Chestnut Hill Hospital Hospital

My initial impression of Dr. Meilahn at the seminar was that he was very informative, covered all bases and graciously answered all the questions I had after the seminar. He seemed very patient, sitting down next to me to explain options and did not act like he was in a rush to be off. And this was before I was officially a patient. Over time I came to realize that he is plain-spoken, kind and introverted. He is also an extremely confident surgeon and puts education as the priority. He was always very straightforward about risks with no hedging, though he did point out he has never lost a patient. The only negative is I thought I'd have more contact with him. Prior to surgery I only spoke to him three times: at the seminar, at the initial consultation, and after I was approved and needed to sign the consent form.

His staff is SUPERB. They know what they're doing at every step of the way and they are extremely vigilant about aftercare. The program is stricter than others I've looked into, with regard to both the pre and post-op diets.

Overall I wouldn't want any other surgeon and he's not the only one I saw. But he's the best.

Dr. Meilhan did my sleeve on Feb 28th. I cannot speak highly enough of him, his clinical and office staff as well as the staff at Jeanes Hospital. As a healthcare provider myself, it is very nerveracking going into a procedure like this when you know all of what can go wrong.

This whole process has been seemless and a positive experience.. I would do it all again with him!!

I was impressed by Dr. Meilahn and his staff right from the beginning. Although, I was concerned about his bedside manner. He definitely is down to business, but right after
surgery his true colors came out. He was great!

He is very strict on aftercare, which is a very good thing. Overall, I would rate him as great!!

I love my surgeon and his team!!!!!rnHe seemed tough at first but I realized that he has to be. This isn't a game. This is life or death. I really do love my surgeon. He is the best and his staff always makes themselves available any way that they can. I love Nyeesha his Exec Asst!! I can not say enough good about this team or Temple Hosp.

ONE OF THE BEST!! SINCE THE FIRST TIME I MET HIM I KNEW HE WAS THE RIGHT DOCTOR TO HELP ME WITH MY NEW JOURNEY!! I'M SO GLAD THAT I WENT TO C HIM!!! JOHN MEILAHN TOP 10!!!

Just wanted to say that Dr. Meilahn is wonderful. He takes his time with you and answers any questions that you might have. His office staff was always willing to answer any questions that you might have. I really liked that everyone took there time with me and didn't rush me out. All risks were outlined before I even stepped into the OR. I would recommend Dr. M to anyone who is considering WLS. Very patient with me.

Seems to really know his shit.

I first met Dr. Meilahn at my friends after care appointment. Even though I was there for her He addressed me as well. He seemed very kind and caring. When I went to see him for myself I realized my first thoughts of him were right. Going through this has been truly hard. It was not easy to decide to have a life changing and even dangerous surgery. Dr. Meilahn and his staff made it a little bit easier. It took years for me to even decide to have gastric bypass. After making the decision I was very lucky, my insurance approved Temple hospital. I had to put out $600 dollars for pre testing that the insurance would not pay for, but I have to say it was worth it. It was recommended for me to go to another place that was closer but I spoke with several people who had gone to both places. Dr. Meilahn was my number one choice. They have a support group, pre and post op. They do a lot of testing before surgery to make sure there will be little or no complications. All questions I asked were answered honestly. Aftercare is stressed due to helping YOU the patient out. Its very important to know that if you are going for this surgery that aftercare is for YOUR benefit not the Dr's. I found Dr. Meilahn to be absolutely the best in surgical competence as well as bedside manner. He and Laurie are so great. You can , and it is stressed to do so, call after surgery with ANY questions. They do not mess around if you have questions about anything they will answer you. They actually will call you back to help you. Each and everyone of their patients are very important to them. I would rate Dr. Meilahn with a 15 out of a 10. I am just so impressed with every aspect of my experience dealing with Dr. Meilahn and his awesome staff. I truly love them all for everything they have done for me and helping me through my new transition in life. I just read the paragraph under this spot and have to say that if reading this you find anything I have typed here to be suspect, I am sorry. This was not an easy thing to decide and go through with, but it was all made easier due to Dr. meilahn and his staff.

Fought considering bariatric surgery for years. After fighting weigh loss on my own and not really succeeding, I started to do research. Exposed to Dr. Meilahn through research and analysis. Attended by first open house 08/07 was impressed with his no nonsense direct manner. Individual one on one session with him the next month. Each appt had with Dr. Meilahn and staff has been top knotch. Its great to be remembered. Pre-surgical and post surgical care has been continually stressed. Has a reputation at Temple for being extremely thorough. rnrnFinal round of testing is over the next couple of weeks. After that, insurance approval and date schedule is the last step. I'm nervous and excited. This is a long time coming and I feel like I'm being given another lease on life.rnrnWill say this. Making a decision to have this surgery was not something easily made. If you're not serious or do not have any intention on following Dr. Meilahn strict rules, then he's not the surgeon for you.rnrnThree wks out from the surgery. Just recently have I begin to feel like myself. While I don't regret the surgery, I really wish that I had someone to talk to in a physical environment. Doing research on the net and being in support groups were great, but, that physical connection would have made it all the better.rnrnStill reccomend Dr. Meilahn and the Temple Program above all others. I did experience the rath of Dr. Meilahn for not doing something that I was supposed to do. While my feelings were hurt and I was angry for a while, after rethinking everything, I realize that his 'in your face' tactic is really for the best.

First Impression: Very nice and down to earth.rnrnInpression change over time: Dr. Meilahn is great, but you will notice a change in him from your \"first\" group seminar to your \"first\" individual meeting. He is VERY down to business. :)rnrnOffice Staff: WONDERFUL!!! I absolutly LOVED every single one of them!rnrnLeast like: Nothing! Dr. Meilahn actually called me on a saturday from Florida to check up on me a few days after surgery.rnrnWhat you should know about him: He's the BEST doctor in the Philadelphia area for this procedure.rnrnEmphasize aftercare: After surgery at TUH, you are ALWAYS a part of the bariatric family.rnrnStructured Aftercare Program: YES! You are VERY informed by him, and you are sent home with a huge packet of info. Great info! His office staff or he himself can be reached anytime!rnrnAddress the risks of surgery: are talked about at all seminars, meeting, individual meeting w/ dr. meilahn, and on your final forms.rnrnRate him overall: 10+!!!rnrnWhich is better- Surgical Competence or Bedside Manner?: They are BOTH GREAT!rn