Paul E. Macik Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

Dr. Macik made a very good first impression on me. He seemed really comfortable talking to us and was able to answer any questions we had - no matter how un-glorious. (Is that even a word??) He is very confident and has a really great poise. I feel comfortable with him, and know that he will perform to the best of his ability.

Went to my PCP on 5/6/02, and she is giving me a referral to Dr. Macik.

Had my first consultation 4/8 . Met Dr. Waits , who is in practice with Dr. Macik. Such a kind , caring , gentleman. Makes me think of what a grandfather figure would be like. Listened to questions, answered them honestly, no sugar coating. I really did like meeting him finally, all I've heard are glowing things about him and I see why now. Have not met Dr. Macik, who will be doing my surgery. But they operate as a "team", so I know I'll be in great hands. As far as Karen goes...she's a jewel!!! she knows what it takes to get you approved in the shortest amount of time possible. I know I wouldn't want her job, and I think she is incredible!!!!!

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I finally got to meet my surgeon on April 9th. I was actually prepared (from what other people had to say) to meet this stern man who didn't smile or seem to have a great bedside manner. He was totally the opposite. He gave me a stern handshake and proceeded to go over everything. In the process, he cracked a couple of jokes and was very friendly. His office staff were nice and very attentive to the patients that were there to see the doctor. He actually did not go into detail of the surgery. I have been researching the surgery for the past year and had a binder full of information from complications to success stories. The one thing that really did impress me and ease any doubts I had about surgery was that he stated yes he is my surgeon but after the surgery our relationship will not be over, it will just be beginning. So far (not having surgery yet) I would rate him a 7 to 7 1/2.

Dr. Macik is a quiet man. He practices with Dr. Waits. He does not sugar coat anything and tells like it is. Kinda funny but quiet. His office staff is great. They are great and very helpful. But they are very busy. All of the staff emphasize aftercare, especially their support group.

Dr. Macik is an excellent surgeon. He did a great job taking care of me, and I now (one month post-op), I feel great! His office staff is busy, but they are all really very nice too. I think my favorite person there is Nancy Waits. She is Dr. Waits' nurse, and wound up helping me so much both pre-op and post-op. She treated me like I was the only person she had to see that day, which was a great comfort.

1/24/02 - Called his office on 1/22/02 and set an appointment for 3/12/02. Haven't meet with anyone from the office yet, but the person I set the appt. with seemed friendly and organized.
Had my first appointment on 3/5/02. Dr. Macik is a bit quiet, but self assured (in a good way). Felt completely comfortable, and moving forward with this.

I first saw Dr. Macik at the monthly support group meeting held near Northside Hospital. He was very informative, caring and good natured.

I then met him at my consultation visit and he fielded questions until we were finished. He is the associate doctor to Dr. Edward Waits who is well-known in the area for Bariatric surgery.

I have been very pleased with my experience with the doctor and his support staff. I look forward to my surgery and the results. I will post more on pre-op testing when that begins.

**UPDATE

Dr. Macik and his whole staff were wonderful! I still have the benefit of teh support group and can call the office for anything.

This man is wonderful and was highly competent and forthcoming. Very patient, slow and methodical with me, which is exactly what I needed in a doctor. He also has been a big help with other health issues such as a tumor on the liver that I got before the surgery. He still operated on me and has kept an eye on my tumor and my overall health/weight goals post-operation.

I have not yet met Dr Macik. I have met with Dr Waits, his partner.<P>

His staff seems nice enough although they occasionally can be a bit "abrupt and rigid". (I believe that they have done this for so long, that they have lost patience with hearing the same questions over and over again by new patients.)<P>

My surgery is 47 days away, so I do not yet know anything about aftercare. I also don't know what is on the famous "white sheet" that I will be surviving off of for some time. I am sure that in time, I will know what is necessary.<P>

* * * Update * * *
I met Dr Macik two days ago at my pre-op appointment. The visit was short and to the point. I guess if I had to choose, I would prefer a doc who is good technically and forget about bedside manner. His office staff was much nicer today than previously and I really like his new nurse, Mary Francis.