Pamela Foster Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Dr. Foster did my lap band surgery some 13 or 14 years ago. She saved my life. I weighed 218 and I stay steady at around 125lbs. I see her every couple of years for a band adjustment. Dr. Foster is very open, forthright with the information, brilliant, extremely nice and informal - great bedside manner. I would recommend her to anybody.

My opinion in regards to Doctor Foster: She was great for my gastric bypass, 10 yrs ago. I was very disappointed when I resent called her office made an appointement to see if I qualifyed for a revition surgery.In her own words... I needed to loose the weight by eating less. And not to call her office until I did. If I could loose the weight on my own, I wouldnt need the surgery. Very rude, I was very very disappointed. I am sure my insurance will cover the revition, but I will not do it with her.

Dr Foster is wonderful! When I first met her she was very informative and made me feel very comfortable. There is are no questions that she is unwilling to answer. She really tried to discuss my specific needs rather than prescribing a generic plan. I had my RNY on 6/11/12 and she visited me in my room twice and stayed while I ate my meal to chat about how it felt (I had some uncomfortable chest pains when consuming liquids.). She always makes me feel that she cares about my journey and genuinely wants me to be sucessful. Not every doctor will be right for everyone, but I definitely feel as though I have found the right doctor for me!

Upon my first meeting with Dr. Foster in Oct., 2011, I knew she was the right doctor for me! She's smart as a whip, compassionate, no nonsense and kind. she sugar coats nothing, explains things to a "T" and I have complete trust in her. bypass surgery is scheduled for April 16th, 2012, and I went last wk. for all my pre op admission, meetings/ and final check up. She was firm about me loosing 30 lbs before my surgery....i was afraid I wouldn't be able to do it...but I did! ( I lost 66 as of last wk)...I'm feeling better, she was extremely pleased...and that will just help along the process even more...she "lit the fire" and got me motivated! Thank you DR FOSTER!!!! You are good for me!!!!

Dr. Foster is the best!!! Like the other reviewers, you have to be honest with Dr. Foster and follow her plan. You also need to be committed to this new lifestyle. Dr. Foster does not sugar coat anything! She is a straight shooter, and firm. Her bedside manner is very caring, sweet and comforting. She was right there by my side. She is my Angel. Thank you Dr. Foster, you saved my life. I would HIGHLY recommend her to everyone. You rock Dr. Foster as a beautiful person with great communication, and as a Rockstar Surgeon!

Dr. Foster is amazing! She has taken the time to explain everything in detail since the first day I walked in her office and continues to give me "personalized" time each time I go back for a fill. She clearly outlined what the expectation was on my part and keeps me accountable without being judgemental. I feel very priviledged to have found Dr. Foster. (Thanks Jim for the referral!)

Here's my story-- every word is true-- I got turned down by another Dr. because the ding dong psychologist on his team told him I would turn into an alcoholic. I don't even drink. That whole situation broke my heart.

So I got on OH, researched hospitals and chose El Camino because it has great reviews and is "center of excellence", which is real important to my insurance company.

So then, we were sitting around at work one night, 3 in the morning, and I told my co-workers I found the hospital but no surgeon. So one of my co-workers said "we can fix that". She called up El Camino at 3 in the morning, asked to speak to the floor that takes care of WLS patients. Nurse answers the phone and she says to her-- "My friend is thinking of having gastric bypass. If it were you, which doctor would you want?" The nurses working that night all said PAMELA FOSTER. "There you go-- there's your surgeon. "

OMG, she's great. I really lucked up when I got this GEM. And now, I am so happy that ding dong and company turned me down.

I'm 10 days post-op lap gastric bypass and have had no problems. I haven't needed to call Dr. Foster for anything but I know in my heart I could call her in the middle of the night if I needed her. That right there says a lot, I think. She really does care about me and wants me to succeed and be healthy.

She took her time with me. First visit, I think, was about an hour. She is very informative, explains everything and encourages questions.

I researched her on the net, OH, you know-- I snooped around and found out as much as I possibly could about her. All was positive. When I got on that operating table that morning, I knew I was in very good hands.

Literally, I do believe this woman has saved my life. I am so fortunate to have her.

That office staff is wonderful too. Yvette is her co-ordinator. When I call, I usually get to talk to her. On the rare occasion that I have to leave a message, she calls me right back. That's very important to me too. You know? Especially if something comes up that has me scared or worried. Knowing I won't be put off is very important.



I posted the above just after my surgery in October 2010. My heaviest weight, I guestimate was 420. I am now 216 and still losing. I have had NO problems. You have no idea how happy I am and how grateful I am to Dr. Foster and her staff for giving me my life back.

She is tough but the best possible match-up for me! I'm now 4 years post-op, I do what she says and I'm down about 170 pounds. She taught me to think of food as fuel. It's like putting gas in your car. I have my life back. I'm extremely active and I look and feel 20 years younger.

She's a wonderful Doctor with lot's of patience and a good attitude toward all and an awesome track record...I would recommend her to anyone!!!

I really do not have anything negative to say about Dr. Foster. She is very honest and tells you the way it is; no fluff. She is very good a taking time to talk with you regarding your issues and has a lot of suggestions. She listens to you and tries to tailor her suggestions to you, not just give you the \"blanket suggestion\", or one size fits all. I am 6 years out (this Nov) and I saw her last year and she remembered e, although I have not been back to see her in 5 years. She also said that she was happy to talk to my new Dr (I changed insurances so I have to go to a Kaiser surgeon). The only thing I would suggest is a better long term support program.