Scott Shikora Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

The very 1st time I met Dr.. Shikora was In July of 1999. I was was being evaluated for surgery.I was approved and had surgery Nov 22,99. Well I did not like him and his bedside manner left alot to be desired.He did not take enough time with his paients but he was referred to me as the best by my Dr... and I drove 300 miles so I felt in time he would get better.Well I kept my follow-up appt's for awhile and then I said I feel fine why go.
Well in July of 2002 I couldn't hide the fact I was sick from my family any longer.I had to cal Boston and they got me In 2 days later. I met with Dr.Shikora andd things were totally different.We said how we felt got It out of the way and now we have a great realationship.I ended up having to have a gastric revision and It's been a struggle.I had It done In Oct on the 2nd. He told me It would be 3x worse as this Is my 2nd surgery.. Pain was not bad It Is getting my strength back but day by day.I would reccommend him to future paients.He lays the risks out on the table but the paient should ask questions also.Aftercare is very important to him,he already had a visiting nurse already lined up to come to my house after I got home. Yes there is a structered aftercare program.You see a nutrtionist,you see a therapist to talk about how your body is going to change and effects it will have on you,there is also a regular Dr. in case you need to see him.He has a wonderful that go out of there way to help you.I would rate him overall as a very through Dr. who weighs all the pros, and cons before doing surgery.Surgical competence,and bedside manner are both great and I feel Dr.Shikora has both these elements.









nurse all set up tto comeee to my home when I got here

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I met Dr.Shikora of the surgeon team at a support group.Let me tell you. I had fun at the support group and all the medical team anwered all our questions in detail. I'm looking foward to meet my surgeon in person on Dec.3.I will post after that. See yah!!!
After all the appointments I have had I know all the staff.All of them are great,helpfull,caring and they treat you with respect.My surgeon is great and answered all my questions.

Dr. Shikora comes across as a competent, straight forward, compassionate caregiver. While cocky, as many surgeons are, I found him to be extremely respectful and giving of his time in terms of answering all of my questions prior to surgery and following me through after the surgery.

Dr. Shikora's staff, the entire team at New England Medical Center (NEMC) is fabulous. They are a busy office, yet they treat you like you are the only patient they have. I feel for them all because the treating psychologist, Dr. Darrell Vogel, passed away unexpectedly, and he was the cornerstone of the program...a truly great guy.

They place a great deal of emphasis on aftercare, providing groups and accessibility. My questions are answered in a very timely manner and the medical director, Dr. Saltzman, another fabulous doctor, is available by email.

The team addressed the risks, worked with me prior to the surgery to lose weight so that my procedure could be done laproscopically, and they continue to see me through. I cannot say enough about these folks. They are wonderful, warm, highly skilled care givers who care a lot about people who struggle with size.

The whole group at The Obesity Consult Center is incredible. I haven't found a THING I don't like!
From what I've seen so far, they're tops!

I will be having surgery (hopefully) with Dr. Tarnoff.

First Impression: Dr. Tarnoff seems very competent and in the support group meeting he was very open and seemed genuinely concerned if someone had a problem.

Changing Impression: My impression only got more positive after I met with him for my one on one consultation. He was very nice and explained the surgery clearly and made sure I understood the possible dangers and implications of the surgery.

Office Staff: I don't know that Dr. Saltzman, Sue Miller (the dietician) and Dr. Vogel would be considered office staff, but they are all wonderful. The actual office staff is very efficient and very understanding about trying to schedule appointments so that they are convenient and as soon as possible.

What did I like least?: I would say the waiting for appointments, but the office was so cool about getting me in to any available cancellations and scheduling changes that I would have to say I'm more blessed than unhappy!

What should future patient know?: Do your homework, attend the support group (often), get your face familiar to the staff. They are wonderful people and having them recognize you will only increase your interaction with them.

Aftercare?: The OCC has a structured aftercare that all but makes it impossible to fall between the cracks!

Address the risks?: There is no "glossing over" of the risks of the surgery at OCC, and there is honesty and sincerity regarding death rates, complications and the like.

Rate overall?: I originally tried to get an appointment at Lahey Medical in Burlington and they suggested I look else where. I think that's the best thing that ever happened b/c I found OCC.

I haven't had surgery yet so I really can't comment on which is better!

I still can't decide which is better, surgical competence or bedside manner because I couldn't be happier with either. They are the most most wonderful surgical group. NEMC nursing staff is the absolute best and the interns and medical students were very kind and attentive.

I'm only home a few days, I'll update as I'm able! Dr. Tarnoff rocks!

Well I thought it couldn't get any more positive, but it does. NEMC is the best. Dr. Tarnoff is caring and extremely skilled and his bedside manner is the best. The post op groups are tops and I love all of the support and information I get from them.

Extremely versed knowledgeable and sincerely dedicated to his surgical profession.

VERY KIND. Enjoys making people happy with their surgery.

Dr. Shikora and his team are fabulous. They check and double-check everything. He is very kind and takes the time to answer all your questions. As of this writing (2-14-01), I'm a month away from surgery. I'll admit that I'm very scared but I know this is the right decision and have complete confidence in Dr. Shikora.

****UPDATE (12-11-01)*****
I can't say enough about Dr. Shikora. He always made sure I understood exactly what was going on. There were complications after surgery but he never missed a beat. This is not a team that lets you "slip through the cracks". He exudes cool confidence and has the expertise to follow through. His angel hands are my life saver....literally!

Dr. Shikora is very easy to talk to and has a great bedside manner. Aftercare is stressed from the very beginning - they want to see you for the rest of your life.

The nursing staff after surgery left a lot to be desired. I felt like I could just lay there and die and nobody would notice. Thank goodness for my mom.

I haven't met Dr. Shikora yet, but his staff is wonderful. I have met Dr. Vogel who is so kind and caring. Next I will meet Dr. Saltzman. I chose to travel to Boston because of the wonderful program that they have. They offer so much support both before and after the surgery. They have monthly support groups that are informative as well as fun. I am very happy with my decission so far.

I finnally met with the surgeon. I didn't met with Dr. Shikora because he was in Italy, but I did meet with Dr. Tarnoff who was absolutely wonderful. He answered all my questions. I am so glad that I waited! If you are looking to have this surgery done quickly, you shouldn't goto NEMC, but if you are looking for a lot of support to ensure your sucess, then look no further. NEMC is dedicated to it's patients. The staff is wonderful and I am truly happy with my decision.

Dr. Shikora was wonderful. Very professional and straight-forward.
He didn't mislead me and was very serious
about aftercare and follow-up. I knew much more than I cared to before the surgery and
and the staff was competent and compassionate.