Brigham and Women's Center for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Hospital

Dr. Shikora is a tall, thin, friendly gentleman who is very well learned in his field. He was very informative during my surgical consult, as all of the professionals and office staff have been at the Obesity Consult Center at NEMC in Boston, MA. I had seen him prior to this meeting at large group WLS meetings, but had never spoken directly to him. He is direct in his address of the surgical options and their risks. The OCC has a VERY structured after-care program of which they *strongly* encourage patients to take advantage. 87% of bariatric surgery patients maintain weight loss over an extended period of time (10+ years) at this facility, versus 75% overall in the nation. Dr. Shikora stressed SEVERAL times that after-care is VERY important and that the OCC likes "to keep track" of their patients through monthly meetings, bi-yearly physicals and consultations. He also stressed that their staff would be available in the future should I need them for things like pre-natal nutrition/vitamins even if I had a local OB-GYN. Now I await insurance approval...: )

I believe this doctor is a skilled world class surgeon. At our first meeting he did not mince any words and told me exactly what the procedure was and the risks involved. At the day of surgery and post-op he was warm and caring. Post-op, he visited my room in the late afternoon every day to inquire on my progress in a very caring manner. I would recommend Dr. Shikora and his team to anyone considering gastric bypass surgery. In my opinion, he is the best.

In my case, it took 8 months from first appointment to day of surgery. If you are thinking of going to the New England Medical Center in Boston for this surgery consider the lead time necessary and apply as early as possible.

I really like Dr. Shikora. He treated my obesity like the medical condition it is. I didn't feel embarrassed. All of the staff have been extremely nice. Future patients should be aware that his services are in high demand, it takes months to get an appointment. Although this is frustrating, it's comforting to know he has such a great reputation. Aftercare is a must for success! They have plenty of support groups that you can and should attend. He was frank about the risks of surgery. I am very comfortable with my choice.

I was very impressed at first sight of Dr. Robinson. For some reason I expected to meet some old man with a stern face. But Dr. Robinson's was friendly and inviting. I felt very comfortable talking to him and asking him questions. He was very attentive and patient. I liked that.
The staff I met with were very helpful and to the point. I love efficiency! It's basically a matter of making a genuine decision of whether surgery is something that's right for you.
There was nothing I did not like about Dr. Robinson. He's quite a handsome doctor as there are many out there.
People need to understand the risks involved with surgery and the benefits. It can seem a little scary but I focused more so on the benefits than the risks. There are risks in every surgery procedure. If you do what is required of you, nothing but good can come from it.
There is a program that is available to patients post-op that includes a gym membership and counseling.
I'm comfortable with Dr. Robinson. If I have any questions or problems his staff is always available and he can be reached as well. .
Surgical competence and bedside manner are both important to me. Dr Robinson graduated from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's has always been my Hospital of choice.

DR. SHIKORA DID AN EXCELLENT JOB.HE WAS VERY INFORMATIVE WHEN WE HAD THE PRE-OP MEETING. HE FIRST EXPLAINED THE RISKS AND TOLD ME HE WANTED ME TO BE CLEAR ON THEM SO I COULD MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ON WEATHER TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROCEDURE.
HE ALSO EXPLAINED THE TWO DIFFERENT WAYS THE SURGERY IS DONE, BUT UNFORTUNATELY, I COULD NOT HAVE THE LAPROSCOPIC ONE. I LOVE OUR OFFICE STAFF. I AM ALWAYS GREETED KINDLY, AND TREATED WELL. EVEN WHEN I WEIGHED OVER 350 POUNDS. THE HOSPITAL STAFF WERE VERY PATIENT WITH ME, BECAUSE ON THE DAY OF MY SURGERY I WAS VERY VERY SCARED. THEY WERE QUITE REASSURING. THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSURED ME THAT I COULD BE REVIVED IF THERE WERE ANY PROBLEMS, AND THE O.R. PEOPLE WERE TOP SHELF.
WE HAVE A GREAT THREE PRONGED APPROACH BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY...I SAW A REGULAR DOCTOR, THE NUTRICIANIST AND A PSYCHIATRIST. I STILL SEE THEM REGULARLY. DR. SHIKORA TOLD ME MY SUCCESS DEPENDED DIRECTLY ON MY KEEPING MY APPOINTMENTS AND FOLLOWING THE PROGRAM CLOSELY AFTER MY SURGERY. I DO WISH I COULD TALK MORE TO DR. SHIKORA AFTER MY SURGERY...NOW. HE SAW ME EVERYDAY WHILE I WAS AN INPATIENT.

I picked Dr Shikora to do my surgery because of his world renown reputation and the program that the NEMC provides. The entire staff has been nothing but professional and very helpful.

There is a screening process and one has to meet the criteria for surgery. There is a psych evaluation, dietary consultation, and a meeting with Dr Shikora who thoroughly explains the proceedure,and risks involved. He is very understanding and supportive in every way.

There is a monthly support group for anyone who wishes to attend, pre-ops and post-ops. There are also separate support groups for men and women. The nutritionists and staff are always there for you. Anytime you need advice they are there. I am glad I found Dr.Shikora and the program at the NEMC in Boston. I feel I had nothing but the best care.

I chose Dr. Shikora as my surgeon because of his excellent reputation. He thoroughly discussed the procedure, and its consequences. He didn't mince words - he explained the good AND the possible complications that can arise from RNY. Dr. Shikora didn't rush through the meeting and I felt comfortable asking him all the questions I had on my LONG list. He was patient and had a nice sense of humor. The program at New England Medical Center is comprehensive. They strongly emphasize aftercare, and have a monthly support group meeting for pre and post surgical patients. There are also small groups for post surgical patients. I have no regrets whatsoever in having chosen Dr. Shikora to perform my surgery. In addition to his outstanding surgical skills, he is a compassionate and approachable individual.

Dr. Shikora is a very good surgeon. I am now 5 weeks post op with out a problem. I started my journey in August 2000 and had surgery on May 7, 2001. I was referred to him by a co worker who had the surgery there 3 years ago. The center has a complete program from start to finish. It was mandatory to quit smoking, which was an important thing for me to do with or without surgery. I did have to lose some weight before the surgery, which was only to help make things easier for me post op. My hospital stay was 4 days, and I had two awesome nurses that were over worked, when ringing the nurse call the wait was too long, sometimes as much as 10 - 12 minutes. The OCC has a good aftercare program, with checkups and support groups. I have only had one problem with some one who answered the phone, she was very uncaring and rude on this particular day. Dr. Shikora says to his post ops, "don't be a stranger". The office took care of all approvals and paperwork, I just got a bill for my deductable.

Just a quick update. Had my 1st meeting with Dr. Vogel at NEMC on 3-7-01.After 6 months of waiting it went far too quickly for me. Still haven't met Dr. Shikora yet, though I assume I will during the next couple of months. Well my search continues. I switched my DR to MALCOMB ROBINSON whom I met on the 1st visit after only a 3 week wait. Did my research on him and have only heard good things.. so YIPPEE for ME.He answered all my questions,was suitably impressed that I asked so many. Did not feel rushed. THe office staff are EXTREMELY PLEASANT, which really sold me.Will hear from them again in early JULY so until then...

Hello again.It is now 6/6/01 and I have a date!! July 11th 2001 I shall cross over to the other side.It has been a long haul. I must comment on the staff at new england medical center. be prepared to deal with very rude office staff.I cannot begin to tell you how rude those people were. Just to quote one of the women there... 'If you don't like the wait then go elsewhere, but you get what you pay for.' Needless to say I took my body and money elsewhere.

I am so pleased to be going to brigham & womans hospital.As I said before everyone is very kind and helpful. I pray they keep it up!

The staff at the Obesity Consult Center at NEMC is wonderful. DR. Shikora, the surgeon, is a nice guy who seems very learned and organized. Also very kind to large people, emphasizing that MO is a disease and not our fault. The psychologist, Dr. Vogel, is warm and kind; Dr. Saltzman is funny and efficient. It takes a loooong time to get an appointment. My journey started in July 2000 and I will probably have surgery in July or August 2001! And I don't even have any co-morbs to deal with first!

There is tremendous emphasis on aftercare and he has a very structured program, which is good. He's careful to tell you absolutely everything that could go wrong and lets you decide whether to have open or lap (I had a previous gallbladder surgery, but he's still willing to do it lap -- fairly unusual).

I am positive that he is the best surgeon, technically, on the east coast.