Kenneth G. MacDonald Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

I met Dr. MacDonald for the first time at my Endoscopy and talked with him again at my pre-op evaluation visit on October 1. He answered all of the questions I had and said if he didn't think I would be successful, he would not do the surgery. I chose him because he has worked in this field over 20 years and studied under Dr. Pories who developed the gastric bypass surgery many years ago. He comes highly recommended and I am very excited about starting my \"new\" life.rnrnHaving now gone through the surgery with minimal complications, I think Dr. MacDonald is the best! I didn't have any drains after surgery as I know other WLS patients have and I don't seem to have any major complications as of yet. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. MacDonald as your WLS surgeon.

The first time I met my surgeon was when he performed an endoscopy on me. He introduced himself. He was very focused. He had a great bedside manner. I knew from that moment that I had chosen the right surgeon. We just clicked! rnrnI knew from research on Dr. MacDonald that he had many titles. He has written many books and articles about gastric bypass related issues. He has taught and is still teaching many medical students at ECU. rnrnDr. MacDonald and his staff has throughly explained everything including risks. They encourage patients, pre-op and post-op, to attend the support groups. rnrnThe office staff his wonderful!! I cannot say enough about Southern Surgical Associates. rnrnWhen you are choosing a surgeon, research as much as possible. I chose Dr. MacDonald because of his experience, competence, creditials and bedside manner. He is very knowledgable about weight loss surgery and he continues to conduct research through experience. rnrnAlthough the most experienced surgeon cannot guarantee 100% satisfaction. It is up to the patient to follow the guidelines provided. There are risks in everything we do. Surgery is no guarantee nor is it the \"easy way out.\"

So far, I'm VERY impressed. Guess I will have to come back AFTER surgery and add comments then. The office staff has been wondermous. The practice is a \"Center of Excellence\" and it shows. I'm glad my BCBS only pays for those places and that this is where I will be.

Dr. MacDonald is an excellent surgeon and has had many success stories. He has been with the Bariatric surgery program at East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine in Greenville, NC, for several years.rnThe staff in his office is very helpful and friendly. He is not a big talker, but his skills are well known around this area.rnHe and his staff emphasize that you must keep all of your after care appointments, and encourage every patient to join the support group. rnHe was very honest about all of the risks involved in this surgery.rnI would recommend Dr. Kenneth MacDonald to anyone without any hesitation.rnJust an FYI Dr. MacDonald has left ECU and is in private practicenow.

I met Dr. MacDonald for the first time while I was in the hospital for my endoscopy. He was very polite, compassionate, and easy to talk to. His staff at Southern Surgical are terrific. I know I picked the right place for my WLS needs.

Dr. MacDonald was wonderful. When I first met him he was at ECU; however, he moved to private practice while I was going through the process and I liked him so much and had heard such good things about him that I decided to wait until he got settled and moved and continued with him through his move. His staff are very helpful and knowledgable. He made me feel very comfortable. I really liked that fact that he went over the risks involved more because he said most people overlook those and this is a risky surgery. He does have a structured aftercare program and he makes sure to let you know that you need to follow it. I think anyone would be happy with Dr. MacDonald. My only negative was that I did come into his office during a time when he was going to transition from ECU to private practice so it did take longer for me to get moved with him and there were some process changes from one office to another but everything worked out all right and probably for the best.

I've had my consultation visit, but didn't get to meet the surgeon. Everyone in his office seems really nice. I had met two of the nurses at the support group meetings. One of the things I like about their office is they put a great deal of stress on after-care and follow-up. So far I rate their office a 10.rnrnI couldn't say enough good things about my surgeon. He did an excellent job with my gastric bypass. If it hadn't been for him and his expertise, I don't know what would have happened when I had my hernia. He is the best!!! And, Bobbie Lou, his nurse, is the greatest.

I enjoyed meeting with Dr. MacDonald. He is a very knowledgeable surgeon. He doesnot sugar coat the facts. He is serious and straight forward. I like that. I don't want to be entertained by someone who is going to cut me open.

I just met Dr. MacDonald on October 25,2005. I really think he knows his stuff. He was not the most personable man I have ever met. However, he is not my friend he is my surgeon.He didn't laugh or even smile at any of my witty banter. His office staff doesn't always give me all the information I would like to have about the process. I don't like that I don't always know what is coming up next. I think future patients should know that he brings years of experience to the table and he is well prepared to deal with a myriad of complications. He does have a structured aftercare program and he talked to me at length about what the possible complications can be to having this surgery. I would rate Dr. MacDonald as a 8 out of 10. I just happen to like a guy who can take a joke. That would have made him a 10. However, I prefer surgical competence over comedic talent anyday.

My first impression of Dr.Macdaonald was not pleasant.I guess because of my size I was just intimidated by him being so small.But after the next visit I was pleased with his mannerism and all the information he gave me about my surgery.In the hospital he and his staff was very kind and considerate.If anyone is looking for a good surgeon I would highly recommend Dr.Macdonald.My last visit with him was in August and he told me I weighed less than he did.So how do you think my ego was?Sky high!The staff,the nurses and his associates were very kind and understanding.My next surgery is schedule for October 28 for hernias repair and a tummy tuck.I am sure I will be pleased with Dr.Macdonald and Dr.Zeri.