Pavlos Papasavas Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

My journey to have gastric bypass was a long, emotional one right up to the day of surgery. I originally was referred to Dr. Tishler but due to schedule conflicts, I accepted an appointment with Dr. Papasavas. I was told by so many people that it really did not matter which one was my surgeon because they simply were both masters at what they do and I would be in the best of hands regardless.

The day of my surgery was a bit crazy. The anesthesiologist had concerns over a medicine I was still on which typically would have been stopped prior to any surgery. My perscribing physican instructed otherwise so that meant some serious discussions right when I should have been being wheeled into the operating room. Once the anesthesiologist talked to Dr. Papasavas and I about his concerns, Dr Papasavas was on the phone with my perscribing physican immediately. He also had the anesthesiologist speak with him as well. Later I learned discussions were also had with the Head of Pain Management at Hartford Hospital because my medication had serious consequenses with the anesthesia but also with the typical pain medications given post surgery. My surgery was seriously delayed because these consultations needed to happen. In the end I was given an arterial line to closely monitor my blood pressure during surgery and only then, was I cleared for surgery. The last thing I remember saying to Dr. Papasavas was that I felt bad about pushing his schedule back hours but he assured me I was his only surgery that day and not to worry.

I went through the surgery with flying colors thanks to the entire operating team at Hartford Hospital. Although I could not have the typical strong pain medication that normal patients would benefit from, I understand it was a small price to pay for ensuring my safety.

The morning following my surgery, I met my roommate for the first time and we were swapping stories. She mentioned Dr. Papasavas was her surgeon too. Then...she said "for some reason, my surgery yesterday was delayed for a couple of hours"... Right then I knew it was because of me! And I thought back to Dr. Papasavas trying to put me at ease going into surgery, telling me not to worry about his schedule. He didn't want me worrying about the lost time. His concentration was on me and my safety that morning - where it should have been.

I never had any issues related to the actual surgery. I healed quickly and have been losing weight and becoming healthier with every passing day.

I admit, I have s soft spot for Dr. Papasavas. Yes, as others have said he does have a dry sense of humor but I also found him to have a wonderful bedside manner. I sense a soft side with him too and this is very comforting. Afterall, he took my life into his hands, worked his magic, and then gave it back to me. Thanks to him, my future is now full of possibility!

Thought I would do a second review after my VSG surgery. I was scheduled for RNY but due to some complications had VSG. I wish I had surgery 10 years ago! But then again, wouldn't have met Dr. Papasavas then. Surgery went well, nursing staff is wonderful at Hartford Hospital on that unit. My sis has been a nurse in that hospital for 25 years and says "they have their act together". Well taken care of. I had to return the following week for dehydration, but the doctor did warn about it -- so do everything they tell you to do. I attend the monthly support group meetings, love meeting new friends there, and am so happy with my weight loss progress. Dr. Papasavas is great. Very compassionate, good surgeon. Someone on the hospital staff told me they would have him operate on them any day. That says a lot.

Great! Dr. Papasavas was great, his staff is really nice. He's caring, and he makes sure you have all the information you need and stresses to call the office for anything. Very Professional. He came to see me just before surgery, he wanted to make sure there were no concerns, etc. He went to see me while at the Hospital, and if he wasn't there, someone else was to check up on me, but they knew all about me in detail. The staff at Hartford Hospital, all nurses and Patient Care Personnel, were all wonderful. I do have to say Ifeoma, one of the nurses there, was so awesome, I ended staying a few more days extra with complications, not related to the WLS, and I can't believe the wonderful treatment I received especially from her and all the staff at Hartford Hospital. The only little problem I had was trying to get my "return to work" note from Dr. Papasavas Office, which made me upset, but it was solved the same day by Melissa, one of his nurses, which by the way is awesome to deal with. I have a follow up in a couple of weeks, and I am looking forward to it! Have a little list of things to ask, so I won't forget.

Dr. Papasavas truelly went over my extensive medical history, sent me for 2nd oppinions
everything TO MAKE sure I was 100% safe. understanding , great personality. just WOW.
He was in total communication with ALL my *regular* drs... and helped me get my surgery done quickly!.. The office staff in front is sometimes rushed and hurried. not quite the *welcoming* staff of a exicted frightened surgical candidate wants to see.
everyone I delt with in the *back* nutritionist, assistants have been fabulous. always making me feel like this is MY life and I am #1 ! I would rate hime a 9+ out of 10 . why not a 10? because he wasn't there for my discharge. lol.. I highly recommend this surgeon.. and belive me over my life time I have has 12 surgeries!. hes WONDERFUL

Dr.Papasavas is a great doctor and he really cares about his patients he explain everything and didnt hide any details he was very honest and his staff is great too.

I felt very comfortable with him. He really cares about his patients and when i had a problem they followed up with me the next 2 days after to make sure i was ok. I like this doctor and feel he is very skilled and would reccommend him to anyone.

Practices in Hartford, CT --- Not PA

First visit May 18th 2009rn9 amrnI just love the doctor! rnDr Papasavas was more than I expected. rnrnHis nurse assintant, Sthepania is very nice and sweet.rnrnBUT I don't like his office assitant, I think she didn't listen to me, or worst I feel that she underestimate me because of my english (I'm latin, and I don't speak very well).rnrnAnd the lady in front office who made the appointments in Farmington OMG SHE HAS attitude!rnrnI'm going to keep the best with me, and that's the doctor, because he's the one who is going to make my procedure no the bad girls in the office!rnrnI have to say Alba is the BEST. She help me with all my old records like Speedy Gonzalez!rnrnDoc Papasavas is the best! And also look better in person! LOL =O)rnrnToday, May 21 I went to the Glastonbury office. OMG what a diference! I went to my appointment with the Nutricionist and ask to my next Dr. appointment to Elaine the girl in the front desk. She was WONDERFUL, she's GOOD MANNER, she's educated and she bring her help with a smile not like the other in Farmington office who almost barks =O]. I'm going to come to THIS office. BIG YES to Glastonbury office!rnrnI think doctors need to know this, because the people in the office is a part very importante in this process. rnrnWhat do you think?rnrnJuly 1 st Second visit. No surgeon, just with Tammy. She check all my papers, and told me she needs to receive the reports from cardiologis and psicologist, then put all together and send to my insurance company.rnrnAHHHHHHHHHHHH! I'm SO ExiteD!rnrnAugust 10rnrnToday I went to my pre-op appointment, and let me say \"I'm in love with my doc!\". He explained everything I wanted to know, he also smiled at my silly questions! He's THE BEST!rnrnMy date is August 21st

I found the Connecticut Surgical Group through the internet and made an appoitment for a consult with the surgeon, Dr. Pavlos Papasavas. Upon getting the appointment, they arrnged for me to go to a seminar on Surgical weight lose. The seminar had the other members of the surgical group there including, Dr. Darren Tischler. They explained all the pros and cons and explained the different options. I had my first appointment and was given a check list of appointments to make, including Pysch. evaluation, dietician meetings, support groups, Cardiologist evalutions, Pulmanary eval, and sleep studies. I had my first appoitment with the doctor on 1/2/2009 and have a date of 4/16/09. I love the staff at CSG including Doctors Papasavas and Tischler. Through the whole process they have been very kind, very proffessional and very committed to patient awareness. On a scale of 1-10, they get a ten. My RN, Melissa has also been a pleasure to know and very helpful with information, appointment needs, and correspondence throughout this journey. The doctors work very hard and are always at support groups answering questions.I can't believe how much they do and how they are able to always be smiles and caring! God Bless them all!

Dr. Papasavas has been a plesure to work with so far. He has taken ample time to discuss any questions I have. The office staff is friendly and attentive so far. I'll be having much more interaction with both the Dr. and his staff as we move through pre-op and on to surgery and I'll be sure to update with that information as it happens.rnrn3/4/09 Pre-op Appointment. Everything went well and as expected. I have a surgery date scheduled for 4/7/09. I have one final pre-op physical to complete with my PCP. Not anticipating any issues there. Went over all pre-op and immediate post op instructions. Nothing out of the ordinary - standard of care for the RNY procedure. I've lost 5lbs since the last visit. Doing liquid pre-op diet for 5 days. Bowel prep will be required. Dr. confirmed that I will have a drain which will be removed before I go home. We discussed the possibilty of having to convert to open vs. lap if there were adhesions or other issues related to my hysterectomy in 2006. He was confident that shouldn't be an issue but if it was I could opt for a gastric sleeve via lap instead. I honestly hadn't even considered it so we agreed that I would do my research and let him know on surgery day if that was going to be plan b or not. I've done my research and will opt to have the RNY via open surgery if that's how it had to be done.