PIH Health Hospital

Him and his staff are fantastic. Both preoperative and aftercare. The classes they offer and support group are great. He was very upfront and just told you how it was. He also shows a personal connection and follow up.

I had surgery with Dr. Braverman on 12/19/13. From the moment I met him at the orientation, I was highly impressed with his demeanor and professionalism. He answered all the questions I had even before I had a chance to ask them. For a surgeon, he has a wonderful bedside manner and conveys a true compassion about his patients. My PCP who specializes in bariatric medicine referred me to the N.E.W. Program and said this was the only place he would recommend if I was committed to undergoing surgery to address my weight issue. As far as surgery, I had a very easy time. Two nights in the hospital and home with no pain. So far no complications.

The office staff, well, there are some challenges there. Be prepared to be persistent to get answers to questions regarding insurance, conflicts and concerns. Emails that I sent were often ignored, so I suggest following up constantly.

Their new nutritionist, Carol Ann, is incredibly knowledgeable and always has great ideas on how to address food issues. She's not some 20 year old who thinks that everything should be easy and a slam dunk. Carol Ann has life experience and a depth of understanding that puts you at ease.

I attend their support group that meets twice a month. As much as I HATE groups, I find it beneficial to talk with people who have undergone the various weight loss surgeries and follow their journeys.

My only complaint would be that there isn't much information provided as far as quantities and portion sizes allowed after surgery. I like things in black and white, and some type of handout or chart would be most helpful.

GREAT surgeon. HORRIBLE staff. No one will provide email contact info or phone extensions. Receptionist (as of July 12 - there is major turnover at this office) frequently forgets why clients are waiting.

I've made 15 written requests for my 2012 patient records, over 50 days, without receiving them and am now being ignored. I'm going to have to sue to get my records.

Was told that they wouldn't perform my band-to-sleeve revision because I refused to purchase a $1500 add-on of items I didn't need (supplements, trainers, psych & nutritionist appts) and none of it was required by insurance - plus, I was expected to buy it, CASH ONLY, 2 months before I was even submitted for insurance approval - with no refund if insurance denied my request.

So I found another, superior, surgery center.

3 months later, without seeing me a single time during that period (and my lap band still having content), I got a call that they had rec'd insurance approval for my revision. I had it transferred to another surgeon.

I went into the New Program to see what my options were. I was very doubtful and hesitant of the entire bariatric surgery process before Dr. Braverman spoke. His presentation completely sold me on the idea as he gave honest information in a way that demonstrated his passion for what he does.

Dr. Braverman spoke honestly about the risks of surgery and the risks of non surgery. His professionalism mixed with a down to earth sense of humor made him the only person I would trust my body with for this procedure.

I feel that through his words and actions, you can tell that he is a master of his craft that actually cares about the patient.

I had my lap band done by Dr Braverman yesterday and all I can say is that he is awesome... I was so nervous n as soon as came in to explain the procedure he made me feel so much better.... He is just really good doctor.

Dr. B is awesome! He's so friendly and funny and it seems like he really enjoys what he does for a living, which is refreshing! He's very informative and has great follow-up care! I would definitely recommend him! :)

My surgeon will be Dr. Justin Braverman and Dr. Brian Quebbeman of The N.E.W. Program (Nutrition, Exercise, Wellness), Newport Beach, CA.

Although the program itself is highly unorganized and frustrating at times, I do highly recommend them. They also do not charge a "program fee" where other programs charge $3,500 or so on top of the cost of surgery.

Dr. Braverman is one of the most compassionate doctors I've ever met. I have not yet met Dr. Quebbeman yet but he's one of the best in his field. In fact, he participated in the clinical trials for the lap band and is currently testing gastric balloons as well as the new single incision surgical technique where they go through the belly button just like some breast augmentation surgery are now performed.

About 10 years ago, Dr. Quebbeman performed my friend's son's RNY surgery and did an amazing job. I feel it is almost fate that brought me back to him after all these years.

As a business woman myself, I have to admire the way they've put this complete, comprehensive program together to include teaching/seminars, fitness, counseling (both emotional and nutritional), medical offices and they even carry their own line of bariatric products and apparel.

FIRST IMPRESSION:
So far, he's been a nice guy! I met him 2x prior to my EDG (in March) and then again a few months prior to my surgery (12 July)

ADDRESSING RISKS: He's been honest and forthcoming about my revision and the risks associated. He seemed

OFFICE:
His office staff leaves little to be desired! I honestly think they're VERY disorganized and in desperate need of an OFFICE MANAGER!

IN OFFICE PROGRAMS:
They have the NEW Program which they PUSH down ALL the 'revision' patients throats no matter who you are! It's mandatory!!! They lump everyone together and DO NOT handle 'revision' patients on a "one to one" basis! THAT, sucks! I believe every patient should be accessed individually as each case is different! As a 'revision' patient you MUST buy their Silver Plan for $3500.00!! The soups are nasty. The protein shakes are not much better (the Double Chocolate is the best one!) The protein bars are good. They also give you boxed food for post-op so I will review those after I try them! It's ALL processed foods though - nothing natural!

AFTER CARE: Yes, they have a structured program. We have to meet with their Dietician, Personal Trainer, Internist, and stay on their foods.

I will update more once I'm post-op! :)

Dr. Braverman is outstanding as a surgeon and has an execellent bedside manner. He had been recommended to me by my GP and my GYN. I was a little nervous after my first call because it seemed like I had reached some service center that takes mass calls. The person that I spoke to did not seem knowledgable about bariatric surgery and did not seem willing to answer any questions. I went ahead and made the appointment based on his reputaton, and I am glad that I did. At my first appointment, I was immediately put at ease by Dr. Braverman. He is very friendly and knowledgable. My surgery went terrific and I am feeling great. I have had no complications or problems.

His staff is very friendly and nice, but seem a little too busy and it has caused me to be inconvenienced several times, but his care has been worth it. I have not taken advantage of his aftercare programs as I am only a little over a week out from surgery. There is a support group that is no cost, but he does offer many other services for a fee, including counseling and exercise classes.

I would highly recommend Dr. Bravermand and the NEW Program.

# What was your first impression of him/her?rnrnHe was very enthusiastic about his job and friendlyrnrn# How would you describe his/her office staff?rnrnThey were very helpful and friendly.rnrn# How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?rnrnAs being paramountrnrn# Does he/she have a structured aftercare program? Yesrnrn# How did he/she address the risks of surgery? I had t attend 3 informational seminars provided by him and his staff to make sure I understood the risks.rnrn# How would you rate him/her overall?rnSo far excellentrnrn# Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great?rnrnBoth were great.