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

The first time I met Dr. Watson he was professional, very factual, and not especially animated. The second time he was a little more personable, but not especially nuturing or overly friendly, just "business like", which was fine with me. I was looking for a qualified doctor, not a "mother". The day of surgery he was smiling, friendly and I saw much more personality then I had seen during the office visits. The day after surgery he was beaming. Everything went well and you could tell that he was pleased. The only concerns that I had came with the lack of knowledge about lapband patients once I was on the floor. The day of surgery one of the nurses asked if I would like a "Sprite"!

I met with Dr Watson and found him very knowledgable. He took his time explaining the procedure and asked multiple times if I had any questions. He has a team that you meet with David who handles insurance (he was pleasant and gave specific timeline to getting approval), Michelle the dietitian, who has had and older version of gastric banding, she was very nice and informative about the post op diet which was very restricted immediately post op. Dr Watson's nurse Lois was the last person I met she was very sweet. My over all experience was a good one. Except the process of getting the appointment was long.

I really like Dr. Watson. He is a little quiet but definitely took the time to answer all of my questions.

I would describe his office staff as extremely friendly and helpful. I met with the dietician,insurance coordinator and scheduling nurse. They were all very informative and seemed to care about me as a person rather than nameless patient.

I would rate Dr. Watson very high.

Addition - I went into my pre-op appointment armed with a 4 page list of questions for Dr. Watson. He was very patient in answering every single question that I had. He also did a great job explaining the surgery in detail to my mother and soothing her doubts. Also,I feel that he did a great job during my stay in the hospital.

I changed doctor's so now I have to wait until I get an appointment scheduled. Will update as soon as I meet and if I like him and I decide to go thorough with it. By the way I am interested in the Lap-Band, since it can be reversed.
Last Night I went to the Seminar at St. Pauls Hospital and met Dr. David Provost, I was very impressed with him and the Insurance person David, and met Lois Hill. All answered my questions and infact since I already sent in my questionaire, I was called this morning with an appointment scheduled for this Friday. How great does it get. today's date is 4/23/2003. So I am meeting Dr. Watson for consultation for 4/25/2003 at 8:30 am. Well Dr. Watson was called away on a family emergency and I was not able to meet with him. I was rescheduled for May 9th. Everyone was nice and my parking was paid for by the office for my inconvience. I do understand that things happen. May 9th---I met Dr. Watson and he was so nice and helpful. I listened to everything he said and he answered all of my questions on the Lap-Band (which I was already sure that is the procedure that I wanted) and so was David and Lois and the Dietitian. The aftercare was stressed and re-stressed. I met Both Dr. Provost and Dr. Watson, and they both seem caring. But it was stressed that this is only a tool, not the solution (the surgery) I am very impressed with both doctor's. But I picked Watson since the wait was shorter and the Hospital is quicker etc; etc; I know I want this operation more than I can describe.

What was your first impression of him/her?
Very knowledgeable, not condescending at all. Didn't make me feel uncomfortable about my size. Warm and approachable.

How did your impression change over time?
Have only met once so far.

How would you describe his/her office staff?
Polite but very busy.

What did you like least about him/her?
Nothing yet.

What should future patients know about him/her?
Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask whatever questions you might have.

How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
Very little. This was mostly addressed by the nutritionist.

Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?
Support meetings are available.

How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
Honestly.

How would you rate him/her overall?
At this point, (pre-op) a 10 out of 10.

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside
manner, or both great?
Neither yet.