Raymond Drew Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Drew was great! I had my consultation with him about 2 months ago. My surgery is scheduled for next month (November 17, 2004). Dr. Drew was extremely kind and explained the entire procedure thoroughly. He answered all my questions and was very understanding about all my questions and concerns. He was honest and told me everything I needed to know. His staff is also great - they're all very nice and extremely efficient. I haven't had a single problem with any of my paperwork or getting anything done. In fact, they're usually two steps ahead of me! Dr. Drew is also very concerned about follow-up care. He is very kind, but also very up-front about insisting on the importance of following the program and coming back for follow-up. He is honest about the risks, concerned about the care and open to any and all questions. I would highly recommend Dr. Drew and his office to anyone looking into this surgery!

Dr Drew is a very smart man. He was kind but tough, and pretty no-nonsense. I had my poop in a group and he seemed to very much appreciate that. I asked a lot of direct questions, he had a lot of direct answers. I really appreciated that.
His staff is fantastic, and incredibly helpful. Don't call them, they'll call you. . . 8 months after your info is all in. The waiting is the hardest part. HOWEVER - he is SO worth the wait. They are the best surgeon's in the Twin Cities in my book.
DO NOT FAIL to attend Renewal support group Tuesday nights at 5:30 in his building. They suggest this, but it is not required. It should be required. They put a lot of responsibility in the hands of the patient for their aftercare, take their suggestions - go to therapy, and go to renewal. Go to Renewal EVEN BEFORE your surgery.

I would rate him as an excellent surgeon, with a good bedside manner.

My first impression of Dr. Drew was that he is a very busy man who is very direct. I appreciated the direct manner as this is a major surgery and serious undertaking.

Although direct, he does have a sense of humor and makes you feel comfortable.

Dr. Drew highly emphasized the importance of aftercare. He took time to inform me that the aftercare is commonly with a physician's assistant due to the high volume of surgeries and follow-ups needing to be completed. My first follow-up visit is scheduled for three weeks post-op.

The office staff have thus far all been very personable. I have not experienced anything negative to date.

I first met Dr. Drew in May of 2003, about 5 months prior to my surgery. I had a consultation at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. While I was having blood work done prior to my appointment, the lab staff told me what a fine man he is. That certainly took the edge off any jitters I had regarding meeting him. My appointment was scheduled for 2:15pm but I didn't get in until 4:00pm. The office staff was very gracious and kind. I wasn't too upset about the wait, because I knew that the young woman he was seeing before me would be a handful. She had gained weight back after wls and wanted him to go back in and "fix" it. When she came out of his office, she was crying... I thought for sure Dr. Drew would be agitated, but he wasn't. He took time to answer all of my questions and thoroughly review my file. He explained the surgery and follow-up to me. He was kind and affable, and not in the least haughty or pretentious. He told me how important it would be for me to come back to see his staff at Abbott on a regular basis. I agreed to do this. I saw him again before surgery and the day after surgery. He was business-like but quite attentive. I would give Dr. Drew high marks for both surgical competence and bedside manner. He's an excellent surgeon with an impressive history in bariatric surgery.

Dr Drew is a very nice man. My friends also used him so I know he does very good work.Since I had my surgery Dr Drew also did lap RNY on my mother on 11/28/02 and an open rny on my brother 4/12/03 my older brother is also on the waiting list this man will never know what a huge gift he has given my family

My husband Jerry and I met with Dr Drew in March. He was great! Very kind and supportive. He listened very well and answered every question and made sure we understood everything. He looks a little like Harrison Ford! He spent about an hour with us which really impressed me. I am used to my PCP rushing in and out in 2-3 minutes. I thought of a few things after we left. I did call the office and all the staff were great. Got my questions answered right away and have always felt welcome and never a bother.

Post-Op (surgery 06/23/03. I am so thankful that I had a great surgeon. If not, I wouldn't be here today. I have Osteogenisis Imprefecta. It's an inherrited condition that makes your bones break easy. It also makes all your tissues thin and weak. As it turns out my organ tissues are REALLY bad (didn't have any trouble with any other surgeries including 2 C-sections). Dr Drew had a very difficult time. My surgery took 4 1/2 hours instead of 2. Every time he moved something around it ripped or tore. I lost 2 quarts (yes quarts not pints) of blood. When he made my pouch he put air into it to check for leaks. The stitches/staples he put in ripped right through! He had to sew me up a different way. He really really worked hard on me and his experence of doing more than 1800 by-passes really paid off. He did put in tension sutures and kept me in the hospital a couple of days. Despite all the surgery difficulties, I have had NO problems of any kind. Needless to say I think he is the greatest surgeon and has a great bed-side manner.

dr. drew is a very knowledgeable doctor. he has a very kind face and he puts you at ease. he answered all my and my daughter's questions. he has a beautiful sense of humor.(dr. drew you miss your calling). he staff was very helpful. judy shwartz is a god send. the office did seem a little fast pace. but i was impress with how quickly i was seen. he was very adamate about me my aftercare program. we even talked about managing my diabetes. he was very thourough about the risks and complications of surgery. he didn'tleave out a thing. he was very surprised that a had a little knowledge in medical terminology (i'm a nursing assistant). on a scale of 1 to 10 i'd give dr.drew an 11!!! i think both bedside and surgical competence is a plus because patients are nervous to begin with and doctors should put that person at ease. these thoughts are my personal opinions. maybe other people will have a different experience.

I had my consultation with Dr. Drew and it was very thorough and enjoyable. It was like having a conversation with a teacher or older friend. My first impression was that he was exactly what I expected -- professional, knowledgeable and caring but not exceptionally personable. He went through all the pros and cons of surgery and talked about all my options -- mostly in regards to keeping my gallbladder. The office staff has been nothing but nice. They are busy, but always positive. Aftercare is structured and follow-up visits are mandatory. I'm very glad that I stuck it out and stayed with the clinic that has the best reputation and the most experience. Timing was a big factor, and I am waiting a year longer than I expected, but now I know that this is the best choice for me.

My first impression of him, was that he was very experienced and a very knowledgable man. I have only met with him one time,and I really liked him. His staff seems to be very busy, but they get the job done. If you ever a patience of his, make sure that you call a stay on top of everything. They seem very good, but very busy.

My first impression of Dr. Drew was, "gee he's so sweet" and that's the one that stuck too. Dr. Drew is a wonderful man as far as I can tell. He reminded me a lot of my old Pastor, but lots wittier! :)
Dr. Drew took the time to explain EVERYTHING about the surgery to me. He made sure that I knew exactly what I was getting myself into by having it. His consultation office was extremely comfortable, and his staff are sweet-hearts.