Kelvin Higa Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S. F.A.S.M.B.S.

'DR HIGA IS AMAZING

Dr. Higa was personable and laid back. He came in, sat down, and never once made me feel he was in a hurry (even though I knew he was very busy). He took the time to answer my questions, eventhough most of them were addressed in the literature he was also sending with me. He seemed to understand that what is routine to him is a life changing undertaking for me.

His staff has been helpful, respectful, prompt, and efficient. My only complaint is the waiting list for consultative appointments. It took 6 months to get in!

At times it may seem he is taking unecessary precautions, but, follow his advice and reccomendations. The more he knows going into the surgery, the better you'll do.

After care is very importatnt because it is this that will set the tone for your success. Dr. Higa is active and accessible in the aftercare.

Dr. Higa has a booklet that covers the main types of WLS, the pro's and con's, and how they change your body. He includes his practice's experience with each, his overall complication rate, the short and long term effects, and where this all falls in line with WORLD standards. He also includes some issues that come into play concerning emotional and social conventions like; transfer addictions & losing friends or family-things I didn't see covered by other practice's. He completes the book with a test (you will have to take a few times before the surgery.) He insists you be well informed and prepared.

On a scale of 1-10, I would definately give Dr. Higa a 10.

If you are looking for a well rounded (punny) surgeon with one of the best success rates and reputations in the world; a surgeon who is invested and proactive in your health; one who demands and provides excellence and will insist you work.--then Dr. Higa is the perfect choice.

Dr. Higa is amazing. I truly feel he saved my life. He is open, honest and communicative. I don't think my life would be the same without the help of Dr. Higa.

I have talked to quite a few surgeons, and once I talked with K Higa, I knew he was the right surgeon. I had no hesitaitons, I trusted him, and I knew he knew his business. I feel every confidence in him. His staff so far are excellent. I will fill in the rest after I have completed surgery and gotten on my feet.

By reputation Dr. Higa is one of the best, and I consider myself lucky to have him. I'm particularly happy that he will be performing my revision laproscopically. In fact, he teaches other surgeons the procedure and has been involved in a number of studies. He's funny and has an irreverent and surprisingly dark sense of humor. The staff that I met was friendly. My first and as yet only appointment went fantastically. I was taken in several minutes before my actual appointment time. One negative, though. I had difficulty getting my calls returned, but attribute that to the fact that Valley Bariatrics was in the process of moving to a new office.

A very nice and funny Person.

My impression of him is still the same.

His office staff is very professional and friendly.

He is a little rushed for time but I don't hold that against him since he has so many patients.

Future patients should know that Dr. Higa is the best and he will take good care of you.

His aftercare program is good.

He was very straight forward with the risks of the surgery.

I would rate Dr. Higa- A+++.

Both surgical competence and bedside are very important.

My surgeon is AWESOME!!!
What was your first impression of him/her? He was very throughout and very professional... He has a major calming effect.. He did seem busy and tired
How did your impression change over time? During my surgery he was awesome.. He came and checked on me personally after the surgery and I complained about chest pain and he said it was because he must have left something in there .. i hurt but I laughed.. He has a VERY good bedside manner
How would you describe his/her office staff? They are nice and willing to help in any way especially Carol
What did you like least about him/her? He seems rushed at times but he has 4000 patients so I can over look it!
What should future patients know about him/her? He is considered the best surgeon in the central valley and in most circles in the USA for RNY surgery.. I have had no complications and my mom had the surgery with him 3 weeks before and she has had no complications... HE ROCKS!
How much does he/she emphasize aftercare? His aftercare is good however i wished he had his own nutritionist on staff
Does he/she have a structured aftercare program? Yes and it is all done by him and Brenda his nursing assistant
How did he/she address the risks of surgery? He was VERY honest and straightforward not one bit of sugarcoating ... he was also very serious with risks and complications
How would you rate him/her overall? a 2000 on a 1-10 scale
Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great? surgical competence... i would rather he do a good job on the inside and not pat me on the butt ... however he is awesome in both areas

I LOVE DR. HIGA HE IS VERY NICE AND HELP FULL. I FEEL VERY CONFIDENT WITH HIM. HE MADE ME FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE AT MY CONSULT.

Dr. Higa was amazing. I have had over 45 operations due to my burns, but this one probably the most complicated as my intestines were re-routed, I had very little pain, and I bounced back quicker than ever. Dr. Higa is very funny, and he was very informative, he answered all my questions and made me feel at ease. He was very good about explaining the risks and the benefits of the procedure. I am so glad that my health plan selected him, he is the best. Whenever people hear that he was my surgeon they always say “wow, you picked the best.”

Dr. Higa has an amazing bedside manner. As I am sure many of you felt, when you are heavy, people just aren't very nice. He was like a breath of fresh air. It was as if could see the person inside. I was very comfortable with him.
His surgical competence is just as wonderful as his bedside manner. He is a jewel!