Thomas Sonnanstine M.D. Bariatric Surgeon M.D., FACS, FASMBS

8/5/2006--It is three days until my surgery and can I just say that my surgeon is incredible..... I honestly can say that my confidence in him and his abilties has made this decision so much easier for me. People who are uneducated about the surgery keep asking me if I am nervous and I am not. It is my 110% confidence in him and his abilities that leaves me with this crazy energy that I can't explain. I am so excited and not a bit nervous, just soooo very ready to go. The 360 degree nature of his program, and his committment to furthering equipment and techniques and helping others around the world in my mind makes him the best there is. I can also honestly say that the counseling is a must, because I already look at food differently and haven't really been eating too much. This program WORKS mentally. If you are considering WLS, find a program that addresses the psychological aspects. His bedside manner is impeccable and I just love him for giving me a chance to change my life for the better!

He is very personal. He was helpful and answered all of my questions. His office is in St Luke West hospital, which is where the surgery is done. His office has a nutritionist, and someone to do a psych evaluation. I was only at my initial consultation today, but I was very impressed with him and his staff. Also he only does labroscopic by pass.

'Dr. Sonnanstine is a very caring

I had my first meetng with Dr. Sonnanstine on the 4th of May. I was so nervous! His staff was very polite and professional. Dr Sonnanstein was wonderful. He was very informative and knowledgable. He was also very up front on surgery risks/benefits. I'm feel so blessed to have this oppurtinity to get to know him and his staff. Looking forward to my next appointment! I am a nurse and have to deal with MD's first hand...I can tell you all that he's a keeper. He seems to be doing what he loves and it shows! Thank you!

I've only met with Dr. Sonnanstine once so far, but my first impression of him is that he doesn't think I'm an idiot! I've been researching WLS for a couple of years, and feel fairly knowledgeable about the process in general. Dr. Sonnanstine definitely seemed to respect that. He spoke WITH me, not to me, and I felt like an equal. It is difficult to describe, but I appreciate him not treating me like I'm ignorant. I am thrilled that he is so intent on performing laproscopic vs. open surgery, as I've got enough scars as it is!

Dr. Sonnanstine's staff seems pleasant enough so far.

After battling the insurance companies for months, I have to say that my experience with Dr. Tom, his staff, and the staff at St. Luke before and after my surgery was the best hospital/doctor experience I've ever had. I've been hospitalized a few times previously, but I saw Dr. Tom as much as my family, and they were there all the time. My surgery was uneventful, and I am resting comfortably at home after 2.5 days in the hospital. I was also pleasantly surprised by having RN's and PCA's at St. Luke who were also post-op taking care of my needs, and keeping comfortable during my stay. I can only think that it made my stay that much easier. I'd recommend Dr. Tom to anyone who wanted this life-changing surgery. Even at 5 days post-op, I feel better and more comfortable already, and I know I made the right choice about the surgery, the surgeon, and the hospital.

Thank you for this life changing surgery.

Dr. Sonnanstine is a very nice man I could tell right away that he cares about his work. He took his time and answered any and all questions my husband and I may have had. He also went over a very detailed explantion of EVERYTHING, he also explained the risk very carefully. I do think that he will be a wonderfull doctor and I am very glad that I pick him

Ok, what can I say about my doctor? I guess the easiest way to put it is, I luv this guy! lol I have had nothing but an awesome experience through this whole thing. From the very first visit, I felt as if I were talking with a friend. He's got a program set in place, so that when you finally go for surgery, you feel prepared. I knew what to expect, because he'd prepared me for it. His staff is amazing, always there with a smile, words of encouragement, and answers when I have questions. I can't say enough about Dr. Sonnanstine and his staff, they're incredible people, and I for one can't thank them enough for helping me through this journey.

I had an open RNY done by another doctor and the staple line failed. Dr. Sonnanstine gave me hope for getting a revision done. He is very kind and understanding. I am so fortunate to find him. I have been going through his pre-op program and I have learned a lot of things that were not covered in the previous surgery. He is very thorough in his evaluation about my specific anatomy. With this in mind I feel that he and his staff take the time to inform his patients of every aspect possible of the risks and benefits of the surgery. Both his bedside manner and surgical competence are great.