Rayford Kruger Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

Met with Dr. Bruce Bodner on 7-19-05 for consult. First impression, very nice with a great personality. I did not need much info. about the surgery, because I am a Registered Nurse, and already very well informed. The only thing that I wanted to know was if he did the surgery lap. and how much weight he would make me loose before hand. He told me that he has not done it lap. yet, but it may be an option. He also wanted me to loose 10% of my body weight, which I told him if I could loose 30 lbs, then I would not need surgery. He then cut it to half for me, only because I have a smaller upper body and "good anatomy". Overall, Dr. Bodner is great, with an awsome bed side mannor and I would rate him very highly. I then had a consult on 7-22-05 with Dr. Ray Kruger. First impression, very serious professional doc. But, overall very nice. Dr. Kruger only does the surgery lap. and one can participate in his program if 350lbs or under. He explained how I would have to meet with his nutritionist in order to help try to loose weight before surgery. Dr. Kruger has a very thourough program made up of a team of several professionals who all want you to be successful. I would also rate Dr. Kruger very high. After meeting with both, I decided to go with Dr. Kruger. Although, both surgeons are great, it is a personal choice that only you can make. The only down side is that you have to pay some out of pocket costs. $400.00 for two mandatory psych evals and $150.00 for three week mandatory psych groups. Luckily only co-pays for nutritionist and hospital stay. But, I know it will all be worth it in the long run. I was able to get nutritionist appt. and psych evals all in August. Hopefully, if all goes well I can have the surgery sometime in Oct. or Nov.

My first impression was that he was all business and he had a high degree of professionalism. I learned by other patients and my office visits that he is very dedicated and will do anythinkg it takes to help you to succeed. His office staff seem knowledgeable and work hard to get thinkgs done timely but can get flusted just like the rest of the world when things are busy. I like Dr. Kruger for his matter of fact ways and his dedication to his patients. He is very willing to help and listen and willing to work with the patients family also. He was frank about surgery risks, not candy coating anything and not overplaying it eather. Overall he is someone I wold gie a very high to excellent rating to. for both his skill as a surgen and and bedside.

I had my first meeting with him the first week of December. I found him to be very receptive to my questions and very understanding. I know many people that have had surgeries with him and have had great things to say about him. I see him again in a week and a half. His team approach (psych & nutritionist) shows his dedication to supporting his patients.

He's excellent; he was my surgeon for gallbladder removal prior to my bariatric surgery! He and his staff are exceptionally caring, supportive and helpful. We have a structured post-surgical care group that meets regularly and, between meetings, should I need any additional info or am having any kind of problem, I just need to call his office. If he's in, he takes the call immediately; if he's out, his staff pages him and he responds immediately (unless he's in the middle of a surgical procedure). I would rate him AAAA+++! He not only is an excellent surgeon, he's also a wonderful human being who cares deeply about all of his patients!

I felt Dr. Kruger was extremely concerned with how his patients' fell. I felt totally confident in him.
I actually respected him more as the process has been continuing. I was one who had complications.
His staff and office are very compassionate.


Be honest and truthful to yourself and him.

He has showed great interest and concern with my aftercare.

Yes, and there are also support groups.

He explained in detail the possible risks and side affects clearly.

Excellent. Wouldn't go to another surgeon.

Both are great.