Shireesh Saurabh Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

In January of 2017, my mother-in-law suffered a stroke and was hospitalized at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. We stayed by her side for about 7 days but unfortunately she passed away. She was in relatively good health, but suffered from type 2 diabetes most of her adult life. I had recently been told I was pre-diabetic and was already taking medications for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Every time we went anywhere while we were at Mercy, we took the elevator and I noticed a placard there about the relatively new Gastric Balloon procedure. That placard, combined with Phyllis' passing, made me realize how much I had let my own health decline due to weight gain. The day we left the hospital I went home, got online with the Mercy website and the Bariatric Surgery page, and filled out a pre screening questionnaire, submitting it to Sara Maduka. By March of 2017, I had my first official appointment with the team which included Dr. Saurabh, Jen, and Lori. I found out that I qualified for surgery (weighing 252.4 pounds and being 5 foot 3 inches tall) and they scheduled me for the gastric sleeve procedure on June 19th! Dr. Saurabh set a goal for me to lose 30 pounds before surgery by exercising and watching what I ate. On March 7th, I joined the Wellness Center at the University of Iowa, where they have an indoor track, and began walking two miles every morning. My reward every day was a 20-minute sauna! By following Jen's diet plan, with the walking, I actually lost 50 pounds by surgery time! The hard work paid off and the procedure went smoothly. The walking continued (along with the sauna!) and by the time my sixth month follow-up appointment rolled around on December 22nd, I was down to my goal weight of 137.8 pounds. None of this would have been possible without the help of Sara, Jen, Lori, and Dr. S! I thank God everyday for my team as without their support, none of this would have been possible. I am going to start swimming for exercise and no longer have to worry about counting calories. By listening to what my body is telling me, I now have the proper tools to eat and to live! Thank you Dr. Saurabh, Sara, Jen and Lori!

Tough first week . Staff support A+. Follow up and questions educational and made it happen.

I feel so lucky to have chosen Dr. S as my surgeon. When I first started this journey I was nervous and thought I needed to interview multiple surgeons before I made a decision. I called two different places and one of the two places was Mercy Iowa City. I spoke with Sara and she sent me the paperwork to complete. Once I completed and returned to her she was able to schedule my initial consultation for just a few weeks out. I called another place where my best friend had her Sleeve surgery and they sent me some information but could not schedule my initial consultation for 4 months. From the very first appointment with Dr. S I felt very at easy and was looking forward to the following appointments with Jenny, the dietician. I went to the monthly support group meetings and quickly realized I did not need to interview any other surgeons. I had the opportunity to compare notes with my best friend who had her surgery done by a different clinic and she told me "what you have with Mercy and Dr. S is much more hands on with more individualized and personal attention". My friend told me that if she was in my shoes she would probably go with Mercy over the place she had went to, not that she wasn't happy but the support isn't as hands on where she went.
My surgery was completed and I had some of the best care I have ever experienced in the hospital. All of the nurses were great and spoke very highly of Dr. S and his attention to his patients after surgery. Once I was released from the hospital Dr S called me at home to check in and see how things were going.
Through the pre and post op this group at Mercy Iowa City has been wonderful to work with and I look forward to the monthly support group meetings because all of the patients and staff are kind, helpful and supportive!

The most attentive compassionate doctor I've ever met, and he is a surgeon (!). I was a nervous patient and Dr. S was caring and informative, clear, and professional in the most respectable way. He performed my surgery only after putting me a complete ease. He even checked in on my recovery over a weekend. His entire team is impressive, namely Sara Maduka and Jenny Finch. Dr. S completed my surgery in March of 2015 and I've had no complications. However, had I had a problem, I feel secure that Dr. S would be there and do all he could to fix whatever came up. He is still involved in my after care a year later - encouraging me to keep up my end of the work and reach my goals. A successful surgery that exceeded expectations in terms of treatment.

I have not had my surgery yet. Still waiting on insurance approval. Dr Saurabh is very upbeat, has been pleasant with me everytime I have seen him. He makes the journey easier than other places I have checked out. He and his staff are great. Friendly, know their stuff and can answer questions. He has made me feel comfortable about doing the surgery. I am not one to want to have a surgery. So a Dr. that can make me feel comfortable about it is one great doctor. Thank you Dr. Saurabh.

Dawn