Michael Melkonian Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

I first met Dr. Melkonian in October 2003, and I immediatly loved him; I felt very comfortable with my decision to persue WLS. He was very informative and upfront with risks and benefits of the surgery.

My first impression of Dr Melkonian was that he was asolutely great. He answered any question that I had throughly! His nurse Nita was also wonderful. The front office staff could do better, but as far as the ones I have to deal with, (Dr Melkonian and Nita), I couldn't have picked a better Dr. He was straight foward and I like that.

Dr. M. is confident, thorough, personable and professional. I've only seen him at the intro seminar but I would feel comfortable seeing him as a patient.

I think Dr. Melkonian is the greatest! Although in the beginning he came across as a little rushed, he is still actually very informative and willing to listen to any and all questions I have for him! (Before, During and After) He has stressed what is best to do and what is not a good idea to try... His nurses are very sweet and caring! There was one lady who handled insurance in his office who was RUDE! She actually hung up on me once! But I was afraid to say anything to her because I did not want my insurance approval slowed down or messed up... Plus, she is just one bad apple in a bushel basket of shiny good ones! Dr. Melkonian has been outstanding through the entire process! He really wants you to be a success! He is willing to see you if you even suspect you might have a problem! WONDERFUL SURGEON to deal with! So even if he seems rushed the first time you meet him, hang in there... He really does care!

I had an appointment with Dr. Melkonian today 11/12/2003. From the moment I walked through the doors I felt comfortable. The front office staff was very personable. I arrived early for paper work and soon was greeted by Nita the nurse, who was as lovely as I'd thought she'd be. I've read alot of nice comments about her in this forum. Dr Melkonian came in and introduced himself and without hesitatation began to tell me about the procedure and the risks. I was impressed with his knowledge and understanding of my situations with my battle to lose weight. He assurred me that I met all the criteria for WLS. Now only to convince the insurance company. He made me feel relaxed and was more than eager to answers any questions that I had.

Later this afternoon I received a call from Liz, she had contacted Aenta and told me that they will pay 90% so now all I have to pay is $350.00 by my second office visit.

She said Nita will have my file and begin my approval process. Which may take a couple of weeks. Now I need to get busy and get my Psy Evaluation and appt with the nuitrionist. I pray all goes smoothly.

I would recommend Dr.Melkonian. I was also ectastic when I went to the front desk today to sign in, above my name was a lady by Denise Huey. I have read Denise's story and I knew that she recently had the surgery. As I was fixing to go back she came out the door :) I knew if was her from her pics posted on this site. I just wanted to say you look great. Keep it up :)

Met Dr. M today, he was personable, precise, and professional. I left the office relaxed and sure of myself and what was expected of me. Now the long journey of getting all the documentation together so I can get a surgery date.......

Dr. Melkonian was extremely informative. He is very blunt about the complications and risks and about what he expects from you. I liked that. He answered all of my questions and didn't act like he was rushed at all. His office staff was very nice and helpful. Nita his assistant is the best.

I have only met Dr. Melkonian once but I got a great feeling of assurance that he knows what he is doing. I have read several comments that hes not warm and fuzzy etc. however my opinion is different I feel as if he has a true compassion. I liked him, his knowledge and bedside manner. All of his staff seem to be personable and curteous. I have always gotten a return call or prompt answer.SO FAR SO GOOD> I will update you guys after my surgery okay ? (with more details)

9-16-03
This is the day that I met with Dr. Melkonian...
First as I checked in, the ladies up front greeted me and asked me to sign in, they were in the process of training a new lady, and this is important because, some of the ladies that work there(and I wont name any names) need to re-evaluate what they do for a living and if you dont like your job, PLEASE for the sake of all the pt's in that office, find another job!!! We need someone there with kindness, understanding, and compassion.
Anyways...the teo ladies that were there, were VERY kind and very helpful..this was at the Matthews office...
I had a little bit of a wait...but as I waited in the reception area, I was able to gather my thoughts on what I wanted to ask the doctor when i met him. my appt was @2:00, I didnt get taken back until like 2:30...the Dr. Melkonian came in around 2:35 I introduced myself and he introduced his=self. He went through the process, we went through all my papers (and I had EVERYTHING) he was very impressed. As I was with him...I am glad he will be my surgeon, he is very confident, and full of knowledge. Now is the waiting part, for the most waiting, it will be waiting on the ladies to dictate what Dr. M and I discussed in our room and then mail off all that and my insurace requirments and I was told that in itself takes 2 months...then they give insurance 3-6 months for an approval. I cant believe its gonna take that long...geeeeezzz all in all though, if I get an approval..its worth it.. I will try to keep you all posted...

So funny, the first surgeon I called, the one here in Charlotte that was recommended to me, the one I thought I couldn't afford...? He is now my surgeon, or at least I pray to God he will be my surgeon. I misunderstood or something the upfront financial requirements so I moved on to another doc instead of Dr. Melkonian...but my journey lead me back to where I started, must have been meant to be! I can't wait until the 26th of Sept.!

9/17/03 Well, all my paperwork is done...and then some! 9 days until my appt. with Dr. Melkonian. I have been so impressed with Dr. Melkonian from the seminar and support group meeting. You know, he's not getting paid to stay late for these things and he has a new wife to go home to. He truly cares about what he is doing, and he really believes in what he is doing. He is very confident, but not cocky with a "I am God" ego. I've heard people say he isn't very warm and fuzzy, but I gotta tell you, I don't want him to be my best friend, I want him to be my best surgeon. I have not had direct contact with him yet, but his interaction with current and passed patients does seem personable, genuine, and sincere.