Wes J. Powell Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I work with Dr. Powell in surgery and found him to be so helpful in answering all my questions and giving me the information I needed to know to make my decision on proceeding with this procedure. The whole experience from pre-op to the actual surgery and post op care has been one of great joy to me. His office staff has been informative and very helpful in all the preliminary details.

I really like Dr. Powell. He genuinely seems to care a great deal about me and my health and I have faith that he will take great care of me.

I have gone to five seminars/presentations of doctors and programs. I am a researcher by profession ( health care!) and wanted a doctor with excellent skills, a comprehensive program, and efficient office staff. I found a winner. Dr. Wes Powell in Pasadena, CA is wonderful. I had been working with a new group in Long Beach, CA where I live- they sent my diet and medical history out to a sub contractor to write the letter of medical necessity. It has taken them over a month to get the letter done.

Debbie in Dr. Powell's office has completed my authorization process in less than one week. I have a BMI of 41, with Blue Cross PPO. I just got the insurance 11/1/01 and got approved on 11/15/01.

I'd day we are working miracles in Pasadena.

I am not going to be that "little old lady from Pasadena" now.

The office was great. I booked into their seminar with great ease. Friendly and professional on the phone. I showed up late and didn't hear Dr. Powell speak. There are five physicians in the group. Another highly skilled LAP doc was leading the discussion. About 10 post op patients came and sang praise of the office, procedure, surgery and bedside manner. The hospital is one of the top rated ones in LA county. A bit difficult to park- but what the heck, I was late!

I called Debbie the next day for an appointment. She got me into a cancellation spot in two days! Next, after I saw Dr. Powell I set up my pre-screening tests. The lab assistant at the hospital was also very good. She helped me to schedule all my tests on one day so I would only have to take one day off of work. We did this at 5:55 on a friday night from my cell phone in traffic.

I am so pleased. NOW to find some support for the pre-surgery jitters.

By the way, those of you looking at LAP RNY, be sure the docs have done over 100 procedures. Ask how long they take. The two guys I was considering in Long Beach are still takeing 5 hours. That is a long time to be under. Dr. Powell says he can do it in less than 2 hours.

Be well.

JOhnni

My doctor was Wes. Powell. He is the greatest doctor. He answered allof my questions before, during, and after my surgery. He came to visit m four times during my 2 day stay at the hospital. His assistant Debbie was an angel, and made the process of getting authorization so easy. I don't know what she put in that letter, but 2 days after having sent it, my insurance (Blue Cross) called me personally with an authorization number, and wished me luck.
Dr. Powell highly emphasizes aftercare and he along with his surgical tream have a support group that meet every Tuesday night. This week will be my first visit. The only negative I would have to say is that when you make your appointments, you have to wait in the waiting room a very long time, usually up to 1 hour past your appointment time
One a scale of 1-10 I would rate him a 9, since nobodys perfect, but he's pretty darn close.

My first impression of Dr. Powell was that he was very thin! On a serious note, he was warm and friendly. I found Dr. Powell to be very open and honest. I didn't feel rushed at all (like I do when I see my PCP)and he took the time to ask me if I had any questions. Debbie (Dr. Powell's nurse) is very personable, and upbeat. She made me feel right at home in his office. My wait time wasn't too long and thus far, I'm impressed with the office.

ADDITIONAL INFO: After spending 1 month in the hospital because of complications, I'd like to add to my comments about Dr. Powell.
Wes Powell is a exceptional, compassionate, caring human being who is much more than "just a doctor". He is a highly skilled surgeon who genuinely cares about his patients and goes that extra mile to help. Dr. Powell came to see me twice a day, almost every day when I was in the hospital (including weekends). He always listened to me and has never once spoke down to me (as some doctors tend to do). I consider Dr. Wes Powell a friend as well as my personal angel and I am truly blessed to have had him as my surgeon.

Dr. Powell was slim and friendly with blue eyes and a big smile with a great deal of patience and information--who didnt look at his watch once while I asked a bazillion questions!
His staff is friendly and encouraging..especially Debbie, who I call "the" Debbie who schedules everything and knows all answers to the questions..
I dont have anything I dont like so far..
Aftercare is important..so is attitude..
I don't think they have an aftercare program other than their weekly support group and encouragement to go to a dietician.
He addressed everything clearly and has a great book that I look at daily that answers most of my questions...I rate him a 9 because maybe there is someone more perfect..but I doubt it..I will know more post surgery and I'll be sure to let you know

Very nice; very approachable
Still the same impression (so far!)
Staff is okay; a little trouble with getting messages thru to doctors
Does not seem to have a structured aftercare program (does have a support group)
Surgically extremely competent

I meet with Dr. Wes J. Powell and Debbie on July 20, 2001 for the first time. Both of them are very nice people. Dr. Powell took his time on answering any questions and concerns I had. He also made sure I understood what he was saying at all times. Debbie gave me all my test info, phone numbers, and name to all the people I needed to call to set up my appts. for all my tests that needed to be done in order to get my surgery date. She is also working on my insurance company to get an approval. I had a real good experience for my first time and I'm very confident that Dr. Powell and staff will take good care of me. Thank You very much Dr. Powell and Debbie for making me feel comfortable and taking care of me. Over all rating would be a 10.

Kristine

Today (7-13) was the first time I went to Dr. Powell. I had no information about him because no one had posted notes about him, so I was a little nervous. My first impression of the office staff was that they were very friendly and upbeat. Debbie the nurse was very helpful and put me at ease immediateley. Dr. Powell has a nice bedside manner. He explained everything to me, starting off with a detailed explanation of the surgery, almost like I was having it tomorrow (which I liked the thought of). He made sure he answered all of my questions before leaving. They seemed to be running behind a little and I waited an hour, but I would have waited 24 hours. There is a symposium and weekly support group they encouraged me to attend starting now. What I was most impressed with was the structure of the situation and information they provided me, right down to the post op diet. Debbie faxed my official request for the WLS today and on Tuesday I can call and start bugging my insurance! Overall rating so far... A+

I've had my initial consultation with Dr.
Powell. His staff (Debby) efficiently
dealt with my paper work and got approval
for me almost immediately.
Dr. Powell was clear in conveying the risks
and benefits of surgery.
I think his manner is kind and caring.
My sister-in-law did her residency at
Hunting Memorial, and recommended Dr. Powell
as an excellent surgeon.
Having a Dr. in my own family recommend him
so highly gives me confidence.