Presbyterian Bariatric Center (COE) Hospital

WOW was my first impression of Dr. Melkonian. He really has his act together. He doesn't sugar coat anything, which is what I prefer. He tells you all the specifics in "normal" peoples terms and really spent all the time I needed in answering his questions. Nita (his nurse) is AWESOME she really knows her stuff and is the sweetest thing you will ever talk to. She too answers any questions that I may call ne about. OVERALL I GIVE DR. MELKONIAN (AND NITA) A MILLION THUMBS UP !!!!!!!!!!!!

He was very pleasant and informative, gave me all the information I needed and answered all my questions. The staff is nice and very helpful, especially Nita, she helps you make sure you have everything that the ins. needs to get approved. Dr. Melkonian was very forthcoming with information about risk and possible problems. I will let you know more after my surgery is completed.

DR.M , MY IMPRESSION OF HIM WAS GOOD. HE KNOWS HIS STUFF.HE OFFERS YOU A BOOKLET ON BARIACTRIC SURGERY.WHICH HAS THE THREE MAIN TYPES OF SURGERY IN IT. HE LETS YOU KNOW HIS OPINON OF EACH, AND WHICH HE PREFERS TO DO.HE MOVE PRETTY QUICKLY STOPING FOR QUESTIONS. ACCESS YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY AND NOTES CLOSELY,GIVE HIS OPINION OF YOU AS A CANIDATE FOR SURGERY,GOOD AND BAD.IT MIGHT SEEM A BIT RUSHED,BUT I TOOK AWAY FROM IT THAT HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING AND HAS THIS CONVERSATION WITH SO MANY PATIENTS THAT HE KNOW HOW TO ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS THAT MAY ARRISE FROM THIS PROCEDURE.HIS STAFF IS AVERAGE. OVERALL IT WAS A GOOD VISIT. I FELT GOOD ABOUT IT.I WOULD REFERR OTHERS TO HIM.

I was very impressed with Dr. Voellinger. A fellow patient of my PCP had lapband surgery and highly recommended him. It took me 9 months to get in to see him and get all the pre-op work/exams done. He is extremely busy and does about 4 WLS a week. His nurse Julie is excellent at returning calls and answering questions. I did have some complications after surgery. Dr. V quickly scheduled tests and performed a revision the next week.

I met Dr. Voellinger in October of 2003. I was pleased and impressed with him. He began by discussing my current weight and health and the risks that I was under because of my obesity. Secondly, he informed me that surgery was an option and I was a candidate, but there were other alternatives that he could help me with. He then explained all the risk of bariatric surgery and explained in detail the three types of surgery that he performs, and in his opinion which one would be best for myself. During my appointment we didn't discuss many details about the pre and post op life of the surgery. I later got this information when I met with the psychiatrist and nutrionist who see Dr. Voellingers clients and have detailed instuctions and rules that are all a part of the weight loss surgery process. So far I am feeling confident in my decision to have surgery and my choice of surgeons. Hopefully I won't have any regrets.

I like the full-service approach Dr. Voellinger's practice takes. I had all of my pre-op evaluations (psych, nutrition, exercise) right in their office. They stress support, and run a monthly support group, which I have attended and found to be very helpful. There seems to be good follow-up, including meeting with the nutritionist and trainer after surgery. Dr. Voellinger made me feel comfortable asking any questions I had at my consult, and seems to really know his stuff. I especially appreciate his staff. They have always been very helpful and responsive when I have called, and seem to really care about their patients. I have been very pleased with my choice so far.

He was very very nice and reassuring. I was even more relieved to know that during my surgery Dr. Melkonian will be present. The staff is very nice. I really liked his nurse, so was so sweet. He really stressed the importance of changing my lifestyle after surgery. And I really liked the fact that he stressed that he would always be my doctor. Any pains or complications to call him immediately. He definitely addressed the risks of the surgery. But like I told him, being morbidly obese is a slow death anyway. I would rate him a 10....he is excellent.

Dr. Melkonian is very well respected and a member of the ASBS. He was very thorough and explained all aspects of the procedure.

I had my surgery 7/8/2004 and have had no complications.

His office has been very helpful, both before and after the surgery.

I had my first consult with Dr. Lowe today. He is wonderful! He answered all my questions before I could even ask them....I was afraid that he was kind of young, but felt completely at ease after meeting him...he is very thorough, and kind. His staff seemed nice and extremely efficient..no complaints at all from me! He emphasized aftercare and its importance...and I quote "I'm going to be your surgeon for life!" He told me that even 5-10 years down the line, if i have any kind of stomach pains/problems and have to go to the emergency room..tell them to call him immediately. He addressed all the risks involved with the surgery and I would rate him a 12, on a scale from 1-10! Will update again after surgery to comment on his bedside manner!

I was very pleased with Dr. V. He was very patient with us and explained everything very well. He was not in a hurry and answered all our question. The office staff were all very nice.