Randall Bolar Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I spent a year researching WLS and surgeons here in central Kentucky. Dr. Bolar was consistently reviewed as a caring, and competent professional. On my first visit, he explained the RNY procedure, risks, and aftercare, as well as answered a number of questions. My paperwork was then reviewed by an RN who mentioned that I would need to undertake a six month supervised diet. Bolar's office called regularly too check on my progress. Bolar saw me daily after my surgery while in the hospital and aftercare continues. I'd rate him a 9

I DID NOT like Dr. Bolar from the day I met him. He did surgery on my aunt and she died. She was in the ICU at Samaritan and the nurses kept calling Dr Bolar he wouldn't come in to see her. She was vomiting blood. She died that night.
After my aunt died Nancy his nurse came to the waiting room to see us. She said she was sorry but things like this happen. Oh yeah!!
Well we have been asking questions and and talking to other people. Other surgeons don't have as high death or complication rates as bad news bolar.

Nice friendly man with a great staff. He was concerned with any questions by myself or my husband. He went over things throughly and with a sense of humor ( which was refreshing ). He did tell me that there was a chance of death with the surgery as well as informing me of ALL other heath/surgery complication and risks. He understood my schedule for surgery dates and accommodated me with the week I needed. I am cash pay ( surgery is 18,000 ), but I had the feeling, from him and his staff, that they would do anything within their power to help anyone. It was a great experience.

Dr Bolar is awesome! He and his staff really care about their patients. I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting this surgery. He was very informative and caring from my very first consult on. His staff is equally as caring and he and his staff are there for you! My first consult was just him and I and he explained everything thoroughly. I would give him a 20 on a grade scale of 1 to 10! There just aren't enough words to tell you how much I admire him and his staff. He is very competent and has a great bedside manner. His nurse even came over to the hospital to assist me! He truly cares. My hospital staff were not so pleasant on the day shift but Dr. Bolar's nurse was there for me because they weren't. However, the evening shift hospital staff were excellent too.

The 1st time I went to his office I was very comfort with them. I asked questions and they were very up frount about all the risk. I have had some problems sense surgery. All the office has been very surportive. I know I can pick up the phone and get any question answered. Dr. Bolar himself is a very kind doctor. He really seams to care.

I had a good first impression of Dr. Bolar. He put me at ease and completely explained things to me and my husband. The doctor's assistance is wonderful!! I can't say enough about her, she goes the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable. Both Dr. Bolar and his assistance have been available for my questions and care after the surgery. Dr. Bolar answered all questions, sent home lots of information for us to read. I have enjoyed going to see him and his staff. The billing department made huge errors with my insurance and took quite some time to correct their mistakes.

I was completely satisified with my surgery and the doctors beside manner.

I spent a year researching WLS and surgeons here in central Kentucky. Dr. Bolar was consistently reviewed as a caring, and competent professional. On my first visit, he explained the RNY procedure, risks, and aftercare, as well as answered a number of questions. My paperwork was then reviewed by an RN who mentioned that I would need to undertake a six month supervised diet. Bolar's office called regularly too check on my progress. Bolar saw me daily after my surgery while in the hospital and aftercare continues. I'd rate him a 9.

Excellent surgeon! He really knows what he is doing. His staff at the Bariatric
Center is wonderful.

I did not like about half of the staff at the Samaritan Hospital. They are overworked (12-hour shifts) and it shows.

The equipment at Samaritan is old and/or does not work properly:

The EKG machine erroneously reported that I had once had a heart attack. I had another EKG four hours later (after the internist about gave me a heart attack by telling me that) and it was normal. I had another EKG two months later (at second pre-op after first two surgeries were postponed), and my heart is as strong as can be--no problems.

The regular PFT machine was out being repaired in California, so they tested my lung capacity with a smaller machine. The machine kept saying "out of memory," but the nurse kept saying she could delete files and trick the machine. My PFT came back super low--saying I had a breathing obstruction. Of course, I disagreed. So, the internist told me to come back the next day to repeat the test. I did! It was worse. My husband, who is very healthy and has great lungs, asked to try the machine. He did and had the same score as I did (50 some, I think, and a severe obstruction). We are both non-smokers and everyday walkers, so of course, refused to believe this result. I asked to have the tests repeated at my local hospital a half hour away. Had the test repeated there a week later: I was super high--my PFT score was even better than most people's.

Then, when I had my blood pressure and pulse taken the day before surgery in the pre-admission testing, the BP/pulse monitor did not work. The nurse had to find an old blood pressure cup to use; and the pumping bulb on that device would not work properly. She also declared that "I guess I will have to take your pulse the old fashioned way since this other machine does not work."

Well, all of these equipment failures had me scared because I wondered what they were using in surgery??

Surgery went fine, and of course, I was asleep so can only assume everything functioned normally.

After recovery, back in my room, the IV monitor continued to malfunction and beep incessantly all night until the nurse was tired of me beeping her, so she just turned the IV unit off. That scared me! I thought I would dehydrate and not get the medication I needed; she "poopooed" me and said I was fine. I really do not like to be treated that way; I told the house doctor in the morning and he retrieved the nurse and she became all defensive and talked to me like I was an idiot. I have a Ph.D. and teach business at a university. I hnow how to treat people (e.g., students, customers). Obviously she did not learn this skill in her degree (certainly not nurturing patient care).

Some of the nursing staff was wonderful! A nurse who came in the next morning took me under her wing, replaced my IV, and was so nice (and she was not even the day nurse who was assigned to me).

On my checkout day, I had another super nurse assigned to me. He was very caring and helpful and supportive.

A couple of the nurse assistants were also very warm and helpful.

I am glad I am home! If I can help it, I will never be a patient at Samaritan again. My daughter had her baby at Central Baptist in May, and she received wonderful care. CB has modern equipment and newly renovated facilities. CB would be my hospital of choice.

Aside from the hospital, Dr. Bolar was an expert surgeon. He has a good bedside manner, although I heard him say the same lines to three patients/families (including mine); which makes me question the sincerity of what he is saying; for example, "it couldn't have gone any better." Perhaps, he should personalize his comments to and about patients. I have my first post-op with him on Friday.

I am glad Dr. Bolar did my surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Bolar as an expert and would not recommend anyone else. GB surgery is an important decision and a major surgery; the surgeon is the most critical component of the whole process. He needs to know the patient's health and risks, and he needs to know how to surgically perform the procedure. He passed with an A+!

I went to Dr. Bolar on a reference. I never dreamed he would be the greatest doctor to ever treat me. My first impression of Dr. Bolar was that he was concerned about my health and wanted to help me. My impression did change over time, because I realized that he was serious about making my life better and healthier and I was more impressed than ever. His office staff is very kind and helpful and always makes you feel good about yourself and your progress. I haven't found anything about Dr. Bolar that I disliked. Everyone should know that I think Dr. Bolar is a great doctor. I haven't had the first problem following surgery and I attribute that to the fact that he is very good at what he does. They do want you to follow their aftercare program and if you are serious about your progress, I don't know why you wouln't want to follow instructions. Dr. Bolar does explain the risks of surgery and tells you honestly what he expects for you. This surgery is serious and as with any surgery their could be complications, but I don't think they are any greater than with any other surgery. I would give Dr. Bolar a 200+++++++++ I think he is the greatest. He is pleasant and honest and cares about his patients. Dr. Bolar's surgical compenence is great, but so is his bedside manner. Again if anyone hasn't found a surgeon and you are in his area, you can't go wrong by choosing Dr. Bolar. He will change your life forever. I see where it says that no person can be the best in all aspects, but this asks for my opinion and in my opinion, I don't have anything negative to say, because I didn't experience anything negative in my surgery or treatment.

I went to two different doctors before I chose Dr. Bolar. He won me over from the first meeting. He just seemed to really care. Now after my surgery I'm sure I made the right choice. I could'nt have asked for a more caring surgeon. He is wonderful and I would recommend him to anyone.