Ravindra Mailapur Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Dr. Mailapur was the best. He listened when I talked to him. He took very good care of me while I was in the hospital. He has a very nice bedside manner. His staff has always been kind and when I called them with a problem, they would talk to the doctor and call me back. rnrnI was informed of the risks of the surgery. We attended a syminar before the surgery was scheduled for all the information we needed about the surgery and the risks.rnrnAfter the surgery, he scheduled regular appointments to follow up. I would recommend Dr. Mailapur to anyone who is considering having the surgery. I don't regret it one bit, I don't think I would have ever lost the weight without it. I am smaller nown than I have been in 35 years. I still have about 40 pounds to lose to reach my goal. rnrnI had complications with the surgery, Dr. Mailapur did a exceptional job. Both his surgical competence and bedside manner are both great. I think he is the best.rn

I am a physician in Huntsville, so my decision to have WLS and the surgeon that I wanted to perform the procedure was a decision that I weighed over many, many months. As a member of the medical profession, the absolutely most important consideration to me was the surgical skill and competence of my surgeon. And, since I was well versed in the medical literature, I think the analysis that determined my decision was perhaps more comprehensive and detailed than the average individual. I chose Dr. Mailapur because we are colleagues in the same hospital system and so I had been able to see first hand what his surgical outcomes had been. And they were absolutely first rate. Extremely low complication rates, outstanding surgical outcomes. Very important to me. So the two criteria I was using to make my decision was 1. the risks of the procedures based on a comprehensive survey of the literature (surgical risks outweighed by obesity risks) and 2. the skill of the surgeon (my personal knowledge of Dr. Mailapur's outstanding skills since we were colleagues). Dr. Mailapur's bedside manner, the skill of his office team, the comprehensive nature of the total care program were not factors in my decision so it was a very pleasant surprise to me to find that all those details were also present. Dr. Mailapur really CARES about his patients and his office staff are warm, friendly and so helpful. He addressed every one of my questions, was very realistic about what I should expect including the potential risks/complications. I appreciated the fact that he did not downplay or gloss over the potential risks. I have to add, also, that one of my medical partners was visiting me in the hospital after the surgery and commented on how much she appreciated the fact that he gave very SPECIFIC, clear, and simple instructions. Physicians know how critical communication is and Dr. Mailapur is an extraordinary communicator in addition to his surgical expertise. The program that Dr. Mailapur leads is a very comprehensive one, with nutritionists, physical activity trainers, and nurses teaching and guiding patients from pre-op education to post-op advice and management. There is a bariatric support group that meets regularly in the local wellness center. I am now one month post-op and have no regrets about my decision. I have really tried to think of some negative aspect of Dr. Mailapur's program here in Huntsville, but I honestly cannot think of any! Dr. Mailapur is an ethical, highly skilled surgeon that communicates warmly but realistically and honestly with his patients and he leads a team of individuals that are all experts in their individual fields and provide a comprehensive pre, intra, and post operative management program. I recommend him and his program without any reservations.

My first impression of Dr. Mailapur was he was abrupt and straight to the point. He told me I had to loose 50lbs BEFORE he would do the surgery!!! I thought he was crazy, that is why I came to him, to have surgery to help me loose the weight. He explained to me that this was a complicated surgery and the more weight I lost before surgery, and the mindset change that it takes to loose 50 lbs will help me be more successful over the long haul.rnI begin to understand what he was talking about. My insurance required that I do a doctor controlled program for 6 months, so I figured I would give it my best and see how it comes out. The ENTIRE 6 months of the program, the words I kept hearing was Dr. Mailapur say “You MUST loose 50 lbs. before I will operate on you” It kept me chugging. I had been trying to get insurance to pay for this off and on for 8 Years.rnHis office staff Chrissy and Jessica are fantastic. They helped me maneuver through the insurance “issues” and were always friendly when I called. rnrnFuture patients should know that (in my opinion) Dr. Mailapur does not do this surgery “just because you want to loose some weight” he is very serious about lifestyle changes and long term health benefits. Do what he tells you, IT WORKS!!rnrnAftercare and meeting with the nutritionist are most important. Also as soon as you can push yourself out of the bed to walk the day of surgery, do it!!! It is uncomfortable at first, however, I knew it is what I needed to do.rnrnOverall I would rate him a 9 out of 10 and his bedside manner is sometimes alittle abrupt, not offensive, he just does not candy coat things. I will take that anytime with a surgeon who is good at what he does. I was up and actually driving on my 3rd day post op. Back to work in 2 weeks (that long only because of the Christmas holidays) I felt FANTASTIC! I had no pain and did not take a drop of pain medicine after I left the hospital. I am 3 weeks post op, I have lost 34 lbs (86 lbs total since the first appointment with Dr. Mailapur) I have more energy, I feel AWESOME and would get back on the table tomorrow to do it again. It truly has been a life changing, incredible experience. rnrn*** UPDATE *** I am now exactly 6 months post op (June 17, 2009) and I have lost 160 lbs. Dr. Mailapur is a GREAT suregon. I had NO COMPLICATIONS and didn't have any pain medication once I got out of the hospital. This surgery has saved and changed my life. I am more active, have more energy, actually enjoy working out and have nothing but positive things to say. If you are thinking about this, atleast give Dr. Mailapur a try. He is good at what he does and really cares about his patients!rn

I was hesitant about choosing Dr. Mailapur,I had heard so many good things about another local surgeon. I went to the seminars of all the surgeons in town who do this surgery. In the end I chose Dr. Mailapur and I am happy that I did. That other surgeon I heard so much about...wasnt even friendly, he was arrogant, and made me feel like just another number. Dr. Mailapur really cares about his patients, I work at the hospital where he does his surgeries and I know first hand the time and care he puts into each patient. He is very straight forward about what you need to do to achieve your goals, and what to expect. His staff is so thorough they explain and show every thing you will see in the hospital. He has a great bedside manner, he really made me feel like I matter to him that I am not \"just another patient\".Dr. Mailapur is a Very thorough, very caring, excellent surgeon. Two hours after I got to my room I was up walking. The whole process was a breeze and I feel wonderful...I went from taking 3 types of blood sugar pills per day and 2 insulin shots per day to nothing.

When I first met Dr. Mailapur and his staff, I really liked them! They were kind and answered all my questions. They did not make me feel stupid, or that didn't care. He has a great \"bed side manner,\" he really cares about you and your entire family! Although he does tell you like it is and he doesn't mix words! You have to meet his goals because they are what is right for you! Whenever I call, his staff is wonderful, even when I rambled about my insurance and scared they would not approve me, they always calmed me down and assured me everything would be just fine! Dr. Mailapur tells all his patients to make sure they read the bariatic guide book that he gives us, to keep a journal and take pictures throughout your journey. It has helped me tremondously! Dr. Mailapur is not stuck on himself, even though he is a great surgeon, he always makes sure what he has done is done right. I was told that he checked his work at least 3 times before I was even out of surgery, then again before I was discharged. Most other surgeons would not do that. He wants us to go to the Support groups that are offered and free. There is so much more I can say about him and his entire staff...they are all just WONDERFUL!! Not only does he do weigh loss surgery, but he any kind of surgery! I will not go to anyone else again! And believe me, I have had several surgeries in my life!

The first time I met Dr. Mailapur was at a seminar before surgery. He was very knowlegable about the gastric process. He was very straight forward and made it a point to answer all questions posed to him. Dr. Mailapur told me up front if I did what he told me to do I would not have any problems and I have been up and on the go since the day after surgery. I had no complications and to date have not had any. Overall I am completely satisfied with Dr. Mailapur and his staff in the office. He made me comfortable with him and I am glad he was the one to do my surgery and care for me afterwards. You have to meet him and decide for yourself, but I think you will be satisfied.

My doctor is the greatest, he is so down to earth. Everytime he sees me at the hospital(Im there alot with my mother, she has lung cancer) he gives me a high five and that is one of the things that keeps me motivated. Dr Mailapur keep up the good job! Stay encouraged!

I met Dr. Mailapur at his seminar meeting. My first impression was that he was very knowledgeable and straightforward, and would answer any question you might have. My first office visit I got to meet his staff. They are very professional and friendly. During my office visit Dr. Mailapur informed me on everything I needed to know about my surgery.He made me feel very secure about my choice. My surgery date was Feb. 02, 2009, and I did everything I was told to do. Everything went very well for me I had no complication. He is a excellent surgeon and has a wonderful bedside manner. He is GOD sent, a very wonderful and honest doctor. I would recommend him to anyone thinking about having baratric surgery.

My first impression of Dr. Mailapur was that he was a very honest person. He let you know the good and bad of both surgeries. He stressed that you would still have to work for what you wanted. Over time I learned that he really does care about his patients, and that he wants what is best for them. His staff has always been very friendly and helpful. Dr. Mailapur has a very set aftercare book. He gives all the details you need to know before going into this life changing surgery. He was very serious about the risks of surgery and made sure that I understood them. He is a very kind, compassionate doctor, and I have heard that he is very precise in surgery. He has changed my life for the better. Thank you Dr. Mailapur and your staff. Anyone with personal questions please feel free to contact me and I will be glad to help. Good luck!!

Dr. Mailapur and his staff made me feel comfortable the minute I stepped foot into their office. Any question that I had about the surgery was answered in full and very thouroughly. His mission is to help overweight people who have tried all their lives and all kinds of diets to lose weight. I know with me I have been dieting since I was in the sixth grade which put me at about 11 years old. I had yo-yoed my way to 217 pounds with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and gerd. I was taking so much medication everyday that I felt like an 87 year old lady. Not that there is anything wrong with that age, but there is when you are only 31. I had no energy to play with my three girls and all I had to do was sit down and I would fall asleep. I had migraines that would last for two to three weeks at a time and I was prescribed medications that would not even help. The day of my surgery Dr. Mailapur hugged me and told me everything would be alright and I was starting a new life. He was right. Now I weigh 125 with no diabetes, hypertension, gerd, or high cholesterol. He was there when I had to have my gallbladder removed holding my hand the whole way. He called me at home to make sure after both surgeries (gastric and gallbladder) that I was doing all right and if I needed anything. When I go back for aftercare visits he always hugs me and asks how everything has been going since the last time he had seen me. He just makes you feel that he really cares. If anyone in Huntsville Alabama is interested in gastric bypass I think that Dr. Mailapur is the one to go to. His staff is also very friendly and helpful. No matter what you need they will help you in anyway that they can. If I could rate Dr. Mailapur and staff on a scale of 1-10 they would be an 11. Don't just take my word for it go see him if you are interested in surgery.