Keith Zuccala Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Let me first say that Dr Zuccala has the best bedside manner. He is compassionate and empathetic to your needs. He looks at you as a person! He listens intently. He asked me if I had any questions I sad yes, pulled a folder out of my purse he smiled, leaned back and said ask away. And I did for well over an hour. He answered every question I had. He never even looked at his watch. I was with him for almost 2 hours. The office staff is also as caring and efficient. It may seem as if it’s taking forever to get an appointment with the many physicians that you have to see pre-op. But hang in there! It will all be worth it in the end. It is the procedure! We all have to go through it.

I would just like to say Dr Zuccala is very patient,understanding and caring.He was very Informative when I last saw him last and made me feel more at ease about the surgery process. His office is very well organized the staff is great!!!!! very caring and Friendly.

As soon as I met Dr. Zucalla, I was immediately put at ease and knew that he was going to stick with me no matter what. If anything, prior to and following the surgery, that opinion was strengthened. The night prior to surgery, he called me to ask me how I was doing and feeling. There is nothing that I dislike about him or his staff. As far as what anyone should know about him...I would consider any patient of his lucky to have him. He is very strong on the aftercare, especially the diet. He is a very competent and kind staff and the dietician is available for as many calls as one can make. My surgeon was very thorough on explaining the particulars of the surgery, including the risks. As far as rating him on a scale of 1-10, I would have to say 11. He seemed extremely competent as a surgeon and his bedside manner is the best!

I first meet Dr. Zuccala and his staff on 9/11/02. I was very comfortable with what they were requesting me to do to show I am committed to surgery. They answered all my questions. At that time they told me it would be 2 months before surgery would be scheduled.

On 10/11/02 I had my follow up to see if I had lost the weight. I passed the test. Previous to this date I had the blood work done, the ultrasound of my gall bladder completed and pysch visit accomplished. Terry said she would submit the paper work to the insurance company. She was not concerned but I was (Cigna HMO) and she told me it could take three weeks for approval.

On 10/16/02 I attended my first support group meeting. (I was invited to other meetings but was unable to attend). This was the first time I realized just how many patients Dr. Zuccala deals with. There were many people in attendance at all different stages of the process from just gathering info to had the surgery and doing great.

On 11/4/02 I received the insurance approval and I am now schedule for surgery on 11/19/02. I was very excited to find this out because I had decided back in the summer this was the solution for me.

Dr. Zuccala's compassion and empathy with overwieght people, his sense of humor and his knowledge, put me at ease immediately. Met him for the first time at a support group two days prior to my first meeting with him and his staff. Also at the support group were one of his nurses, Nurse Meany (not a word I'd use to describe her at all), and some of his office staff. You couldn't find a group of more dedicated, responsive people. They all have patience to deal with all of his patients, all the insurance companies and their endless red tape. My first meeting was Friday, October 18. My husband came with me and we met first with Nurse Meany who took vitals, explained the surgery, the before and after stuff. Then met with Dr. Zuccala. Both my husband and I were able to ask lots and lots of questions. We were not rushed at all. The last piece of the day was meeting with the dietician. She outlined the diet following surgery and asked me to follow the diet now until my November 5th meeting with her. Dr. Zuccala told me after my exam he would be able to perform the surgically laproscopically - hooray! Next steps, blood work, ultrasound and visit with psychiatrist.

I first met Dr. Zuccala on July 31, 2002, when I had my first appointment to discuss bariatric surgery. My initial impression of him was that he was a very gentle, caring man who was truly interested in me and my health issues. I quickly developed confidence in him, he seemed self assured and sure of his abilities. He also was upfront about possible problems and complications my particular situation presented, and made me feel that my decision to continue with the pre-op clearances was well founded. He and his office staff have set up a monthly support group, which he asks all pre-op and post-op patients to attend. I have been pleased to see that his office staff (scheduling person, insurance person, receptonist), his RN, one or two of the nutritionists, as well as Dr. Zuccala are present at each meeting. He and his staff have stressed from the very beginning that the post-op follow-up is crucial, and that his patients are expected to continue with him long after the actual surgery. His staff have been very supportive, and all my questions and calls have been quickly answered. My second appointment with him, just a week before my 10/29/02 surgery date, reconfirmed my initiial impressions. He was very up front about possible post-op complications that I face, yet assured me that he would be there to deal with them. I am very pleased that I was refered to Dr. Zuccala by both my internist and my pulmonologist - I am sure that I am in the best of hands.

Dr. Zuccala is great. He has such a great demeanor. He is a very compassionate doctor and has a great personality. The staff is very helpful and caring. His office is very busy so you might have to call once in a while to check up on the status of things. He really emphasizes on proper aftercare. He has a structured aftercare program and is very thorough when giving direction. What a great doctor. I highly recommend going to him. I feel that surgical competence and bedside manner are of great importance and he is skillful in both areas.

I meet dr zuccala for the frist time today. I liked him a lot he is very up front with you. He explained the surgery to me as well as after care and risks. exercise and diet are very importaint to him both before and after surgery. The doctor places you on a diet and exercise plan proir to surgery. The goal is to lose 10 pounds before surgery and get you body ready for the long road ahead. He will tell you he dose not make models he just trys to give you better health. His staff was very nice they took time to explained things and answer any questions you have. Over all i was very pleased with Dr zuccala.

Surgeon has very good people skills. Great eye contact.
He found and completely investigated a foreign mass in my abdomen before he would confirm me for surgery.

Staff is Excelent. They have started a support group that meets in Danbury hospital each month. I like them a lot.

Seem to treat people with Honesty

My first impression of Dr. Kieth Zuccala was that he truly understood the emotions that a fat person goes through (even though he is slender). He is kind and compassionate, and doesn't look upon us as disgusting fat pigs. He realizes that we are human beings who are overweight and unhappy with ourselves. He understands that we eat out of frustration and depression, and that sometimes people's unkind words add fuel to our fire. I am scheduled to see Dr. Zuccala on 9/13 for my pre-op. I can't honestly think of anything that I disliked about the Doctor. He was honest, answered all of my questions and didn't rush me. He addressed the risks associated with bariatic surgery, and at the same time stated that he hadn't lost a patient yet and furthermore wasn't going to. Aftercare is very important to Dr. Zuccala. He has already stressed how important it is to keep all future appointments and adhearing to the meal steps following surgery. I will rate his surgical competency, bedside manner, etc., etc. following surgery on 9/19.

At first the office staff was slow in responding to my application. I had to keep calling them for my initial appointment. Once the first appointment came to fruitation everything changed. Whenever I called they were professional and at the same time caring. They helped in anyway they could to put me at ease and answer my questions, which I am sure they have heard many, many times prior. Coleen handled the paper work and also the appeal letter to my Insurance carrier after I was denied the first time around.