Michael Todd Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

I knew that Dr. Michael Todd was going to be my choice for a surgeon when I walked into his office and saw the picture of the Savior guiding the hand of the surgeon. This surgery decision was a difficult one, but knowing that Dr. Todd was receptive to the promptings from God touch my soul and gave me comfort. Dr. Todd is a remarkable man. Each time I visit with him I like and appreciate him more. He was compassionate with me and was willing to answer my many questions. He has taken excellent care of me and anticipated many of my needs before I did. Thank you Dr. Todd and your wonderful staff. My only regret was being too drugged to see and talk with him before my actual surgery. I am very grateful for all the support that has been available here in Anchorage.

I met Dr. Todd on July 23, 2001. He shared the technical details and many of the "scary" aspects of the surgery. After meeting us only once Dr. Todd seems to genuinely care about us, and was eager to answer any questions we had. I left my appointment with a sense that my life is going to change completely, it will be difficult but very worth it! Dr. Todd and his staff did a very thorough job explaining everything to me, what to expect, things that I will go through after surgery, and last ...ughh... all the places the bills will be coming from. They were all great!
Even if these comments don't help with constructive criticism, I would like to let anyone who reads this know; Dr. Todd really helps you to feel that this intake meeting is is the first step to begining a whole new life for myself!8-23-01

I met with Dr. Todd August 16,2001, nd I was very impressed from the beginning. The staff is very helpful.and understanding. The physical was thorough and the tests to do before surgery shows me that he wants to cover all the bases. I am comfortable enough to put my life in his hands......I am starting my testing this friday...wish me luck.....hope to have a surgery date soon! Lori Mason

I had my first appointment with Dr. Todd on the 2nd of August. He was very kind and gentle, and very willing to answer all of my questions. I felt as if I were important to him; and not just another number. He and his staff including Donna, and Elizabeth are compassionate, non-judgemental people. I feel safe and comfortable in their care.

I met Dr. Todd while on duty at the hospital where I work. He was involved in a code situation, and I watched how he interacted with the staff as they all did their part in running the code. After it was all over, Dr. Todd took the time to stay around to finish up last minute charting and dictating, and I assisted him in finding what he needed to accomplish that. He was grateful for the help, and humble about his role. I have not found anything about him to dislike. It is pretty hard to dislike someone who exudes the kind of compassion he shares with others. At my first appointment with him, with a group meeting before hand, Dr. Todd mentioned that his relationship with his patients did not stop when the last suture healed (my words), but that we would each become attached at the hip (his words) during the recovery stage and beyond as each of us would become surrogate (my words) family to each other and each new person who signed up for the surgery. He emphasized the importance of support...even for life, as being key to successful weight loss and maintenance afterward. I believe he is right. When talking with Dr. Todd privately, he drew the picture of how he performs the surgery, where he cuts and how much intestine is bipassed. He answered every question I had in plain terms, and did not seem rushed to get on to the next item at hand. He spoke his dictation while interviewing me, so that I knew what he was saying was not only true, but accurate as well. It's like being able to read a completed patient chart after everything is typed up. Only that never happens in a doctors office. Dr. Todd discussed the risks associated with the surgery itself, and the long term affects, bad and good, it can have on the patient. He emphasized that compliency with the program as is layed out in the program, is just as important to healing and success, as any other component of the actual surgery.In other words, he will do his part as the surgeon, but I am expected to do my part as the patient if I am to see the kind of success that I want. He warned that even with surgery, the weight could be gained back over time if life style changes were not inacted and practised. It seemed to me to be direct and to the point. Dr. Todd explained the risks associated with the WLS as well as with any general surgery, and was up front about complications that could arise. Overall I rate Dr. Todd right up there with other surgeons I know professionally, as to his competency and technique. I am certain he will be the among the gold standard in bariatric surgeons. And as the number of patients continue to grow, he will become very sought after...after all the best advertisement is word of mouth, and his patients love him! I expect my doctor to be more than just competent. I want him (or her) to be personable too. He fits the bill in both areas.

Well I had my first appointment with Dr. Todd
on July 3rd. It was a group meeting with two other lovely ladies. The first impression I received from Dr. Todd was that he was a very emotional and caring man. Over the coarse of my first appointment he was really
concerned with answering all of our questions. Then we split up for our individual meetings. And again he was very wonderful. I felt so comfortable with the
knowledge he has. As for they staff they are very kind and compassionate with everything.
From taking your vitals to giving you all the information you need to the financial aspect of things. Future patients should know that he is there to help you and not judge you by your size. He lays all the risks of surgery but also all the benefits from having this major procedure. I give him
a 100 in my book. I have only began my journey with him and his staff. I thank you
so much Dr. Todd, Donna,& Elizabeth and the rest of his staff. Oh by the way Dr. Todd I do appreciate the hug I received from you before and after our appointment. It touched my heart very much. Thanks Again :)--------

7-21-01: I would like to thank Dr. Todd and his wonderful office staff for staying on top of everyone's health insurance. From giving out clinical information,to dealing with the approvals and fighting all denials for everyone interested in bettering their own life. The whole office is extermely caring, compassionate and so interest in helping others. The last time I felt so comfortable at a doctors office was when I delivered my two kids. I love the emotional involvement from Dr. Todd, Donna, Dena, Jaime and Elizabeth. I hope I got everyone if no I'm sorry. :)

My first visit with Dr. Todd was in Jan. 2001. I was mainly searching for help for my 16 year old son, who was at 321 lbs and growing. After my son, decided to have his surgery, I thought and re-thought whether or not I should have mine. I almost did not go through with it, but decided to not only for my self but as support for him as well.
Dr. Todd and his staff are extremely helpful. They have all sorts of information readily available to you so that you can make an informed decision. They are sticklers for detail, there is a list of tests and/or exams that Dr. Todd requires you to have and although at first it seemed wasteful, it is extremly important. It is not uncommon to wonder why you have to have so many tests done, when you are normally healthy except for being obese...that is the key, Dr. Todd and his staff make every effort to make sure of just that fact, that you are healthy and there are no underlying reasons for your poor health other than your obesity.
As for an aftercare program I am only 8 days post op, from my experience so far it has not been easy but the days are definitely getting better.

Dr. Todd's surgical competence is beyond approach, his bedside manner sometimes can seem a bit gruff or rough but he does not forget the commitment that you made to yourself by getting this procedure done and he knows that after surgery we are at our weakest point and it is easy for us to question our decisions so it is his responsibility as our caregiver to not only care for us but support and even prod us along if he has to...

To me that means committment, not just on a professional surgeon to patient level but on a personal Michael Todd to Maggie level, and that helps to take those continuous hard steps toward recovery.

My initial consult with Dr. Todd was very interesting. I thought that I had learned a lot about this proceedure, but he still had more to tell me. He was very patient in the group meeting so that he could answer our questions in detail. The Center is a very busy place and I'm sure it is difficult to take the time needed with everyone. I have great respect for all the work that goes into each patient. Everyone is very thorough and they all know what they are doing.I have no worry about leaving myself in their capable hands. My only wish is that everything could be in MY TIME!

Dr Todd--you just cant say enough about the way he and his staff make you feel. They instantly make you feel like they care. And the honestly do! Every visit has left me with a great feeling in my heart. Donna,Beth,Jaime
-all open , honest and most of all make you feel special.
After care is very important to Dr Todd and staff. That is gone over and over with from the first appointment.
I do believe I could draw my surgery on paper-Dr Todd has gone over and over what will happen and drawn it many times.Risks of course are told to you in geat length.
Overall I feel that I am in great hands with Dr Todd and that if something was to happenhe would go to extremes to see me trough them.
It is hard to find a Dr with the love he radiates to his patients. I honestly believe
he has a heart the size of Alaska!

I'm very happy with Dr. Todd and office staff, everyone is very caring and helpful and supportive. I'm very little with words but I got to tell God Bless Dr. Todd and his office staff for work so hard and patiently with everyone.