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

On 5/28/98 I had my first Surgery with Dr. Higa. After 5 years and losing 140 pounds I started to put on weight, actually almost 60 pounds. I opted to have the procedure again on December 12, 2003, this time it includes a band around the stomach. Much more difficult this time. In fact in the beginning I had to deal with a stricture 3 seperate times. But even with the stricture (which can be common) I had complete trust in Higa and his team and felt comfortable with the whole process. Everyone I speak to about the surgery I refer them to Dr.Higa. Hes is absolutely wonderful in every way. From beginning to end, from the hospital staff to his office staff they make the journey wonderful. Ive never met such a caring staff. I would only trust Dr.Higa with this surgery for any of my friends or family.

Very good bed-side manner. I'm very confident in his abilities, which helps me be less anxious about the surgery. Office staff is great!

My impression of Dr. Higa was that he was more casual than I thought he would be. On his informational video he came agross as very clinical, but in person he was much warmer. I felt very comfortable with him and his aura of competence.

The office of Valley Surgical Specialists was not quite as swank as I expected, reminding me a little of a walk-in clinic atmosphere. But every person I met on the staff was very professional and nice.

If I had one semi-negative thing to say it would be that I didn't think he elaborated enough on the after-care. I've had to do research on my own to learn about that.

He was very up front about the risks, and I never felt like I was being "sold" on the surgery.

HE IS A VERY GOOD SURGEON. I WORKED WITH HIM WHILE HE WAS TRAINING. IT'S TO EARLY TO TELL.
I WAIT ALONG TIME TO SEE THE DOCTORS. THEY STRESS AFTER CARE.
YES THEY HAVE A GROUP THAT MEETS THE 1ST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH.
DR HO DID AT MY 1ST VISIT.
DR IS A VERY GOOD SURGEON. I WILL SAY HIS SURGICAL COMPETENCE OUTWAYS HIS BEDSIDE MANNER.

My first impression of Dr Higa? hmmmm well, I thought "damn... what a cutie! and he's gonna see me naked? ACKK!!!"
Dr. Higa is wonderful and I can honestly say he's one of the best at what he does. Office staff was very helpful and friendly and always made me feel like a part of a growing "family". Dr. Higa's requirement is the lengthy orientation which is provided once a month, in which he answers any and all questions, no matter how simple or complicated. He kept it real, stressing the possibilities of complications... never leading anyone to believe that this is just a simple, no risk procedure.
His surgical competence and bedside manner are both outstanding. He is such a caring and wonderful surgeon. JMHO....

My own personal experience; Dr. Higa does not beat around the bush. He was not there to tell you what you want to hear. He tells you the truth so that you can make the necessary corrections to your life. Remember it's you life!!! Very pleasant to talk to after business is taken care of. Clean environment and wonderful staff. He is really concerned about the aftercare to insure you stick with the program. Weight Mgt. next on my list then he said he would do the surgery. Yeah!!

My initial impression of Dr. Higa is that he seems very personable and down to earth. I go for my pre-op consultation on 9/15/2004 and I will add more comments after that.

My experience so far with office staff has been that they are excellent. Very professional yet friendly and caring.

I attended a seminar that described the benefits and risks of surgery as well as the different types available.

After care is stressed. Post op appt. scheduled prior to surgery. Support group meets monthly. Dr. Higa is often there.





I would rate Dr. Higa and his associates, particularly Dr. Boone, as totally excellent.

Dr. Higa's surgical competence far outweighs his bedside manner although not unpleasant by any means. Dr. Boone visited me twice in the hospital and also was the Dr. to discharge me. I only saw Dr. Higa one time in the hospital the afternoon of the surgery.I noticed that Dr. Boone seemed to be warmer and more relaxed.

He was very straight forward kind of person. My impression never did change,k each time I seen him then he always was straight forward with me. The staff is very corteous and helpful. They have emphasized a great deal abou taftercare. The seminar addressed all the risks of the surgery. I would rate him a 10, on a scale of 1-10. I would say that his surgical competence and bedside manner are both great. When he came to the hospital after my surgery he was very concerned about my well being, and also gave me advise on what I needed to do after the surgery.

Dr. Higa is a fabulous person, he is compassionate, understanding, and funny. His office staff so far has been wonderful to deal with, his nurse is a little gruff, but she is nice. As for everything else, i havent had that much contact with him, so i am unable to comment.

I HAD MY FIRST CONSULTATION WITH DR. HIGA ON MONDAY, AUGUST 23RD, 2004. HE WAS VERY INFORMATIVE, KNOWLEDGABLE, ORGANIZED, AND PERSONABLE. HIS OFFICE IS NICE AND HIS STAFF WERE VERY HELPFUL AND FRIENDLY. THE QUESTIONS THAT I HAD ASKED WERE COMPLETELY ANSWERED AND IN WORDS THAT A NON-DOCTOR COULD UNDERSTAND. I AM WAITING FOR MY INSURANCE APPROVAL AT THIS TIME. IT WAS JUST PUT IN A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO. WE DON'T FORSEE ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY APPROVAL. IF THINGS GO SMOOTHLY, MY SURGERY DATE COULD BE AS SOON AS OCTOBER! I AM EXCITED!