Summa Health System Hospital

First impression: Young! But I suppose that means steady hands... He's fellowship trained and that means a lot to me.rnrnOffice staff: great, especially Robin (reg. dietician).rnrnHuge emphasis on knowledge, preparation. The staff appear to take ownership of our preparation, and don't leave it all to the surgeon. rnrnI liked that Dr. Dan requires more than one face to face meeting prior to surgery, and insists on meeting family if he can. I also like that he did his own endoscopy prior to sx, vs. handing it off to someone else. He was clear and repetitive about the risks - this practice doesn't appear to be a surgery-mill.rnrnI'll have to wait until sx to update on that...rnrnPost surgery:rnrnI lived, and no complications. Dr. Dan was great. The pre-op nurse was terrific, and very funny about how strict Dr. Dan is about his patients' pre-op preparation (the poor woman was determined to get the heparin shot into me on time lest the wrath of Dan descend -- though she was very good humored about it). The head of the OR visited me post-op to let me know there was a recall of some of the equipment used, which I appreciated (this is scarier than it sounds -- some items in the batch had been mispackaged so that the outer packaging was open - and even though it did not affect my equipment, they felt it important that I know). rnrnIn the surgical suite, all of the surg nurses and Dr. Dan were present and calming. I was only awake for a few minutes of course, but you have to stay awake while they get you in position, and I imagine that could be unpleasant if the surgeon and nurses don't have a certain gentle humor about them. I tried to distract myself by commenting on their handmade surgical hats, and they engaged me on that topic, understanding that I needed to talk about ANYTHING other than the fact that soon they'd see me inside out. It made me feel human, and made them human to me. That stuff matters and it is nice that this is what I remember of the immediate experience.rnrnPost operatively, Dr. Dan was apparently very clear and communicative with my partner, explaining that the surgery went well and that he hadn't needed as much extra time as we'd feared (due to anticipated adhesions and a hernia that turned out not to be a hernia).rnrnDr. Dan's nurse (I can't recall if she's an RN or nurse practitioner), Noelle, was great. Everyone was -- but she stands out as particularly warm and helpful while I was in the hospital and for my first week home when I had questions.rnrnThe emphasis on aftercare in this practice is terrific.rnrnOne other thing that I particularly appreciate about Dr. Dan is that he is intellectually invested in bariatric surgery and related care. He is interested in doing research, for example. He is a young surgeon and the fact is that these surgeries are likely to change and develop, and I admire the fact that this man is open to being part of that change and to improving care from good to even better. Having a surgeon who pays attention to the literature and feels invested in bariatric care beyond the immediate task of rerouting parts of the lower GI system seems important to me. This is someone who is paying attention to this surgery in the context of the whole person, and considering the risks and benefits in a way that we should all want our surgeons to do.rnrnI really don't have anything negative to say. I think if you are looking for a warm, fuzzy surgeon, Dr. Dan might not always be like that -- he is warm and interested, but not fuzzy. I don't really like fuzzy in a surgeon -- I like focused and precise. And my experience with the fuzziness might not be yours -- I find that good clinicians/doctors pick up on what their patients respond to, and Dr. Dan probably realized pretty quickly that I didn't need a fuzzy friend, but a competent medical practitioner. Maybe he's fuzzy with other people. Me, I do tease him about all the high-fives (he gets really excited when you lose a pound or something) but hey, I can groove with that. At least he really does give a damn... :-).

When my husband and I met Dr. Dan, my husband's first comment afterword was, \"That is the only humble doctor I've met in my life!\"rnrnDr. Dan is a wonderful doctor, and a wonderful human being. He is compassionate, caring, and provided me with excellent care. He performed my roux-en-y surgery on July 29, 2008. I had some complications during my surgery that he could not have foreseen, however, he handled them expertly, he was upfront with my family, and made sure that I had no problems whatsoever in my hospital stay.rnrnI was impressed by the Bariatric Center at Summa's thorough preparation for surgery, and the efforts they put into getting my insurance to approve it!rnrnI can't say enough wonderful things about Dr. Dan's care. He is the only physician I've ever had that sent me flowers when I was in the hospital!rnrnI would highly recommend his services.

My surgeon was Dr Dan with Summa Bariatric Center. Summa Bariatric Center has a classification of Center of Excellence. He was straight up with me right from the very first visit. My starting weight was 381 and he explained in detail what my life was going to be like without the surgery and what it would be like after the surgery. Because of my many medical conditions we opted to do the SleevernGastrectomy on March 18, 2008. I have lost 70 lbs since then and am of half of the medications that I had be on and my CPAPrnpressure has been reduced from a pressure of 16 to a pressure of 10. This program and rneveryone who works with you is fantastic.rnI have had nothing but great support be it fromrnDr Dan to the girl that schedules the apts.rnWe have a wonderful support group that meets monthly. They also have a nutritionalrnsupport groups that also meets. I can't say enough about my experience with this BariatricrnGroup. Dr. Dan has changed my life and now rnI am free to do almost anything that I want.rnI have done more in the last 2 months thanrnI have in the last 10 years. He gave me my life back. Summa Bariatric Center is located in Akron, Ohio and is part of the Summa Health rnCare System. They also have plastic surgeonsrnwho are on staff to work with the weight lossrnpatients. If you live in the Akron/Canton/Cleveland area I would recomend that you contact Dr. Dan at the rnSumma Bariatric Center for a counsultation.rnYou will not be disappionted!!!! rnStephanie WalkrnAkron, Ohio

Dr Z was great. He made me feel good to be there and made things into funny situations so I would not feel scared or afraid of the process. Loved his staff they are all great and can not wait to go further with the process

The entire staff at Summa Bariatric Center are all the best.rnThey make you feel so comfortable with every visit.

Dr. Z is one of the most encouraging and positive people I have ever met. He is the whole reason I chose to have surgery at ACH. I would recommend him to anyone. His staff is incredible. They are all friendly, helpful and extremely competent. They are dedicated to the program and to their patients. They have an excellent aftercare program that includes exercise assessments, online support, support groups, educational classes and regular medical visits.

I took my husband and mother with my for my initial consult with Dr Z. and he was amazing with them both! He answered all their questions and addressed their concerns in a very reassuring manner in language they could understand. I really appreciated his patience with all 3 of us, he helped my support system feel alot better about my surgery!!rnrnI have been in touch with Dr Z for the last 3 years and found him as helpful and understanding now as he was then. :o)

My first impression of Dr. Zografakis was a good one. He was very intelligent , compassionate and understanding. rnRight off the back I knew I could open up and speak with him about my questions and concerns. rn Dr. Zografakis has a very pleasant attitude and is willing to work with you every step of the way.rnHis staff are just as nice as he is. rnI am truly happy to be a patient of his.rnDr. Z, you are like a angel with wings : )

I have to say that my first impression of Dr. Z was that he was the nicest physicians I have ever met! He has a great sense of humor and really takes time to listen to his patients and answer any questions that were asked. He didn't rush me or make me feel uncomfortable in any way. rnrnHis entire staff is just as friendly as he is. I totally 100% recommend Dr. Zografakis and his office staff to anyone in the Akron area considering weight loss surgery. rnrnMy surgery went wonderful and I have had no complications whatsoever. THANK YOU DR. ZOGRAFAKIS!! You have changed my life!!!

I had a wonderful first impression of Dr. Z. He is one of the main reasons I chose to have the surgery at Akron City. He is very competent and made me feel very at ease from the first time I met him. (I was very nervous about having the surgery until I met him and heard about his record) The office staff is great. Very supportive. Follow your doctors instructions! It will help prepare you for the surgery. The aftercare is incredible. They walk you through every step of the way and address all of your concerns. After attending the first informational seminar, I felt much more strongly about having the surgery. I went through so many tests and procedures to prepare me for this surgery, and the follow up after surgery care is awesome! I have recommended Dr. Z to my sister and anyone else interested in having this procedure. The risks were fully explained to me and there was no pressure to decide.rnI would give Dr. Z. a 10. I don't think I could be more pleased with the surgery or his bedside manner.