Palo Alto Medical Foundation Hospital
Dr. Wetter is a very easy to talk to, non-judgmental, and extremely competent surgeon. Not only did I have lap band surgery 3 years ago and lost close to 100 pounds, but also had a laproscopic colon resection by him for another unrelated problem. Both he and his staff were always very responsive and attentive. I did note on a few occasions during after care office visits that the schedule was not always maintained, but there was always a reasonable explanation he offered....after all there are more patients with critical needs requiring his skill versus my after care appointment. Regardless, I have never felt rushed and he ALWAYS lets you take a moment to gather your thoughts to ask any last questions you may have. I have always felt that he was there to truly help me and not his ego. I would highly recommend Dr. Wetter for his technical skills, bedside manner, and compassion for his patients.
Dr. Foster is the best!!! Like the other reviewers, you have to be honest with Dr. Foster and follow her plan. You also need to be committed to this new lifestyle. Dr. Foster does not sugar coat anything! She is a straight shooter, and firm. Her bedside manner is very caring, sweet and comforting. She was right there by my side. She is my Angel. Thank you Dr. Foster, you saved my life. I would HIGHLY recommend her to everyone. You rock Dr. Foster as a beautiful person with great communication, and as a Rockstar Surgeon!
Dr. Foster is amazing! She has taken the time to explain everything in detail since the first day I walked in her office and continues to give me "personalized" time each time I go back for a fill. She clearly outlined what the expectation was on my part and keeps me accountable without being judgemental. I feel very priviledged to have found Dr. Foster. (Thanks Jim for the referral!)
Dr. Wetter was very informative and helpful. I did not feel rushed one bit and the office staff were wonderful. Seems to have an amazing bedside manner and I look forward to getting to know him and his staff better in this process. We talked about the risks and his track record, he was very honest and open with me which was nice. I can tell he is a straight shooter but is not even a little abrasive about it which is nice.
***UPDATE***
I had my VSG on the 27th! Amazing doctor, I really felt like he explained everything every step of the way. Was very understanding and helpful. His office staff are amazing as well. I loved the hospital too. Mills-Penensula. The nurses were all very nice and caring. Even though he was a little far away for me, it was well worth the drive!!! I feel very lucky to have worked with such an amazing group of people!
Here's my story-- every word is true-- I got turned down by another Dr. because the ding dong psychologist on his team told him I would turn into an alcoholic. I don't even drink. That whole situation broke my heart.
So I got on OH, researched hospitals and chose El Camino because it has great reviews and is "center of excellence", which is real important to my insurance company.
So then, we were sitting around at work one night, 3 in the morning, and I told my co-workers I found the hospital but no surgeon. So one of my co-workers said "we can fix that". She called up El Camino at 3 in the morning, asked to speak to the floor that takes care of WLS patients. Nurse answers the phone and she says to her-- "My friend is thinking of having gastric bypass. If it were you, which doctor would you want?" The nurses working that night all said PAMELA FOSTER. "There you go-- there's your surgeon. "
OMG, she's great. I really lucked up when I got this GEM. And now, I am so happy that ding dong and company turned me down.
I'm 10 days post-op lap gastric bypass and have had no problems. I haven't needed to call Dr. Foster for anything but I know in my heart I could call her in the middle of the night if I needed her. That right there says a lot, I think. She really does care about me and wants me to succeed and be healthy.
She took her time with me. First visit, I think, was about an hour. She is very informative, explains everything and encourages questions.
I researched her on the net, OH, you know-- I snooped around and found out as much as I possibly could about her. All was positive. When I got on that operating table that morning, I knew I was in very good hands.
Literally, I do believe this woman has saved my life. I am so fortunate to have her.
That office staff is wonderful too. Yvette is her co-ordinator. When I call, I usually get to talk to her. On the rare occasion that I have to leave a message, she calls me right back. That's very important to me too. You know? Especially if something comes up that has me scared or worried. Knowing I won't be put off is very important.
I posted the above just after my surgery in October 2010. My heaviest weight, I guestimate was 420. I am now 216 and still losing. I have had NO problems. You have no idea how happy I am and how grateful I am to Dr. Foster and her staff for giving me my life back.
I went to my FIRST appointment with him on Monday (10/25/10). IMPRESSED doesn't cover how what I felt. Unbeknowst to me, he had read my ENTIRE medical file PRIOR to out appontment. Now you have to know how imcreditble this is....Dr. Fang is the only one of two bariatric surgeons at the Palo Alto Medical Group! In fact, I was rescheduled twice! Yet he still had time to read and understand MY medical history!...OMG! The program is structured with definate direction and expectation of bothe me the patient, the staff, and Dr. Fang. By the way... Jennifer, Dr. Feng's LVN is AWESOME
All I can say is Wow! Very impressive surgeon, and did a great job on my revision (original surgery was Duodenal Switch) and hernia surgery.
Hard to find a surgeon that takes so much time to explain the exact procedure to his patient with ease. He really helps to make you feel comfortable and you will know he is the right doctor for you right away.
He even takes the time to call you on the phone to handle any questions or problems you might be having pre or post op. Rare these days!
A++++
Thanks Doctor Wetter!
Very positive, very enthusiastic, very knowledgeable. He was open, explained the pro's and con's. The morning of surgery he was upbeat, optimitic and energetic.
I recomend him to anyone seeking surgery.