Neil Floch Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

My first Consult was with Dr. Tran (Bridgeport, CT) August 2002
My first impression was that he seemed kind of young. But, I suppose that's cause I'm getting older.

He seemed very knowledgeable and drew diagrams for me as we spoke about the surgery. He was very respectful and made sure that he answered all my questions.
His office staff was very courteous and helpful. I filled out forms there and spoke with his secretary several times.

Dr. Tran is a Trauma Surgeon trying to get a new program started at the Bridgeport Hospital. Even though he does not have a program up and running yet he does have an aftercare group set up and ready to go. He does insist on attending support group meetings after surgery.

He addressed the risks of surgery, as with any surgery there are risks. I personally am willing to take the risks to get out of this vicious cycle of weight loss/weight gain.


3/27/03

I want to make sure that everyone realizes that this is my personal experience with Dr Tran's office, I'm sure someone must have had an easier time with them. I'm just disappointed that all this time has been wasted while waiting for him to get started.

I am currently looking for another surgeon. I met with Dr. Tran Aug of Last year and was told that the program for Bpt Hosp. had not yet been approved, but that it was due to be approved in a month or two. I called regularly about every month and a half to check on the progress. I was told In Sept. that it would be Oct or Nov. In Nov. I was Told Dec or Jan. finally I called back in the beginning of March and was told that the program had indeed started and the first surgeries were done. I asked why I wasn't contacted as I was told I would be one of the first 10 or so to have this surgery done in this program.
They had no records of mine (lost?), I faxed all my information and had to leave the State on a family emergency. Upon returning about a week and a half later I called to find out the status of my surgery and was told they never received my records. I went out and purchased a fax machine for my home, refaxed all the paperwork and called to make sure they got the information. Finally, they had it! I spoke to Dr. Tran on the phone who told me that I had to meet with the nutritionist again kind of like starting from square one again and then another first meeting with him before the surgery could be scheduled.
To make a very long story short, I followed up and waited for return calls. I feel sorry for the receptionist. No one returns calls so I'm sure she gets all the irate calls from patients wondering why they are not being contacted. Finally, I have decided I am not satisfied with the treatment that I have received so far, and am questioning the capability of the program and their ability to provide the care necessary. Maybe once they get a little better organized, at this time I feel the program is too new, especially with all the lost records and un-returned phone calls. How would it be post-op???

I am not giving up on WLS, I am just going to look into other Doctors with programs that work more smoothly, that would give me the confidence to believe that they will be professional and competent surgically as well as compassionate with the follow up care.
Everything in life happens for a reason, I'm certain I'll find the right surgeon and program for me.

April 2003
I have switched to Floch Surgical Assoc. of Norwalk, CT.

I went to a seminar held by FSA at Norwalk Hospital April 8th at 7pm. This was very informative and a great setting for meeting the surgeons as well as previous patients. I didn't talk, just listened very carefully. I was impressed with both the surgeons that were there, Dr. Neil Floch and Dr. Tim Erlich. The presentation was very informative and professional as were the handouts. Most of my questions were answered when other people in attendance asked their questions. There were several previous patients in attendance who were very helpful in answering questions. You could tell they were all very pleased with their surgery, their choice of Doctors and the changes that were taking place in their lives.

My appointment to meet with Dr. Floch & Dr. Ehrlich was scheduled for April 9th. After the seminar I was totally ready for the appointment. I met with Dr. Erlich and Dr. Floch, both are very willing to answer any and all questions about the surgery as well as anything else you might like to ask. Both are very personable and easy to talk to. They relate easily to the problems of overweight people who have been through all the weight loss/gain cycles in their life and are looking for a solution to the problem.
I am so excited to have met the people at Floch Surgical Associates. I feel like this can be the beginning of my "New" life. I look forward to finishing all the testing and getting on with the rest of it.Getting the Insurance approval, setting a date and finally having the surgery.
I know that no one is perfect, but so far I have nothing negative to say.
Oh I guess if I have to... their office is in a building with several other Doctors and the parking is less than desirable. :::sigh:::
If that's the only problem then there are no problems!
Thank you! Dr. Erlich & Dr. Floch for caring so much.

First impression, young, second impression very good, very caring. Dr. Floch's staff is excellent, his office is about 45 minutes from my home but it was worth the drive to be treated so well. Office is nice, easy parking.
I was very nervous about taking such a drastic step but I can't say enough about Dr. Floch. He explained all the aspects of the work up, surgery and aftercare. His support staff (physiologist, nutritionist) are all very good and very helpful, both before and after surgery. He did spell out very plainly the pros and cons of this procedure.
At three weeks post surgery, I feel great and I would do it again in a heart beat. Dr. Floch is definitely a 10. He is supportive, more than competent and very caring.

I MET DR EHRLICH FIRST AT THE SEMINAR IN DANDURY AND MY FIRST IMPRESSION OF HIM WAS WONDERFUL. ONE WEEK LATER I HAD MY CONSULTATION WITH DR NEIL FLOCH. I FELT AT EASE WITH MY DECISION TO GO WITH THEIR PRACTICE. I AM NEW TO THIS STATE AND NOT FAMILIAR WITH DIFFERENT PROVIDERS AND HIS PA, JENN, WAS WONDERFUL AS WELL.

Last night I went to my mandetory seminar before my initial appointment next week. The surury will be taking place at Norwalk Hospital, since I had never visited there I was anxious to see what it was like. Dr. Neil Floch and his partner Dr. Tim Eldrich were amazing they answered everyone's questions and were available afterward for any others.
Alot was focused on the Lap-Band surgery, not a ton on bypass which left me disappointed, but I figured I could talk at greater length next week one on one.
Both seemed very knowledgable, and most importantly confident. I especially appreciated that they addressed the fact that neither of them had ever been heavy, that they had never walked a day in our shoes, that they were very empathetic to our needs. The packet and Questionaire folder did have a very detailed after care regimine, we were all assured that there would be all the help you could possibly need after. The only thing that was negative was the fact that the folder contained a ton of "bypass" info but the seminar itself barley touched on it.

Like him very much! Answered all of my questions. He made me feel comfortable. His office staff was very friendly and helpful

I was informed about Dr Floch from a friend who found is name on this web site. I made an intial call to his office and I was sent an information packet & told about a seminar that a Dr Fielding was gonna do at Norwalk Hospital. Dr Fielding is one of the pioneer surgeons in the lapband. After hearing Dr Fielding speak I had my mind made up that Lapband was for me.

I believe my 1st visit to Dr Floch was back in March. He went over everything about the Lapband, pros & cons & experience. He is a young surgeon and after talking to him I was very comfortable about handling my case. He needs experience to gain experince. His staff & himself have been totally profesional with me.

I scheduled all the visits with the specilists that I needed to see. I had to see a endocrinoligist, shrink, nutrionist. They all went well, and all Drs gave there consent for the surgery.

Month & half later I had my 2nd visit with Dr Floch and mentioned that a possible ulcer was detected in my stomach. He presribed Nexium to me. Also went ahead and scheduled me for surgery. I was given a June 16 date. The following week I was notified by Dr Floch's staff that I was approved for the Surgery.

2 weeks prior to my surgery I had my 3rd visit to Dr Floch. We went over the surgery and talked about a pre-surgery diet. He addressed a concern about how much easier it would be if I was able to lose some weight prior to my surgery. I lost about 10 pounds prior to my surgery.

On the day of my sugery I met Dr Floch & his partner Dr Ehrlich. We went over the surgery & a couple concerns that I had. He addressed my concerns & put me at ease. Gave me a strong hand shake. I saw him once again in the OR before I was knocked out and gave him a high five. I saw Dr Floch the next morning after my surgery and we talked about how well my surgery went. He told me out of scale of 1-10 in difficulty. I was an 8. I am not the smallest person he has operated on. He told me that I was gonna be doing test to see that everything is good then I would be discharged. The test was like an upper gi thing, where you have to swallow that nasty stuff.

I had my 1st post-op visit 5 days after the surgery. I was given clearance to return back to work. They were very pleased in how quick I am recovering. I am down 18lbs.

I first met Dr. Floch and Erlich at their information seminar, they are all awesome as well as their staff. My appointment was two days after the seminar and I met with Dr. Erlich who is great, answered all my questions and was eager to get things moving as quickly as possible. Jen who is their PA is also great, always returns phone calls and is a very sweet person. I am anxious for my surgery and look forward to dealing with Dr. Floch's office after my surgery.

My first impression of Dr. Floch, was that he was very nice, educated and well trained/experienced in laproscopic surgery. Which for me was more important than actual LapBand experience. He is even-tempered, doesn't have an arrogant bone in his body and is highly professional ( in the most pleasant sort of way). Right after my inital consultation, I went home and told my husband and children what a nice person Dr. Floch appeared to be (gorgeous too). The kids all in unison said "ooh daddy! mommy's in love with Dr. Floch." Then they met him and all agreed.

The first time I met with Dr. Neil Floch, I felt comfortable with him and I liked him very much. He trully cares about my health and comfort. I think he has a great staff, and they are very helpful and proffesional. I would recomend Floch Surgical Assoc. to anyone who is considering surgery of any kind. They care about the whole person, physically and mentaly, and your comfort is a major concern to them. They have support groups, and will give you as much or a little support as you feel you need or want. I have been under the care of both Drs. Neil and Craig Floch and I think they both are extremely competent and they have an excellent bedside manner. They are humorous and compasionate.

I had Lap-Band surgery on March 5, 2003 with Dr.s Floch and Erlich proctored by Dr. Fielding at Norwalk Hospital. I cannot say enough about my experiences both with Dr. Floch's office and his staff and with the Norwalk Hospital staff. I chose the band for a lot of reasons, but primarily because of the reduced risks involved. I am so happy with my choice and wouldn't go back for anything. I have lost 25 lbs. and 2 jeans sizes. I feel great and exercise just about every day.

Dr. Floch and Dr. Erlich and their staff are the most professional and compassionate people you could find. Both the doctors and Jen, (their PA) are kind, understanding and they all have a great sense of humor.

Aftercare with the band is crucial and the docs and their staff have been very supportive and we have genuinely worked together as a team to make my journey as successful as possible. They listen to me and take into consideration what I think is best for me and my situation.

I knew I was choosing great surgeons, but I couldnt have known what wonderful people they all are! (They're easy on the eyes too!) I cant thank Dr. Floch and his entire staff enough for all they have done for me and my family and giving me a solution to a lifelong problem.