Mark D. Kligman Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

I had actually gone to a different surgeon's seminar and walked away vowing to never have surgery. After Dr. K's seminar I was fully confident that if anyone could help me it was him. He has a bit of a dry sense of humor that could be taken the wrong way, and is actually very nitpicky - but that is a good quality in a surgeon. He is thorough in his education program as well as his medical care and surgical skill. He makes sure that you understand what you are doing and what the risks are, and that he is providing you with a tool and the outcome is up to you. I had to take a test before he would schedule a surgery date! His staff is encouraging and helpful and I would recommend him to anyone with full confidence. In fact, I referred my mother to him and she will be having surgery shortly. She happens to be a GE nurse (gastroenterology) and she was so impressed with him and his program that she is flying up from Alabama to have her procedure because she is confident that with him her results will be as good as mine.

I met Dr. Mark Kligman at a surgery information seminar in January 2006. He struck me as arrogant and confident. But he answered ever question asked knowledgeably, with no hesitation, and with thoughtfulness. He did not dismiss any question as silly. One year later, I have only grown in my opinion and add a caring human being. In our first office visit, he treated my insecurities about the surgery process with compassion. Again he took the time to answer all of my questions as if he was hearing them for the 1st time rather than from his 600th patient. And I have not even addressed his actual skills as a surgeon. Dr. Kligman only had my health in mind throughout the day of my surgery. I saw him 3 times (outside of OR) the day of my surgery. I hear he spent 5 hours working with me because of fat liver. And I was not his only surgery that day. But sure enough at 11:30 pm he was checking in to make sure I was doing fine. I have had surgeries before and not seen the Dr. unless there was a problem. I am a fan and if you are thinking of having this procedure you can not find a better group than University of Maryland Center for wellness and weight management.

My first impression of Dr. Kligman was that of his being a very dedicated surgeon. He is very strict and only wants his patients to succeed and become healthier. At first I could say I was intimidated by his bedside manor but once I realized that he just wants to make sure his patients understand what is expected of them post surgery. The more I talked with him the more comfortable I became. To me he has a great support staff who has gone above and beyond in supporting the patients. I just wish he would have his support group meetings somewhere other then downtown Baltimore. Once they get the construction complete it may not be a problem but in the interim, it’s one heck of a pain getting there. I have relied on local support group meetings for most of my 11 months so far (I think I’ve gone to 3 in Baltimore). My yearly anniversary is coming up on the 21st of February. So far, counting the 19 pre-op lbs I am down somewhere in the neighborhood of -135 lbs. I know I should be closer to being -150 lbs, but these last two months I’ve struggled weight wise even though I’ve lost over 10 inches. It seems the more I exercise, the less weight I lose. I think Dr. Kligman rates over the top when it comes to his surgical skills and support staff. From what I’ve read about other surgeons doing RNY operations, his seem to have the least difficulties post op.

Surgeon Info:rnSurgeon: Mark D. Kligman M.D.rnrnInsurer Info:rnBlueCross BlueShield, PPOrnrnrnI didn't have to do a thing. Dr. Kligman's office took care of everything. I provided all the necessary paperwork they requested and they said they have a 15day review period. Lynn called on 3/28 with approval. I would recommend you have all your paperwork together, it seems that the most important thing they were looking for was the physc eval. and the letter from you PCP. But, I was approved without a letter from my PCP. So go figure! rnrnrn

I was very impressed with Dr. Kligman from the very first night I met him at his seminar. He is a straightforward type of surgeon and knows what works and what doesn't. My impression of him was mellowed over time as I began to understand him and his way of doing things. Dr. Kligman’s staff was very professional and helpful to all aspects of the surgery. Dr. Kligman makes aftercare a top priority. He does have a structured aftercare program as well as pre-surgery care instructions to follow. He is very strict with these instructions. Dr. Kligman rates a 10 in my book. Side Note: For those thinking of Dr. Kligman a surgical choice… I would choose Dr. Kligman as my surgeon even if I had to drive to him from Ohio.

Dr. Kligman is very direct and to the point, but he is extremely thorough (as his success and complication rates show). His dedication to his patients and the caution he exercises before you ever get near the O.R. sold me on him as my surgeon. He expects (demands) a lot of his patients, but it is all worth it. The office staff are wonderful.

Dr. Kligman's seminar was far more informative than another I attended (Gandsas's). I took an entire page of notes, compared to none at the other seminar. I would rather all the possible risks and consequences be spelled out than "reassuringly" shrugged off, like they were at the other seminar. He was a bit braggy, but if he's bragging about his low complication rate, I'm all ears. <p>

In the consultation he answered all my questions thoroughly and patiently. He faked surprise when I described how I eat for emotional reasons, rather than sustenance, which was annoying because he's obviously encountered this with every patient. But aside from that, I felt like we had a good rapport, and I feel as confident as possible about his skills. <p>

Nadja, in his office, was also very comforting and likable. She spoke to me about the surgery with vigor and excitement -- like she hasn't given the same speech to 500 other people with the same stupid questions as me. :)<p>

Post-op: Everything went well, with no complications! And Nadja and Mary are always available to answer my questions over the phone.

Dr. Kligman is very knowledgable, and direct. He was completely honest about what to expect. He has a mandatory (free) GB surgical seminar that you must attend before having a New Patient Visit. I am completely confident in his abilities. He has lived up to my high expectations.

Also, his office staff (esp Nadja) are extremely wonderful and helpful. They will assist me with anything that I need.

When you meet Dr. Kligman bring a thorough list of questions. He will answer them all completely honestly.

I would highly recommend Dr. Kligman. He is skilled and personable. I felt very safe with him based on his very low complication rate and his attention to detail. He is thorough and cautious and honest about what to expect. He really urges you to think through the decision and consider all the possible risks and benefits.

Dr. Kligman was wonderful during my initial consultation. He throughly reviewed my medical history and answered any and all questions. His support staff and dietitian are very friendly and helpful as well. I would definately recommed him to everyone.