Kenric Murayama Bariatric Surgeon MD

I am so pleased that my PCP (Dr. Carol Fleischman, Penn Medicine at Radnor) referred my specifically to Dr. Murayama! From my first time meeting him, I was instantly at ease in the midst of a very stressful, emotional, and terrifying process. The majority of the pre-op appointments (Medical Weight Management) are with his nurses, office staff, and dietitians - all of whom are also excellent (kind, good at listening, good at understanding what you need to feel comfortable, compassionate, professional, etc.). The MWM runs between 60-90 minutes usually, and you go over what changes you are making in your life to be successful after surgery, then they give you specific things to work on, make sure you understand what your new life will require as far as food (including progression of stages post-op) and exercise, and answer any and all questions. The program also requires you go to at least 1 support group meeting pre-op. There are plenty to choose from, and they turned out to be really helpful! Hearing from others who know exactly what you're going through and have "made it" is so encouraging, and getting a group perspective/discussion on a topic is helpful.

During the final pre-op visit, he asked if I had any last questions - I was surprised that I didn't! His team had done such a great job and taken so much time to make sure everything was totally clear and easy to understand...I was ready to go! Of course, I still had a little bit of anxiety - this is major surgery - but he reassured me that all the various appointments and tests and screenings that seemed like a pain in the ass at the time were to make sure that I had the best chance possible, and that his job now was to take the best care of me.

I saw him a couple times the morning of surgery - once when the IV was being put in, and again in the operating room (before the anesthesia knocked me out!). The next time I saw him was 2 days after surgery, when he came to check in and see if I wanted to go home! I was so happy, especially since my early recovery was going way better than I could have ever hoped for - almost no pain (4 out of 10 when the meds would start to wear off), up and walking between 30-60 minutes in the hospital. He told me I had done a great job during surgery, which I thought was funny, since all I did was lie there!

His team of nurses and residents provided EXCELLENT aftercare - I never felt like any question was stupid, and never felt like I was wasting time/they had somewhere else to be. How wonderful to have all my worries and needs taken care of!

I'm looking forward to my 2 week post-op appointment next week - recovery continues to be so much better than I ever imagined, and I can't wait to continue in my new life!

Dr. Murayama was the third surgeon I saw, and I was immediately impressed. I have been thinking about RNY to improve diabetes (25 years) for a very long time. The other two surgeons I saw seemed more interested in telling me what surgeries they did; whereas, Dr. Murayama talked with me about my goals, reviewed each surgical technique and how they might best help me, and assisted me in making a decision to more forward. He said, during the first visit, "We will get you to it and through it" and that he did. He is truthful, sensitive, respectful and supportive and answered questions honestly, thoroughly and directly. That was not my experience with other surgeons over the past year.

Celestine Lee, his nurse, is top notch! She is accessible, responsive and helpful. Celestine's level of professionalism, her ability to problem solve and advocate were all top notch. I can't say enough about her. She visited me twice in the hospital post surgery and has answered emails and returned calls with lightening speed.

I highly recommend Dr. Murayama as an excellent surgeon and a compassionate physician. His willingness to join with his patients through the process is hard to beat. Highly and unconditionally recommended.

It was easy for me to trust Dr. Murayama from the first time I met him. He was very genuine with me and I felt really comfortable with him. My impression of him was only strengthened over time. I think he is a wonderful surgeon with outstanding surgical competence, bedside manner is excellent as well.

I was very comfortable with Dr Murayama, and since my surgery weve become good friends as well as all the staff!! we are a family my second family and Im glad I chose him!!

I first met with Dr. Murayama on September 24th. Never meeting him made me kind of nervous. A dear friend Carol who’d had the surgery done by Dr. Murayama said I’ll be in the best hands, he was the best and I shouldn’t worry. rnrnBefore meeting Dr. Murayama my first impression was wow! His is adorable; and standing in front of me with a great smile explaining everything that’s going to take place. It was if I already knew him. The professional staff is wonderfully caring, supportive and always friendly. They really make you feel like you are their most important patient. There with you to help you every step of the way. Valarie did a fabulous job getting me quick insurance approval. I’m thinking this will only get better as time goes on. rnrnWell the group meeting lasted for about 2 hours and Dr. Murayama would meet with each individual. Finally it was my turn; he laid the procedures out, paints no rosy pictures and tells no lies! He was very specific and detailed as to the explanation of the surgery and the future outcome. This man knows his stuff not to mention he was very pleasant, funny and kind. I admire the fact that his very descriptive in what he does and very through. I really didn’t have to ask any questions because he covered everything. His staff is the same, you can tell they all get along very well and enjoy what they do. rnrnDay of surgery while being prepared for the big event Dr. Murayama was the first person to see me in the morning. Words are not enough to describe his confidence, his sense of humor, his compassion they were just so overwhelming and soothing. I was so impressed with his thoroughness and his compassion towards my husband. He never left my husband out of the loop, always made sure my husband was just as involved as we were. What was very impressive that after the surgery was over he took the time to talk to my husband and after they took me out of the recovery room Dr. Murayama came to see me. He came back again later in the evening and everyday that I spent in the hospital. Dr. Murayama and his team were there to make sure that I was taken cared of. He is the best! I trust him implicitly and truly feel I was blessed to have him. rn

July 23rd

**UPDATE** -- I had my surgery about a week prior to Dr. Murayama left Northwestern for Hawaii. I do believe that Dr. Alexander Nagle pretty much performed my surgery.rnrnI first met Dr. Murayama after I met Dr. Prystowsky (I was impressed by both). I had been informed that I was now eligible for laproscopic surgery with Dr. Murayama vs. \"open\" with Dr. Prystowski. rnrnI was originally scheduled for surgery with Dr. Murayama on June 30th, but found out he was leaving the practice, so I was bumped up to June 18th. rnrnDr. Murayama's staff has been a guiding light and extremely helpful to me, in particular Liz Haney.rnrnDr. Alexander Nagle (the new hot-shot at Northwestern ... ok, not-so-new anymore) assisted Dr. Murayama on my surgery(ACTUALLY, I believe Dr. Nagle most likely did my surgery, or most of it anyway) and I follow-up with him, although I really would have liked to go to Hawaii for my follow-ups, but insurance wouldn't go for it. Go figure.rnrnI feel that surgical competence is #1 ... bedside manner a very very close second ... and if you get both, that's the absolute best. rnrnI'll save rating him however, until after my surgery (ha ha)!

Dr. Murayama is an excellent and knowledgable surgeon! He's very thorough in explaining the surgery I was having (and yes he did cover the risks as well). Comprehensive Weight Management Program (CWMP) team was awesome from day one...Dr. Leon, Dr. Ramsdell, Dr. Curtis and Dr. Kong. Dr. Murayama visited me pre-op along with my anesthesiologist (Dr. Lavatai). Excellent pre-op (nurse Maile) and post-op care by the hospital staff, super nice and helpful! Definately 5 STAR rating for surgical competence and beside manner!! rnrnThe only negative thing I have to say is that Queens Medical Center needs to get more up-to-date wheelchairs for extra large patients. Gosh, the one I had was this old contraption that the foot rests couldn't be adjusted, so I had to sit with my legs sticking straight out. And it took forever for them to find an available extra large wheelchair to take me downstairs so I could leave the hospital.

Dr. Murayama is the best surgeon in the world. I am so glad that I am part of the weight program Dr. Murayama has created. If it wasn't for him I would still be on the waiting list.

My first impression of Dr. Murayama was that is who I want to be my surgeon and I would do anything they ask to get it done.

The office staff is great. They all really do care about each and every patient.

Future patients should know that they all care about you. It takes time for each individuals needs to be met. If it takes time it only means they care enough about you to do the best for you.

The aftercare is very important. You must follow up with each and every appointment. They will be there for you. It is a very structured program.

As far as addressing the risks of surgery. Each and every member of the team will address it in the appointment that you have with them. You will have to be approved by all the team members. Its great.

Dr murayama, is in a word awsome he's so caring,kind and gentle,the office staff and and all his doctors are great too..there was nothing about any of them I didnt like,future patients of Dr Murayama shoulkd know there aree very lucky to have him in there corner,he's very patient and answers his questions very carefully and asks if you understood everything hes said,yes he does address the risk of surgery if I had to rate from 1-10 10 being the highest I would give him a 20..hes awsome