Saint Agnes Medical Center Hospital

During the day you had to search for staff to help you, but at night when you want to sleep they are around constantly

Updated: 8/25/2005 -

I got into their gastric bypass seminar instead of their lap banding seminar by mistake. Doctor Swartz lead the seminar and I considered his presentation to be outstanding. The room where the seminar was given was very small, considering the physically large size of most of the attendees.

I also had the appointment with Doctor Swartz the next day when I found out the only Doctor Felix performs the lap banding procedure in that office.

Doctor Swartz told me I met all of the criteria for having bariatric surgery and that I was an excellent candidate with a good prognosis for successful weight loss. He did not try to talk me into getting a Roux-en-Y vs lap banding saying that it was my decision and he would support which ever choice I made. Both were viable options.

I did not get the impression that the executive director, Rosemary Andriesse, was going to be much help in my battle with Blue Cross / Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP). The office put in the insurance paperwork but I have not heard anything from them even though my letter of denal indicated that they received a copy.

Overall it was a good experience. That staff was very nice and I did not have to wait for pain meds. The only problem was parking. I did not like the fact that parking lot was so far from admitting. They do offer Free Valet Parking, but I was running late and in too much of a hurry to inquire about it. I heard that it is pretty simple; I wished I had of tried it.

THEY EVEN HAVE VALET PARKING.. AND THE OVER ALL EXPERIENCE WAS EXCELLENT....

I have had such an incredibly fantatic relationship with my surgeon. Dr.Dan, as I affectionatly refer to him gave my a very favorable first time impression. He never rushes you or makes you feel like you are wasting his time. When I met with him on my first consult I was impressed with his care and concern. He has been the one to follow me thru my journey. He also did my endoscopy. All of the staff at the Center for Minammaly Invasive Surgery are teriffic.
All vey knowledgebable any never too busy to take your call.
Dr. Swartz and Dr. Felix will not even consider you for surgery if you are not comitted to the after care. During the seminar he stresses the need for aftercare and expects his patients to know all the facts both pro & con of WLS Overall I would give him a 99% rating as no one can be perfect. I am very glad that I went to the best.

DR Felix was a kick very funny and straight to the point!
His staff is awsome..they answer all you questions and dont try to hide anything from you very up front and honest!!
When you go to see him he really is strict about his aftercare program and insist you go by it or dont have surgery from him.
I think he is the best person for the job ... I have seen a few surgeons now, went to a couple of seminars and reaserched the heck out of everything I could possibly get my hand on and by far he is the best when it comes to his attitude, honesty, confidence, abilities (2300 surgeries)and follow up program!!!! Still have not had the surgery but will post when i do!
3-8-05

i NOW HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED DR SWARTZ BECOUSE DR FELIX WILL BE OUTA TOWN ON MY DATE

I have not met him yet but im told he is very capable!! 2 weeks 2 go March 22!!!

I have had the surgery now by Dr Swartz and have to say he is very busy and a no nosence kida guy wich i can appreciate becouse he was to the point and all i heard from everybody was great rewveiws!! All went well and i would recomend him to anybody but you better research and be prepared and know what you are doing or else they will not operate on you .... You even have to submit a term type paper about the surgery i had to rewrite it once.lol A+ for Dr Swartz

Dr. swartz is one hell of a surgeon,and he explains everything so well,and is never upset to repeat his self,and the staff are all wonderful people,and very patient.i believe anyone who wants this procedure will benefit with swartz,and felix..and not to mention the classes that they provide which are very detailed especially with risks,and other complications which can occur. im very grateful to these two men who gave me a second chance of living life..i hope nothing but good rewards for them both. dont get me wrong....nobody is perfect,and sometimes they said,or did things which i didnt always agree with or didnt like but in the long run..it was worth it all.

Quick, brief, friendly



Helpful Submitted papers to insurance approved two days later.




Big on after care

yes

yes\\

great


both

quiet man but through with my exam.very nice & helpfull.highly emphasize aftercare. yes.with a seminer that we had to attend.o.k.surgical competence

I liked Dr. Swartz from the time I met him, and as things progressed my respect and trust for him grew. I can't really say there is anything I didn't like about him. I had complications and he was so attentive and made me feel like he was going to take good care of me...which...he did!
The office staff is very knowledgable and helpful. They showed concern and were very sympathetic about my health challenges.
Dr. Swartz was very thourough in explaining the risks of the surgery. I walked out knowing what I was getting myself into.
The aftercare program is great. I actually look forward to the drive to Fresno to see the doctors and staff, of course I don't always get to see Dr. Swartz or Dr. Felix, but Dr. Huang is very good. I do miss seeing the others, but I understand the system.
I would rate my experience with Dr. Swartz, Dr. Felix, and Dr. Huang at the top of the scale!
It was very important that I find a surgeon who was competent, knowledgable, and had a good bedside manner...Dr. Swartz is all of the above.