Ohio State University Medical Center Hospital

I think all hospitals need to have more or total private rooms. I was surprised that the operating table was so narrow. The nurses and aids were very nice, and very attentive. I was in good hands.

Dr Needleman gives the impression that he is genuinly concerned about you and how you do. He is honest about any possible side effects and he doesn't try to downplay them.

Had a wonderful experience as far as it could be. Only prob was getting someone there in middle of night before I wet to bed! LOL

I found Dr. Needleman to be very knowledgable without being arrogant, able to explain the procedure in the clearest of analogies, and willing to listen. I had a bit of confidence going in, knowing he is the head of bariatric surgery at OSU and teaches other surgeons to operate laproscopically; but once I spoke with him, my confidence soared. He highly recommended this site, too! It has been a long journey, but I feel that I'm at the right place at the right time. His office administator is Suzy, who is pleasant as well as highly capable. I cannot say anything negative about either one of these two people.

First impression of Dr. Needleman: Very professional, open to questions, thorough, but a bit distracted. Had the feeling he was very busy but he took time with me. I hope he's a "listener" when I need him to be. He agreed that I could listen to music on a CD during surgery and in recovery (something I've done in a research project in past surgery which was a great benefit in post surgery pain and healing.) I was pleased with his openness to an idea that is new to him. His secretary was cordial and helpful but other staff seem overwhelmed and I had trouble with "lost" paperwork during the application process. I don't know anyone who has had him....hope I will hear from someone with firsthand experience. He addressed the risks of surgery thoroughly. No one has talked to me about aftercare and that is a concern since I do not live in Columbus. I believe that he is very competent but will wait to rate his bedside manner. Anyone interested in the use of MUSIC in surgery please contact me and I will share my experience.

1/30/03-
Talked to OSU today. I was told I would be receiving my date for consult with Dr. Needleman next week!!! Could this process be any longer??!? I'll keep everyone posted! Thanks for the support. 3/18/03- I finally met with Dr. Needleman today. He was so nice and completely honest about everything. I told him I would lie down on the floor and have the surgery now if he had an extra hour. He laughed!! Surgery date is May 21st and I am 100% comfortable with him being by my side.

very good

DR NEEDLEMAN WAS VERY NICE AND CONFIDENT AND EVERYTHING I WANT IN A SURGEON, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT WILL BE PLAYING AROUND WITH MY STOMACH. HIS STAFF WAS VERY NICE AND LAID BACK, EVERYONE SO FAR AT OSU HAVE BEEN AWESOME.....I WILL HAVE SURGERY TOMORROW AND WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW THE HOSPITAL STAY PART GOES!!

wonderful doctor...has a bunch of information...and believe it or not..even knew more than i did after my two years of research...lol

I have only met Dr. Needleman once so far. I had been told that I would have Dr. Muscarella, so I was a little surprised when Dr. Needleman's office called me to schedule an appointment.
My husband and I were very pleased with the initial visit. The doctor sat down at my eye level and maintained eye contact with me through the entire discussion. He described the surgery in great detail, even drawing pictures!
His office staff seemed nice. The nurse (I don't remember her name.) kept calling me "Honey". That was kind of annoying, since she didn't even know me, but that was her way of being friendly.
I would say that the thing I like least so far about Dr. N is the great amount of time that it took before I even got to meet him. I began working on this in August of 2002. I know that doesn't sound like a really long time, but I'm also having another surgery along with the RNY. I learned in September that I needed a complete hysterectomy due to very irregular periods. My OB/GYN wants to coordinate with the gastro surgery. So, I've been putting up with "menstral fun" all this time. I guess that's why I've been impatient.
I did not discuss aftercare at great length with Dr. N. I was prepared, however, during my teaching sessions with a dietician.
Dr. N was very open about the risks involved in his part of my surgery. He told me what could go wrong and what he would do then.
At this point, I would rate Dr. Needleman as competent and impressive. I hope I can still say that post-op!