Pamela Foster Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

My husband and I met with Dr Foster for the consult visit. She seemed very caring and well informed. I have to admit that I did struggle with having to lose weight before the surgery. I have some physical problems so it was difficult to exercise as much as I would of liked to in helping me lose the weight. Dr Foster was understanding and I felt comfortable in talking to her about my concerns.
Her staff was very friendly and caring.
During my hospital stay Dr Foster was very caring and attentive to my questions.
I felt that the hospital does a great job to get you registered and the pre-surgery classes were very helpful.
I feel that the aftercare could be stronger. I am alittle over one month out and still feel sort of lost in terms of - "it this normal" "does everyone have these feelings" But I do think that connecting with someone from the support groups and emailing is very helpful...
Overall I feel that Dr Foster, her staff, the hospital and staff all do a fine job.

My first visit with Dr. Foster was excellent! She is very straight forward and to the point, no monkey business. She appeared very confident and competent and was enjoyable to visit with as well.
She takes pride in doing a good job to help you understand WLS and what will be expected of you pre and post-op. My other visits with her were the same I lost 14 lbs on my 2nd visit and then 1 lb on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th staying on the downward ceurve was important to her even tho it was only 1 lb. It was very frustrating to me tho. The date was set and I the insurance was approved on already on the 5th visit and i was scheduled for 12-8-03. This all happened one day before my 50th birthday, I expressed that i was going out for my birthday and she told me if my friends actually cared about me they would take me out to do something fun and not make it food. That was funny of course we had planned a big dinner. My next visit was my preop in 20 days and I was informed that she would not tolereate me gaining weight, in fact if i gained i would have my surgery cancelled. She is very matter of fact you need to help yourself and prepare for the surgery correctly. My preop was scheduled the day before Thanksgiving. Oh I thought I will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunatly or maybe fortunatly she was held up in surgery and the preop was rescheduled to 12-5. Now I really had to be good, and I was down 7 lbs when i had my preop. Surgery day 12-8-03, I am still not believing that it is all happening I was sure I would wake up from the anesthetic and be told sorry we could not do your surgery. Was I surprised I woke up and all was done and it was done by lap and I was fine. It went so easy... Thanks to Dr Foster and a great anesthesiologist. He said I just gave you a little something to relax you and that was all I remember.
That night was a little difficult nothing to swollow I was so dry, but it passed quickly and 8 am down to xray for the dye test. I was so suprised there was Dr. Foster greeting me how was your night , how are you doing. Explained the test introduced the radiologist stayed through the test and after to explain the results and show me the films. WOW!! She expected my best and she gave her best and more!! I am an LVN and haved worked in the medical field since i was 16. I would recommed her to anyone she is an excellent surgeon she follows her patients through all the steps to prepare and with follow thru. On a scale of 1-10 i would rate her a 20...

The moment I met Dr.Foster, I liked her immediately. She was very warm, friendly, genuine and sincere. The office staff has been extremely professional and personable.
I started my WLS journey at UCSF and was very unhappy because of the unprofessionalism and lack of concern with their staff. I spoke with my primary care physician about my concerns and she immediately referred me to Dr.Foster's office. I'm sure glad she did because I've been extremely happy from the first day I called. The surgery coordinator, Yvette, has been exceptionally helpful and was able to work with my insurance to get me approved without a hitch! Although this site recommends stating anything negative, I really don't have anything negative to say about Dr.Foster or her staff. It's been a great experience since I've transferred to her office.

I am currently three plus weeks post-op and I am feeling fantastic. Looking back at this journey I have taken for the last six months I have to thank Dr. Foster because when we I first met her I had already lost about twenty pounds and showed her that I was very serious about the procedure. She was very honest and put all the cards on the table; She said that this is not the end all to be all. You have to make a 100%commitment to a complete lifestyle change and follow the directions and advice she offers; and I have to the letter. As I am writing this I have lost almost 70 pounds nearly 40% of the goal I have set to lose. I could not have done this without Dr. Foster's help.

The gastric bypass procedure is not a diet into itself and I do not recommend for everybody unless you are willing to put in the time and effort and education necessary for this life altering (and I can not emphasize this enough) change.

I give Dr. Foster my highest recommendation; She is a top shelf professional and is serious about her job and the care of her patients.

She can be blunt and a little abrasive but she is usually right in her advice and assessments. She is very careful and protective about patient safety and well being.

I haven't met with Dr. Foster as of yet. My appointment is scheduled for 12/12. Michelle from her office was very helpful.

I like Dr. Foster right away. I thought that she was very nice and direct with her answers. The more I talked with her the more I liked her. I felt very comfortable with her. She went over her concerns with me about my surgery and what she might or might not do, She was very detailed about the surgery and the aftercare. She did go over the risks of the surgery and the most common complications that can arise. I feel very confident with her being my surgeon. I think that she has a great bedside manner and I think that she will do great with my surgery.

What can I say about Dr. Foster? She is an incredibly sympathetic person who seems truly interested in my success in this surgery. She sets the standards high and makes sure that you are really prepared to go through the surgery. She takes her time to explain everything and has never rushed me through the process. I love her manner with both my husband and I, I can honestly say that she is a joy to have as a surgeon and I am so lucky to have found her!

My impression of Dr. Foster is that she is very straight forward. She understands the expectations that I have of her as a surgeon and she was just as forthcoming about her expectations of me as a patient. She took a long time going over the surgical risks and made sure I understood them.

She is a stickler about losing weight prior to scheduling anyone for surgery.

As far as aftercare goes, she does have a structured program that she explains in detail.

My only complaint is that her office is extremely busy. I have found that Tuesday's are the best days for appointments. Also if you need to contact Yvette, her surgical coordinator, it is best to do it by email.

"SHE THE BEST EVERY"
8/02 Had some trouble and Doctor Foster was right there making sure everything was taken care of properly. Even though she had to send me back to Stanford she was there every day while I was in the hosp. She's great and if there is anyone who wants this done I, Say take Doctor Foster in on your side and you'll get the best care out there.
02/07/02 Saw Dr. foster she was great made me feel like she really cared about me!! But she was very upfront with me about everything and wants me to start as of today to lose my 10%. so we can get a date in August. The greatest Birthday gift to myself!! update 3/28/02 Lost my 10% and got a date of JUNE 3. The staff was just great friend and helpful.... They all really care about you. Ya the worse news every she's leaving Stanford!!! Anyone want a great surgeon well she moving to Mills/Peninsula!
update 6/7/02 She is a really caring person and tries hard to help everyone! If anyone wants the best around go to Dr.P.Foster. She will be within the Mills/Peninsula area. I would do it all over again If I need to as long as Doc Foster was my doctor.