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

My first impression of Dr. Pleatman was that he was very approachable and willing to answer ANY question that was put to him in detail. I spoke to him on the phone a couple of times and sent numerous e-mails which he answered promptly. He seemed to be quite confident and knowledgable, and possesses a dry sense of humor that I enjoyed a lot. My good impressions did not change over time.

The office staff was warm and professional, and they all responded to my questions patiently and kindly. I did get the impression that they're still putting together some aspects of their program and are not quite as "slick" as some of the other offices I researched, but I found their office to be much more warm and personal than most.

Aftercare and the risks of surgery were not discussed at length, but were included and emphasized in the information packet provided to all patients. Dr. Pleatman was also aware that I had been researching the procedure for quite some time and was well aware of the risks, and of the fact that my success after surgery would require that I take responsibility for follow-up with my physician, and for being diligent about my own care.

The fact that I am a "distance" patient (I'm in Oregon, Dr. P is in Michigan) makes it difficult to assess some aspects of their aftercare, and I'm less than two weeks out from surgery, so I can't really say... but from conversations and e-mails with other patients, there is continued support for patients via an excellent online forum, office contact, and monthly gatherings for pre- and post-op patients.

Overall, I'd have to say that this was an excellent surgeon/patient match for me. Dr. Pleatman, in my experience, was more casual than most of the other surgeons/clinics I researched, and did not seem to be quite as stringent in his requirements for extensive pre-op tests as some other clinics. Though here again, that perception may have to do with the fact that I'd already had most of the tests done here in Portland even before I contacted Dr. Pleatman's office, had sent him my records, and invited him to contact any of my health care providers including my psychotherapist.

If I had a criticism, I'd have to say that they could be a little more organized and structured for their out-of-town patients, though I know that receiving patients who are not local is relatively new for them. They're constantly adding to their bariatric program and are genuinely working to make it better. I was also a little concerned that they may have been just a little too casual about pre-op testing, but there again, my circumstances were a little different than the average patient in that I'd already had most of the testing done previously, and I had organized and sent all my medical records in advance so there really wasn't much for them to do where pre-op testing was concerned.

Bedside manner is so subjective... Dr. Pleatman did not impress me as "warm and fuzzy", but I found his concern to be quite genuine, and his self-confidence to be comforting. I got the impression that he expects his patients to take responsibility for being informed about their procedure, and to be forthright and diligent in their recovery and ongoing self-care. As such, he may not be the best choice for someone who requires a lot of hand-holding, but as I said earlier, it was a great match for me.

My first impression was that he was a very serious man with dry sense of humor. He also struck me as very competent as he stuck all of his surgeries and results up on the wall along with any complications, etc.

My impression is the same only now I know he is extremely competent and really a nice, caring guy.

His office staff is fabulous. Jo and Karen are knowledgable and extremely helpful no matter what the question. Very personable too. Joan the nutritionist is very nice and competent. Adele, Dr. Pleatman's patient coordinator (and wife too) is very nice and helpful and will do whatever she can for you.

Dr. Pleatman does go over the risks of surgery. He does have a structured aftercare program plus anytime you need him, he is accessible.

His surgical competence is excellent--the bedside manner is fine, too, but I really like the competent factor! I highly recommend him to anyone.

My first impression of Dr Pleatman was that he is quiet, soft spoken and to the point. He is very knowlegable. I did alot of researching of him once my insurance provided his name as a one of their preferred surgeons. I wanted my surgery done laparoscopically, and he is highly skilled in that type of surgery. His office staff are wonderful to work with and very efficient. He places a big emphasis on aftercare and has a structured program. He was very willing to address all my questions and concerns about the surgery. Overall I would have to say that he is an excellent surgeon. I have no regrets with chosing him.

I haven't actually met with him yet, but I attended a seminar given by him and have made my appointment to meet with him Aug. 16.

Dr. Pleatman seems very competent. I have had the opportunity to meet with him several times because of insurance prerequisites. I feel very comfortable with him and trust him.

The staff is wonderful, they are very helpful and friendly.

My first impression was very good. He is very knowledgable and helpful. His staff is excellent as well. They treat you like they have known you forever, like you are their only patient. Aftercare is very important. His wife runs a support group that meets once a month and they make every effort to get to know each person personally. They are also very concerned about what supplements to take and have a dietician on staff to help with any food or nutrient issues. I would rate my experience so far as excellent. I would recommend Dr. Pleatman to anyone. I think surgical competence is most important, but bedside manner is almost important, if for no other reason than setting a patient's mind at ease. I think Dr. Pleatman possesses both.

He is very to-the-point -- not one for chit chat.

Office staff is top notch. This played a part in my choosing Dr. Pleatman.

There is very little not to like about him. At my first appt, he showed me before and after photos of someone around my age, weight, and shape. Helped put my expectations in order.

He does Roux-en-Y and Lap-Band, both laparoscopically.

2 years unlimited aftercare (dr visits, nutritionist, office staff, support group, etc) is included in his "program fee". Instead of making you go thru unnecessary testing (which raises insurance costs for all of us in the long run -- my editorial), he charges an out-of-pocket fee of $3500. Financing is available at 7.5% per year with $1000 down (due 2 weeks before surgery). Monthly support group meeting that he attends regularly as well.

I was already up-to-speed on all the risks, but he showed me data on all complications from his surgeries and explained each case adequately. No deaths in 2+ years of doing this surgery.

I am glad I made the choice to have this surgery, and the choice of this surgeon. I actually have to drive for about an hour to reach his office and the support group while there are others who are much closer, but I feel confident that this is a skilled surgeon who reallly cares about his patients.

I like the smallness of everything. It makes it all so much more personal. His staff is very caring. The person in the office who arranges everything is Jo. As I left the office after the pre-surgery visit, she asked me to call after the surgery because she wanted to know how I was doing...and I knew that this was a real and personal request. She handled EVERYTHING with the insurance company. Now, I have a great company and didn't expect problems, but I knew that they would take of anything that came up, and they did.

Dr. Pleatman holds an outstanding presurgery session where he explains all about surgery and ALL the options, including the ones that he doesn't do himself. He is a laproscopic surgeon, and as I am recovering (It is now 9 days post-op) I realize that I have experienced so much less pain, discomfort and difficulty than friends who have a traditional surgery. I was only in the hospital for one night, and already I am feeling like getting out of the house and doing something.

Dr. Pleatman has had many years doing laproscopic surgeries, but he has only been doing lap bands and RNY for two years. There is a support group and dietician, but they are very new. There is a "program fee" that you must pay from your own money to support these things.

His information seminar is great. Tells you everything you want to know.

His office staff is the best -- they will answer all of your questions at any time. They also have a website and he gets right back with you if you have a question.

They have a support group that meets monthly. The first meeting was on the day I had surgery -- Wanted to go, but was not up to it. I can't wait for my first meeting.

They have a someone who will help you with any and all diet issue.

Dr. Pleatman takes the time to answer any and all questions.

I was impressed with the seminar he put on. He shared his cases with us and explained in detail, how he felt about each surgery.
My opinion hasn't changed yet, I've only met him twice.
His staff are very friendly. One of his nurses recently had the lap-band surgery and was very open to any questions I may have.
Nothing
He's young, and straight to the point. His first question was what do you want? Then why do you want that?
Haven't really gotten there yet. He did mention that it is important to be careful with how I swallow, not wanting to vomit alot.
He explained that there is always a risk with any surgery requiring general anesthesia.
not there yet.

Dr Pleatman is pretty intense about you being as informed as you can be. His website is wonderful. He seems to have a pretty dry sense of humor and that's hard to read at times. But I really felt like he was the best guy to do my surgery.
His office staff is wonderful.
They have a support group and a web supprot group.
I'd rate him high on all counts.I'd say his surgical skills are above all others. I didn't have pain after surgery & very little gas pain.