Thomas Umbach Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

he was young looking and cute
he knows his stuff
office staff very nice and helpful
i would rate dr umbach AOK

10/27/03 - Kaiser SSF just called to schedule my surgery date. It will be on 1/08/04 with Dr. Umbach. I haven't had a chance to meet with him yet but am expecting to do so sometime in November.

Honestly I did not have much interaction with Dr. Umbach. I met him a week prior to surgery for about 10 minutes. I then saw him for a few minutes right before and then the day after surgery. This is not a bad thing. Kaiser has a whole department dedicated to WLS so I had much more contact with other department members. Based on how my surgery went and my limited interation with Dr. Umbach I would conclude that he is a talented surgeon.

The Kaiser South San Francisco Bariatrics team as a whole is top notch. They have a comprehensive pre and post op program and I have been supported every step of the way. I would rate the whole experience as excellent.

Very professional. very concerned with aftercare and making sure you understand what you are getting into. on a scale of 1-10 I give him 10++++. fantastic surgeon!!!

Dr. Umbach is a great surgeon. I was very informed and comfortable with every meeting I have had with him.. He was very honest and I felt confident that my surgery would be very successful. Teh Kaiser staff was very helpful and kind. I had to stay in ICU due to no room available in the recovery facility. I have learned that Dr. Umbach is serious about surgery and the weight to lose before. Kaiser has an entire care plan in place. He follows it and encourages his patients to participate, especially post op patients. I am absolutly happy with my experience with Dr. Umbach, his staff and SSF Kaiser as a whole. I feel I have been taken care of by the most competent, knowledgable people available.

*What was your first impression of him/her?*
Professional, to the point, honest. I liked him when I met him. I was very confident in his ability and I like him more after surgery. He answered all of my questions, and listened to me. Very great experience. =)

*How did your impression change over time?*
Got better the more I talked to him.

*How would you describe his/her office staff?*
Great.

*What did you like least about him/her?*
Nothing really. Surgeons are very standoffish the first time you meet them.
Nothing wrong with it... but then I can understand it.

*What should future patients know about him/her?*
n/a

*How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?*
Very much. He is very clear with instructions at all times and
takes the time to make sure you understand what hes telling you.
I have never had aftercare in my past 2 surgeries like this (gallbladdder and wisdom teeth removal).

*Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?*
Dunno.. didnt ask... didnt think of asking.... ?

*How did he/she address the risks of surgery?*
He addressed them open and honest and immediately informed me of the most severe risk, death. They were covered.

*How would you rate him/her overall?*
A+ I have no bad things to say.

*Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or both great?*
Surgical Competence.... if they dont have that why are they touching me?
Bed side manner is nice... at least a splash of it.. but its not what makes a good surgeon. Granted the "perfect world surgeon" would have both.... but I think competence is better than being able to make me feel good. You should be able to do that for yourself anyways.

Dr Umbach was very kind, and truly wants to help me in my journey to lose weight. I felt and feel more comfortable with him everytime I meet him. The office staff is very helpful and helps me to feel at ease. I really didn't not like anything about him so far. I feel I can really recommend anyone who has Kaiser Ins and is considering gastric bypass to surgery to really research and understand what it is all about. I work in the healthcare field and he knows and we have discussed what the risks are. I would give him a 12 out of 1-10. Both Great. Please always ask questions if there is anything you don't understand!! Surgery is not the cure-all it is only a part of your weight loss journey!!

We have not met yet but i have an appointment
on oct 22,2002


October 24,2002:
I met with Dr.Umbach on 10/22/02 and found him to be wonderful!
He really took his time with me and answerd all my questions
He really cared about what my fears were and
my boyfriends. I was told by him I can have it done lap.Which
is what i wanted very badly. I feel very happy
and safe with Kaiser and with Dr. Umbach as
my doctor
Shell



December 12th 2002
My surgery date is set for 01/16/03 I have lost 23 pounds and have 15 more to lose
befor my date.


Feburary 20th,2003
I had my surgery on January 16th ,2003

Dr. Umbach was great with me, very patient and willing to answer all my questions.

10-4-02, Met for the first time with my surgeon Dr. Thomas Umbach with The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. South San Francisco, CA (650) 742-2188. He was very charming, answered all my questions. Seems very knowledgeable in the Lap RNY procedure.