Presbyterian Bariatric Center (COE) Hospital

Met Dr. Voellinger on 2/19/2004. He was OUTSTANDING!! He bed side manner is GREAT!! He listened to what I had to say and was careful to answer all of my questions in detail!! He did emphasize after care programs details as well as the risks of the surgery.

My first impression was that no one told me how good looking he is!! He is very handsome!! He was kind and attentive.

I would certainly advise others to see him befor making a choice.

His program is very intensive and focuses on the whole person.

On a rating scale of 1-10 I would give him a 10, so far. I have heard complaints about his office staff being very slow but they have been ok so far.

I attended an information meeting where Dr. Voellinger explained about weight loss surgery. He was very personable and appeared well educated and trained. I was first referred to him by Dr. Hipp and Dr. Woolen. I read about his background and learned that he was well-trained at Mt. Sinai in New York and was an expert in laproscopic surgery.

At my first meeting with him in his office, I was a bit uncomfortable. I think it was because my husband was there with me and because Dr. Voellinger had to tell me all the possible things that could go wrong if I had the surgery. This was not exciting and was rather sobering. I had to go home and think this through.

His nurse Billie has been very helpful.

I have been directed to support groups, nutrition and psych consults, and I believe that the guidance is there for anyone who is serious about getting help.

I have heard from his other patients that he is great. I hope that I will feel that way, too. I am looking forward to our pre-ssurgery meeting so that I can feel more in touch with him as a person (and vice versa) before we meet in the operating room.

Our pre-surgery meeting was awesome. I felt more like a person and less like a number...Dr. V. is really great. He was right there for me in the hospital. I'm so glad I found him.


February 12, 2004

Dearest Dr. Voellinger,

I heard you say on TV today that the surgery gives us our life back. That is such a true statement!!!

I just love you, Dr. Voellinger. You are truly the Valentine of our dreams. My friends and I all love you so much and appreciate what you have done for us.

I recently posted on the bariatric message board that I would put my life in your hands any time. I had to, Dr. Voellinger, because I wasn’t really living before. Now I have the most wonderful friends, I can wear beautiful clothes, and I am truly happy.

I have spent so many years of my life wishing I were dead. Now I want to live! It’s ironic that I have the cancer now, but I’m not going to let that get me. I have so much to live for.

Dr. Eaves is doing a fabulous job of remaking my figure. He is quite an artist, and I can’t wait to show off for you!

I just want you to know how much I love you and appreciate all you have done for me and my friends.

Happy Valentine’s Day, You Sweetheart!

Love,

Jennifer Ross Jantsch

My first impression of Dr Melkonian was that he was asolutely great. He answered any question that I had throughly! His nurse Nita was also wonderful. The front office staff could do better, but as far as the ones I have to deal with, (Dr Melkonian and Nita), I couldn't have picked a better Dr. He was straight foward and I like that.

Dr. V is wonderful. He takes time to answer any of your questions and seems to really care about your health and recovery. His nurse Pam is out of this world. Always above and beyond the call of duty. Not only is she a great nurse, but she has also been through surgery as well. The physician's assistant David is also great. He is very helpful and kind. This team is AWESOME...because they truly are a team!

Dr. M. is confident, thorough, personable and professional. I've only seen him at the intro seminar but I would feel comfortable seeing him as a patient.

Dr. Voellinger is the best! I felt comfortable with him and his staff the first day I met them. He was very knowledgeable and straight forward but was also so very caring about his patients. In the hospital, he was wonderful. My husband and parents really liked him as well. I would highly recommend Dr. V to anyone thinking of having the surgery in my area.

I think Dr. Melkonian is the greatest! Although in the beginning he came across as a little rushed, he is still actually very informative and willing to listen to any and all questions I have for him! (Before, During and After) He has stressed what is best to do and what is not a good idea to try... His nurses are very sweet and caring! There was one lady who handled insurance in his office who was RUDE! She actually hung up on me once! But I was afraid to say anything to her because I did not want my insurance approval slowed down or messed up... Plus, she is just one bad apple in a bushel basket of shiny good ones! Dr. Melkonian has been outstanding through the entire process! He really wants you to be a success! He is willing to see you if you even suspect you might have a problem! WONDERFUL SURGEON to deal with! So even if he seems rushed the first time you meet him, hang in there... He really does care!

I had my first consult with Dr Voellinger on June 19,2003. He was such a gentle man in manner of speaking. He didn't make me feel like I was just another patient. He made me feel that I was his only patient. He took me thru the procedures available, told me where he went to school and studied medicine. That made me comfortable. The office staff is awesome. I appreciate their promptness as well. I had my letter to them, got a letter back saying it would be another month and then got a letter within a week and a half telling me of my appointment. I was so extatic. *smiles* Everything will be fine!

April 2003--Dr. Voellinger is a surgeon with both the Charlotte Surgical Group and Presbyterian Center for Bariatrics. He is a very comfortable person to speak with. In very understandable wording, he gave me a lot of important information about WLS, it's risks, procedures, required lifestyle changes, and more. He listened carefully to my questions and answered every one of them without hesitation. The office visit was not rushed; it lasted about an hour. He has a great bed-side manner. I'm looking forward to him performing a Lap Rny surgery on me in a couple months.

December 2003--Dr. Voellinger is an excellent surgeon with a wonderful bedside manner and sincere compassion. His office has a very structure aftercare program and support group for both pre- and post-ops. He is co-director of the brand new Presbyterian Center for Bariatrics. His staff is genuinely helpful and courteous, and most of them have undergone weight loss surgery with very successful results.

I had an appointment with Dr. Melkonian today 11/12/2003. From the moment I walked through the doors I felt comfortable. The front office staff was very personable. I arrived early for paper work and soon was greeted by Nita the nurse, who was as lovely as I'd thought she'd be. I've read alot of nice comments about her in this forum. Dr Melkonian came in and introduced himself and without hesitatation began to tell me about the procedure and the risks. I was impressed with his knowledge and understanding of my situations with my battle to lose weight. He assurred me that I met all the criteria for WLS. Now only to convince the insurance company. He made me feel relaxed and was more than eager to answers any questions that I had.

Later this afternoon I received a call from Liz, she had contacted Aenta and told me that they will pay 90% so now all I have to pay is $350.00 by my second office visit.

She said Nita will have my file and begin my approval process. Which may take a couple of weeks. Now I need to get busy and get my Psy Evaluation and appt with the nuitrionist. I pray all goes smoothly.

I would recommend Dr.Melkonian. I was also ectastic when I went to the front desk today to sign in, above my name was a lady by Denise Huey. I have read Denise's story and I knew that she recently had the surgery. As I was fixing to go back she came out the door :) I knew if was her from her pics posted on this site. I just wanted to say you look great. Keep it up :)