Northwest Medical Center Hospital

rnHe was very informative. The staff answers you questions and concerns in a timely manner. Everything about him is excellent. And he is at all of the support meetings.rn

Overall i had a nice stay but there is no bed better than your own bed.

I met Dr. Wizman at a meeting scheduled to provide information on all types of bariatric surgery. My first impression was of a very experienced surgeon wanting only positive outcomes for his patients. My respect for him and acceptance of his advice only increased as I researched him and talked to other patients. rnrnHe accepts almost any insurance and has an outstanding office staff. My favorite thing about him is his way of giving a patient positive encouragement without sounding like he is falsely accessing you just to get you to have him do a surgery. I felt he helped me make the decision to have the correct surgery for me. rnrnThis skilled surgeon repaired a very large hiatel hernia and a belly button hernia at the same time he did my by-pass. I feel he saved my life twice because my mother died from complications of a hiatel hernia which couldn't be repaired. rnrnDr. Wizman provides a support group bi-monthly for all his patients, pre and post surgery. As well, he follows you medically with six month visits for five years post surgery. He tests extensively for nutritional deficiencie prior to each of these follow ups. He is meticulous in his presurgery work-up. He demanded I have another colonoscopy before he would do my surgery in addition to seeing a pulmonologist and cardiologist besides my regular primary care physician. He spoke directly to my Rheumatologist to chart my future treatment of my Rheumatoid arthritis.While I was anxious to get my surgery I complied with all his requests and my confidence in him increased because of his thoroughness. He was honest about possible complications and provided medication to protect against gall bladder problems for six months after my surgery. I was one of the lucky ones without many complications. I attribute this to the fine preparation he and his staff gave me nutritionally and psychologically and to adhering to the bariatric way to eat and exercise since my surgery two years ago. rnrnIt is truly a lifetime commitment you are making when you undergo this surgery. So plan to do it only if you can commit to the diet and nutritional supplements you will require for the rest of your life. I've gotten off high blood pressure medication and my asthma is under much better control. My Rhuematoid Arthritis doesn't give me as many problems now that the weight is off. At 5'7'' I tipped the scales at 305 six months before my surgery. On my own I lost 19 pounds presurgery and now am at 140-145 after going into surgery at 286 pounds.rnrnOverall I would give Dr.Wizman a ten plus on a one to ten scale. His surgical competence is impeccable. He specializes in bariatric surgery and has a proven statistical track record. If he has any fault it is that demand for him outstrips the hours in a day. Patients willingly get in line to be on his schedule. He only sees patients in his office on Wednesday, reserving the other four for surgeries. How many doctors have ever given you their beeper number? Dr.Wizman does! He came to watch my swallow test personally following my surgery, most doctors would just wait for radiology to send them a report. When my post surgery hospital stay turned negative due to hospital staff I could and did call him on his cell. I tried the office first but even they encouraged me to use his cell number. He called me as soon as he was out of surgery to take care of the problem.rnrnMy advice to you is to use this website and others and talk to the actual patients of a surgeon before you choose one. Dr. Wizman is worth traveling to if you can't find an equal where you live. But do this operation to have a happier and healthier life!

Dr. Wizman is the BEST!!! He's a great surgeon, and has an excellent program. I would recommend him!

I was very impressed with Dr. Wizman. He was very knowledgeable and very interested in you as a person. I had been to other bariatric surgeons who did not give the time that Dr. Wizman gave to their prospective new patients. I appreciated his sense of humor and his honesty. He explained the procedure and what you can expect. My impression did not change over time. His office staff is wonderful. They have always been on top of everything. Diane who is his right arm has called me back whenever I needed anything and she is also very knowledgeable about nutrition and vitamins. Dr. Wizman empasizes a great deal on aftercare and does emphasize his group meetings that are held once a month. They are great meetings and you learn quite a lot from them. I would rate him a 10 out of a 10 overall. He had a wonderful bedside manner, great surgical competence, and if I had to do this over again I would definitely choose Dr. Wizman. I wouldn't think to go anywhere else. Thank you Dr. Wizman.

My first impression of Dr. Wizman was a good one. He seemed genuinely interested in helping make peoples lives better. He has a great sense of humor that puts you at ease to ask him anything. There is a monthly support group that he emphasizes post op you attend. Its casually run and mostly driven by peoples experiences with how they're managing their food, drinking and meds. I, personally, didn't get a chance to evaluate his bedside manner since his partner, Dr. Shillingford, was the one I saw in the hospital each time (2x). However, I'd have to say that since I am doing so well, I'd give them both A+ for surgical competence. It was disappointing not to have seen Dr. Wizman even once in the hospital although Dr. Shillingford was patient and answered any and all my questions.rnAfter six weeks I think its important to mention that the office staff and especially his nurse Diane, are all very understanding of any complaint and offer support and simple remedies to help make this life changing event go smoother.

Simply put, Dr Wizman saved my life. I know I wouldn't be here today without him taking me on, and his staff working me through the Insurance land mines. Everyone at Bariatrix is there to help and assist with pre and post-op needs. I went to other hospital programs and sat through info meetings before I came to the WIZ. He is genuinely caring about his patients and his confidence puts you at ease in the hardest moments. They wheeled me in the OR weighing 507LBS on 11/3/05 and I am 235lBS today (and have been since 7/06). I couldn't walk from one end of my home to the other and now walk and work with greater ease than I have been able to in years. The aftercare is there for you to use, it's up to you to apply the plan the staff gives you. But I am living proof that if you follow ALL of the instructions, use the aftercare meetings and follow-up visits, success can be in your future too. Before you make a decision on your surgeon, visit his office and talk with the WIZ. You won't be sorry.

dr. wizman came highly recomended. I had a wonderful expierience . My surgery was very sucessful. I had no complications. My diabetes is almost gone and my health has drastically improved in only 6 weeks. I feel good and it was the best decision i ever made. I wouldnt recomend anyone else but Dr. Wizman. Every patient i speak to of his,loves him. My father is driving over 300 miles to be having Dr. Wizman operate on him.

The first time I meet Dr. Wizman, I told him that he was the only man who could make me happy, and he did. I would recommend him, overwhelming; everything went well, no complaints

I am pleased to awaken to find Dr. was able to do a laproscope procedure. He did a fantastic job. I am extremely pleased.rnNo impressed with overall post-op care. Doesn't like to deal with patient who end up with complication. Telling people they look great when they feel like crap. To tell you are going to look beautiful. I did not do this for beauty. I did this for overall health and well being.