Doctor about the filter. He will put it in the same time as the gastric bypass surgery.

great guy

I havent had surgery yet. I am not sure how I feel about my surgeon. I have only met him once for about 5 minutes and that was very 'sterile' for lack of a better word. He seems nice. The whole process is rushed and very impersonal. So far only the dietitian and exercise staff is friendly. The coolness of the front desk staff makes me want to walk right out the door as soon as I go in. Dont get me wrong. They give you alot of info. You are well informed. But in the end you feel like a part on a very fast moving assembly line. They need different people handling patients. If you dont fall into the well greased machine there is a note of contempt when addressed. Such as I tried to hand in my paperwork and was told to sit down and she would get to me. Then got me mixed up with someone else with the same name, all with a nasty look and a voice I can only describe as condesending.. I am confident in Caruana only because of his reputation. I understand they are very busy there and probably see a hundred people a day, but they need to realize this is a big deal and life changing to the person in front of them. I felt like an appointment rather than a person the 2 times I have stepped into the office so far. I know they cant hold your hand but should know that may be what you need. To be honest I dread going back for follow up if I cant walk fast enough for them.
I know for a fact he is good. And this is my opinion. I am probably being hypersensitive. I want to stress the only thing I see that needs help is that he is overwhelmed and the receptionist/nurses need to be sat down and told to be a little more patient/friendly.

Dr. Caruana is caring, confident, and qualified. Has a comprehenisve program in place to keep you well informed, it is inclusive of nutrition, wellness and fitness sessions. Ther is an in-house gyn as well as an on staff nutritionist.

Dr. Caruana is a wonderful man. His staff is very helpful as well. He has a gym, physical trainer and nutritionist on staff for aftercare. This is very important to him and that is a good thing. He gives you all the info you need and after surgery he comes in all up beat and brightens your day. His bedside manner is excellent. This is all he does with his practice and Marc(his PA) is also very nice and informative. I would rate him at a 12 from 1 to 10. I had no unpleasant experience with him or his staff. I have called them almost everyday with some question or another and they were never short with me and always ready to answer any concerns I had. I would recommend them highly if anyone is considering this life changing event.

I HAVE MY CONSULTATION DATE FOR 12/1/04 AT 1PM. I AM SO NERVOUS. SO FAR HIS STAFF OVER THE PHONE HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL, WITH GATHERING ALL THE PAPERWORK NEEDED BEFORE THE CONSULTATION.

He & Marc were a very caring & understanding men & Marc is a real hottie. Dr. Caruana didn't hode anything back about the risks of this surgery. The office staff do & know their jobs well, but are somewhat to serious. They have great bedside manners & aftercare progtams. Dr. Caruana & Marc are one of the best teams.

I have only met him once. He seemed confident and busy. His office and website make it appear that he is extremely dedicated to this procedure, and in fact I believe that this is what his entire practice is devoted to. He has a workout center in his office in the front and a place where I assume the protein drinks can be purchased.

The first time I met Dr. Caruana was on September 21st at my initial visit. He was extemely nice and professional and I would recommend him to anybody. He answered all my questions and assured me I was doing the right thing. As for his staff, well that's another subject. If the woman at the front desk would smile while assisting you, maybe the people on the other side of the counter (us) wouldn't be so scared considering we don't know what's going to happen next. The staff that took my weight/height/blood pressure and sent me on my way was ok but I felt really rushed and it just seemed like they wanted to get me out of there. I guess you have to see things from their prospective, hundreds of people wanting to get this done is overwhelming for the little help he has, but you have to give them credit for trying to keep the office in order.

Pleasant. At the info meeting his powerpoint presentation wasn't working and he took it in strides. Didn't get upset and said he was still having a good day because all of his patients in the hosp were doing well after surgery and no complications-that to him made his day good.

Office staff is not friendly and by the book. No time for idle chit chat are good bedside manner. I think you can stay productive and still be nice and answer questions.

I like the office staff least

Aftercare and pre-surgery requirements are big on his list.

Good doctor.