El Camino Hospital Hospital

I really do not have anything negative to say about Dr. Foster. She is very honest and tells you the way it is; no fluff. She is very good a taking time to talk with you regarding your issues and has a lot of suggestions. She listens to you and tries to tailor her suggestions to you, not just give you the \"blanket suggestion\", or one size fits all. I am 6 years out (this Nov) and I saw her last year and she remembered e, although I have not been back to see her in 5 years. She also said that she was happy to talk to my new Dr (I changed insurances so I have to go to a Kaiser surgeon). The only thing I would suggest is a better long term support program.

After a long time selecting a DR.I went with DR John Rabkin and am so glad I did. I didn't get to meet him until the day of my surgery as I did all consultations over the phone. He came in his scrubs and talked to my husband and I a good 45 minutes. I felt so comfortable with him. I know it would be ok for him to be my surgeon. Afterwards he came in my room once or twice a day. His way of explaining the procedure to us was wonderful.rnDr Rabkin's office staff is GREAT~ We live 3 1/2 hrs from San Francisco and they are all very in tuned with their patients.rnI would highly recommend DR RABKIN to anyone in need of a DS.

Dr.Wetter made me feel so comfortable! He has a wonderful personality and a great sense of humor. I am so thankful I found him. His staff is very supportive. They had everything done and submitted to my insurance before I could even call and check up. I am so impressed with the courtesy and professionalism they show to their patients.

First, the good...
The RN that runs the support groups and Bariatric program at El Camino Hospital is an angel. She is really really great and cares so much about her patients!

As far as accommodations go - the bed, wheel chair, bathroom were all equipped for overweight patients. I was lucky enough to have my own room which was fantastic. I had my door closed a lot which let me sleep more than I expected (even if it wasn't a lot because of standard post-op pain/care/etc).

Now for the not so good...
The hospital is super old (the new hospital will be up and running in months).

Most of the staff was very friendly and some were really great. Unfortunately when you are in recovery some bad apples can ruin the experience.

One overnight nurse that was helping me was nice enough to perform an early vitals check on me so that I could get some sleep. The nurses assistant still came in and woke me up an hour later. I told him that the nurse had already done the vitals and that I was trying to sleep but he insisted on me having my vitals done again. I was sooo tired but he made me get up to do the dance again.

I think the worst part of my stay was with the very first nurse that I encountered. She had the audacity to 'know' that surgery will make me a healthier person. I actually didn't have any major comorbitiies before surgery so it really pissed me off. She didn't know why I chose to have surgery or what my story was. But she went on and on about how now I could be 'healthier'. And this is just hours after surgery.

On top of this she went on to tell me that someone on staff in the ward had 'the surgery done' and that they gained their weight back..."so I guess it doesn't always work". I was so amazed at her insensitivity. To tell someone right after they have undergone this procedure that 'may not work'.

From what I understand, hospitals with a bariatric ward make their employees go through sensitivity training. I think this was the only thing missing at El Camino Hospital - or at least it was missing with these two employees.

The rest of the staff were really sweet and helpful and caring and a few of them I will actually miss!

Very informative and precise about theprocedure .

Office staff was really helpful and very proactive in seeing that the procedure was approved as quickly as possible, since I had switched over to them from another medical group.

Aftercare was extrememly emphasized.

Yes the aftercare program is in place

the risks and complications were presented in a realistic light and everything was explained and talked about honestly.

I would rate the surgeon and his office staff as a 9 or better.

I think both the surgical competence and a beside manner are needed, but of the two the surgical competence is the most important. if the surgeon doesn't have a great bedside manner then usually the nurse and surgical team make up for it.

My first impression of Dr. Foster, was Wow, she's straight forward and to the point. I appreciated her honesty in everything. Her cheerful smile the next day after surgery, and her skillfulness during the surgery.

I have the most wonderful doctor, he is very compassionate and has done fantastic work on me. His office staff also works very close to all your needs. I was so glad to be able to have the gastric bypass done, of course I had alot of fear. My doctor answered all my questions and put all my fears to rest. I had such great care and guidance I was able to return to work within 2 weeks and 2 days. I rate Dr. Marc Zare the best as well as his office staff.

My experience with Dr.Zare has been nothing short of amazing. From the my initial consultation to now (2 months post op) the staff has gone above and beyond to assist me every step of the way. Ben (Program Coordinator|)is wonderful and will work with you tirelessly on everything from insurance authorizations and appointments to answers to all of the millions of questions that you WILL have. This office offers you a mixture of kindness and professionalism that you wont find elsewhere; you wont be treated like just another number but an actual human being. Thanks to Dr. Marc Zare I was given the tools to change (and save!) my life.

After a long search for a Bariatic dr, I was grateful to find Dr. Zare was in network with my insurance.My insurance covers 100% for in network drs. Most Bariatric dr’s in San Jose/Bay Area were not in network with any insurane or were in network but still wanted an out of pocket payment of $2000-$5000 dollars. Dr. Zare did not have those fee, which is very helpful in this economy. Upon first meeting Dr Zare, I noticed he had a natural attention to detail and knowledge in Bariatric surgery. After reading horror stories, I felt confident with selecting him to perform my surgery.rnIn General, I am very happy with my surgery, the health issues that have been resolved due to the surgery, with Dr. Zare and his staff. While in the hospital Dr. Zare ensured my needs were met and was response to midnight calls from the nursing staff. At 2months and a week out I lost 48 lbs! I would definalty recommend Dr. Zare to anyone considering the bariatric surgery. rnrnJulia

Great surgeon.