Presbyterian Bariatric Center (COE) Hospital

Dr V was great

I had my pre-op visit with Dr. Melkonian last week. The only negative thing I have to say about this office is that you have to go completely through the process to actually see Dr. Melkonian. You see the Nurse Pract. on the first visit. It was like waiting to see the Wizard of Oz. When I asked him about it, he said that it's because so many people just want to find out about it or change their minds early on and this deters some of that. I do have to say it was definitely worth the wait. rnrnDr. Melkonian was very warm and friendly. He took a lot of time to talk with me and answer any questions that I had. I feel so much more comfortable after talking with him. My surgery is scheduled for 12/20/07 and I don't think that I could be in better hands. I would rate him as an A+. You just have to be patient to actually get to him.

Dr. Borhanian...Even thought my original appointment was for something other than gastric bypass surgery, we did briefly talk about it. I really liked him. He has a great bedside manor. He did briefly discuss the bypass surgery. The staff was friendly and especially his nurse, she was very friendly. Unfortunately, he is not on my list of surgeons for my insurance carrier.rnrnDr Melkonian...I hope to be meeting him within the next several weeks. I've already seen my PCP, so this is the next step.rnrnUpdate: I actually met with the Dr Melkonian's nurse last September 2006. I finally get to meet the surgeon today 11/15/07.

Great first impression; I really liked his patient focused approach and his comprehensive WLS programs. He blew me away when he handed me a printed lap-band \"fill\" schedule that stated that his patients did not have to have an appointment for a needed fill, as they were available every Monday 3-6 in clinic. That means he really cares that his lap-band patients are sucussful and that he will be there for them . . . I sure liked that. rnrnFar exceeded my first lap-band sugeon. The removal and replacement was a breeze for me but in OR over 2.5 hours then to recovery. He was so gentle that I have zero bruises, no pain meds needed, and only soreness the day after...he is good. When there is a cancelation by others, his office has called 2 times for sooner fill opportunities; meaning they are keeping close review as to who is ready for a fill and who is not...I am so overwhelmed at the patient focus of his entire pratices.

Dr. Melkonian is a very friendly and fun guy. He's very clear in details about the surgery and statistics, yet reassuring. I was very well informed, but the few questions that I asked, he quickly answered. rnrnMy surgery took less than 90 minutes, maybe even less than an hour, as I woke up in recovery 75 minutes post-op.rnrnHe was great post-op the next morning. My surgery, he said, was uneventful. I was up and walking around the same day with little difficulty. He said he only ever sent 2 patients home the next day, as he seemed surprised how well I was doing. I took that decision off of him by letting him know that I did not mind being there one more day.rnrnHi office staff seems nice, but not very informed on what is going on with their patients. Poor communication? Too many patients? I really don't know what the problem was, but it is important for you to be proactive and consistent when dealing with the staff.rnrnThere was a structured aftercare program, as the Bariatric Center at Presby has a coordination of services for bariatric patients. While in the hospital, I met with a socal worker from the bariatric center, the doctor, and the nutritionist.rnrnOverall, I rate Dr. Melkonian as EXCELLENT. He is competent and knowledgeable with a friendly bedside manner.

Dr. Lowe is with the Carolina Surgical group in Charlotte. He has a great bedside manner and has always been more than willing to answer any questions my husband or I might have. He put all of the risks out there and was very upfront with me. He never acted superior or looked at me like was just a tub'o'lard. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great doctor in the Charlotte NC area!

I met with Dr. Melkonian yesterday for my pre-op visit and liked him very much. I didn't think he was at all \"impersonable\" like some of the other posters. He was kind and compassionate and at the same time, very knowledgable and confident in the job he does. As I'm sure most people do, I was having some occasional doubts and he put all my worries/concerns at ease.

Dr Lowe was so awesome! He was so caring and excited for me being able to have the surgery. The office staff was very helpful and patient with me calling every other day about my insurance approval. Dr Lowe went over everything involved with the surgery and told me exactly what to expect. He has a great bedside manner and his surgical competence, I feel, is perfect!

My first impression of Dr. Lowe was that he was a trusting and fully competent surgeon.rnrnOver time after meeting with him on several occasions, me feelings toward the surgery became less about anxiety and fear of complications, to feelings of confidence and success.rnrnHis support staff was somewhat abrupt whenever I would call the office.rnrnFuture patients should know that Dr. Lowe is a surgeon who cares about the well being of the individual and he has excellent bedside manner.rnrnOverall I would rate him a 10 on a scale of 1-10.rn

I cant say enough good things about him. his staff is made up of several bariatric patients. They take pride in keeping you on track, but it is still up to you.