Presbyterian Bariatric Center (COE) Hospital

My first impression was a good one. At my initial visit I was there longer than I expected to be. However Dr.Voellinger was straight forward and answered all of the questions that I had. Their office is a very busy one. I noticed that when I walked in to the office and sat in the waiting area. Frances Davis the person that deals with the insurance is definitely a veryyy busy person. I would say that my experience with the office has been one that has been somewhat a different experience. I am so thankful that I met the Dr. and went through all of my pre-operative requirements (Sleep Study,EGD,EKG,Nutritional and Psych. Eval.,ect) with the office when I did. Because now he is no longer accepting Medicaid patients for the surgery. Thank god that I was just informed that he will continue with my patient care. I am just waiting for insurance approval.

Met Dr. M today, he was personable, precise, and professional. I left the office relaxed and sure of myself and what was expected of me. Now the long journey of getting all the documentation together so I can get a surgery date.......

Dr Voellinger is the BEST. I had my surgery on Oct 16th and was home last night the 18th. and am feeling so good, im still sore but really feeling great other than that. He had told me at my preop visit that i may have to have open instead of lap, but he was able to do the surgery laproscopic, he is my hero.. He is the sweetest man too, the first thing he asked me when he came to see me the day after the surgery was " did you find that truck that ran you over"? He has a great bedside manner, im so glad i chose him for my surgeon .

Dr Voellinger seems to be a very caring and gentle, yet no- nonsense physician. He genuinely cares about his patients, many of whom he says he never realized had such a need. He says he is so pleased to have found such a rewarding way to help so many people. His staff is sensitive and caring, in my opinion. I saw them stay until 6 pm and his nurse stayed with him long after that when I was there. THey were clearly tired but didn't let that affect their attitude one bit. Future patients should realize that this is a busy and popular surgeon - that means a lot of people are trying to see him and want to express all their concerns too. He will take the time to answer all questions, but we expect that for ourselves, we need to allow it for others, too. He provided handouts and wrote extra notes for me about the choices and risks with each. His record of surgical competence is very good, at least as good or better than the national average as far as I can gather, but his bedside manner is very good as well. Rating so far "A"!

Dr. Melkonian was extremely informative. He is very blunt about the complications and risks and about what he expects from you. I liked that. He answered all of my questions and didn't act like he was rushed at all. His office staff was very nice and helpful. Nita his assistant is the best.

I have only met Dr. Melkonian once but I got a great feeling of assurance that he knows what he is doing. I have read several comments that hes not warm and fuzzy etc. however my opinion is different I feel as if he has a true compassion. I liked him, his knowledge and bedside manner. All of his staff seem to be personable and curteous. I have always gotten a return call or prompt answer.SO FAR SO GOOD> I will update you guys after my surgery okay ? (with more details)

9-16-03
This is the day that I met with Dr. Melkonian...
First as I checked in, the ladies up front greeted me and asked me to sign in, they were in the process of training a new lady, and this is important because, some of the ladies that work there(and I wont name any names) need to re-evaluate what they do for a living and if you dont like your job, PLEASE for the sake of all the pt's in that office, find another job!!! We need someone there with kindness, understanding, and compassion.
Anyways...the teo ladies that were there, were VERY kind and very helpful..this was at the Matthews office...
I had a little bit of a wait...but as I waited in the reception area, I was able to gather my thoughts on what I wanted to ask the doctor when i met him. my appt was @2:00, I didnt get taken back until like 2:30...the Dr. Melkonian came in around 2:35 I introduced myself and he introduced his=self. He went through the process, we went through all my papers (and I had EVERYTHING) he was very impressed. As I was with him...I am glad he will be my surgeon, he is very confident, and full of knowledge. Now is the waiting part, for the most waiting, it will be waiting on the ladies to dictate what Dr. M and I discussed in our room and then mail off all that and my insurace requirments and I was told that in itself takes 2 months...then they give insurance 3-6 months for an approval. I cant believe its gonna take that long...geeeeezzz all in all though, if I get an approval..its worth it.. I will try to keep you all posted...

So funny, the first surgeon I called, the one here in Charlotte that was recommended to me, the one I thought I couldn't afford...? He is now my surgeon, or at least I pray to God he will be my surgeon. I misunderstood or something the upfront financial requirements so I moved on to another doc instead of Dr. Melkonian...but my journey lead me back to where I started, must have been meant to be! I can't wait until the 26th of Sept.!

9/17/03 Well, all my paperwork is done...and then some! 9 days until my appt. with Dr. Melkonian. I have been so impressed with Dr. Melkonian from the seminar and support group meeting. You know, he's not getting paid to stay late for these things and he has a new wife to go home to. He truly cares about what he is doing, and he really believes in what he is doing. He is very confident, but not cocky with a "I am God" ego. I've heard people say he isn't very warm and fuzzy, but I gotta tell you, I don't want him to be my best friend, I want him to be my best surgeon. I have not had direct contact with him yet, but his interaction with current and passed patients does seem personable, genuine, and sincere.

I've only met the surgeon once, but he seemed to be very knowledgeable and competent. He was very thorough with his information and took his time to answer my questions.

I first met Dr. Voellinger at an informational session he facilitated in January 2003 along with Dr. Melkonian and Dr. Wachsmuth. Until that time I had planned to have the RNY with Dr. Bauman. At the session I learned that Dr. V. performs the Duodenal Switch laparoscopically. I had been interested in the DS after attending a session with Dr. Gonzales in Winston Salem in July 2002. However, Dr. G. only does the procedure Open. I had my first consultation with Dr. Voellinger on 3/18/03 and my husband and I really liked him. He explained all 3 types of surgery (he does all three) and the advantages and disadvantages of each. He did not try to talk me into any one of them, but rather left the decision to me. As long as my insurance company will approve it, I have decided on the DS. He had excellent training on the DS in NY (Mt. Sinai), but he has only done about 15 of them, and none since he has been in Charlotte (joined Charlotte Surgical Group in July 2002). He has performed many more of the RNYs, but I'm not sure about the number. The after care program is not as good as Dr. Bauman's, but it is being developed and I am confident that it will be top notch in the future. Dr. V. is the only surgeon in NC who does the DS lap. He is easy to talk to, warm, and professional. I am excited that I found him!