Palo Alto Medical Foundation Hospital

I had my first consult yesterday (May 24th).
He's a great guy. Very nice. Very thorough. Explained everything in detail.

The office assistants were great. I was able to talk with Terry (who deals with the insurance companies), and she explained everything that was going to happen. Very nice to know what the steps were.

I would highly recommend this doctor. Everyone that I have talked with who has had the surgery with Dr. Wetter, has done nothing but rave about him!

I think, no...I know I made the right decision to go to Dr. Wetter!

Haven't met him yet. First consultation scheduled for 1/11/00! Consultation rescheduled for 2/1/00. Met Dr. Wetter at the 1/15/00 support at Mills/Penn. Hosp. He was the speaker. Very approachable, very informative and he is very enthusiastic about what he does. My husband was very nervous before the meeting. After listening to Dr. Wetter, he is now a WLS advocate. Will know more when I speak to him in person on the 2/1/00.

Met with Dr Wetter in February. He seems just as nice as my first impression. I have every confidence in him.

He made sure my husband and I knew both the risks and benefits of this surgery. Asked a lot of questions, answered even more. He is very patient and wants his patients and their S.O.s to be well informed.

First impression was a good one. I have been to many doctors about being overweight and they have been the traditional 'diet and excersize will do it', not Dr. Wetter
(Pronounced Vetter) he was totally understanding and helpful. My impression has changed a little, being I really enjoy being his patient. He is very patient with me at all times and that takes a lot. He visited me every day in the hospital, called me at home to make sure I was doing ok when I was having complications. He is the greatest. :O)
The office staff is great, especially Terri and Jean, very understanding and helpful. The only bad thing about my whole experience with Dr. Wetter is that he is already married :o( hehe.
He is committed to helping us better our lives so lets all get healthy again. :O)
You can find no other better surgeon or staff. I really give kudos to them. There is one thing that is a little annoying is the answering service when the staff are busy or away. They are very annoying and rude, but Dr. Wetter is definately worth the wait and annoyance :O).

5/9/00
The other postings regarding Dr. Wetter were similiar to my opinion. I liked him immediately. He seems very sincere and competent. He is modest, but did volunteer that he was recently at a conference wherein it was stated that there are only 10 surgeons in the US who do the lap surgery; he raised his hand and said "correction, I'm no. 11 (or words to that effect" He performs two lap WLS per week; he also treats cancer patients and other gastro disorders. I asked if he is still in contact with his first lap WLS patient (he is which is a good sign, no?) He has been performing this surgery for the past two years.

He was patient with my questions; I did not feel rushed. His office staff was friendly and professional. It was a postive experience.

Last but not least (and totally not relevant but fun to know) he is really cute !

Update 4-06-00
I had surgery March 27th. Dr Wetter did a fabulous job. I was scared going in because I felt he didn't know me or medical history enough, but I guess what matters is what he does inside. I've had a miraculous recovery from the surgery. I feel great and went back to work one week after. My incisions are so tiny, they are already disappearing. I've lost 20 pounds in 10 days and have no difficulties except intolerance to milk. I just started real food and am not having any problems. I think Dr. Wetter really cares about doing a good surgery. I don't think I know him as a doctor, but as a surgeon he is definitely very skilled.

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I read great things about DR Wetter and the Support at Mills Peninsula. Anne is very responsive and caring. I've only been to my initial consultation (1-19-2000). Because he was held up in surgery, the wait was very long (my appt was at 2 and I didn't get in until almost 4. They had told me to bring aa family member so I brought my mother and they never talked to her which was frustrating since it took the whole afternoon. Dr Wetter does seem friendly and approachable.

Everything is finalized now. I had to call the office a few times because they seem to be processing a lot of cases. They wrote a great letter to my insurance company and I was approved within about a week even though the Dr's office didn't include my triglycerides of 650 or othe pre-diabetic issues related to my weight.

I liked Dr.Wetter. He was very easy to talk to and listened to what I had to say. He wanted to make sure that I understood what this surgery was all about and that I knew it was right for me. His staff is great and very helpful. They have taken the time to explain to me how the process works for getting approval and what steps will come after approval. These things seemed to be a little mysterious to me, but I understand them know and feel much better about them.

Over all I would recommend Dr. Wetter and his staff.

I really liked Dr. Wetter. I feel very confident with him AND his staff. He went over all the surgical risks and other side effects just to make sure I knew what could happen. I have met a few of his other patients and they just love him. Check out his new website, www.surgery-for-obesity.com...lots of great info there...especially regarding his post op diet. He even has menus all laid out for a typical day. They also have a great support group at Mills-Peninusul Hospital.

I met with Dr. Wetter on Nov 24,1999. My appointment was scheduled for 2:30 pm,. He apparently got delayed, and his Staff kept me and my husband updated with each delay, from being delayed at the hospital, to delayed in traffic d/t a accident, Doctor kept calling in and telling the staff to offer me anything in the office. And when he did arrive he kept apologizng, we were impressed. He was very open, warm, he sat down with my husband and me at eye level and explained all the information in easy language so my husband could understand. and answered all our questions. His staff was wonderfull.

Mike and I had our first appointment with Dr Wetter on 03-01-00. We liked him very much. He very carefully explained the surgery to us, the good and the bad. He emphasized that once we had the surgery there would be no going back. He is very caring and answered all our questions. He also advised us he starts all surgeries as a lap, but if there are any problems he will open you up. His main concern is your health and well being.
We have an appointment with the psychiatrist, Dr Tatomer, on 03-14-00. Dr Wetter's office staff was very friendly.

I met with Dr. Wetter on 12/8/99 for the first time and was very impressed. I felt very comfortable with Dr. Wetter. He was very careful to make sure that I understood all the risks involved. What impressed me the most was a comment he made about how he will try to perform the surgery as a lap; however if he has any concerns at all about leakage he will revert to opening you completely up to make sure that everything is right the first time. The next step is to get insurance approval.....

Insurance was approved by Blue Shield in one day over the phone. Scheduled for 2/14/00

Surgery was completed on 2/14/00, released from hospital on 2/18. Dr. Wetter has a wonderful bedside manner and he is also a very competent surgeon. Dr. Wetter came to my room daily to review my progress and answer any questions. Experience with Mills-Peninsula's hospital and staff was also great. I am one week post op and have not had any pain medication since my 3rd day in the hospital and I am able to move around
quite well. I truly believe that it is due to Dr. Wetter's skill at performing laps. Highly recommend!!