Trinity Health System Hospital

I had Dr Shelksohn,in Tucson Arizona. I thought he was the greatest. He was a straight forward type of guy with a dry sense of humor (reminded me of my grandfather). He said it like it was, what I could and couldn't do. He didn't sugar coat any of it. He wouldn't let me have anything by mouth for the 3 days I was in the hospital, said he felt it gave the stomach a better chance to heal. To tell you the truth, I could have cared less about eating anyways,it would have just been one more nuisance. He couldn't emphasize enough that the most important thing postsurgery was CHEWING my food, and chewing it well. The only problem I had was, since I had my surgery through a weight loss program out west and I live back east, there was no real follow up and my PCP was totally unaware as to my needs, the only thing he did for me was take a peek at my incision one time (could do that for myself!!!). The rest of it was a solo trip. Dr. Shelksohn was a wonderful man and a wonderful surgeon, my scar healed beautifully and my healing went well.
I had Dr Colella & Dr Patel for my revision. I can't say enough good about them. Dr Patel is no longer with Dr C, he has gone on to start his own branch of bariatric surgery. Dr C now has Dr Williams as a Fellow, I love both of them. They have been compassionate & understanding. When I was scared they were there, as were their staff, to answer questions & soothe my nerves. My scar looks great, at least as great as any scar that goes from the bottom of your breastbone to your belly button can look. I feel wonderful, they have truly given me a new life.
The only negative thing I have found,so far, is that I NEVER wait less than 2 hours to be seen. One time was an emergency visit, that I can understand, I was being squeezed in. But my regular appointment was also a 2 hour wait. I appreciate that they always make me feel important & I never feel like they are rushing me through my appointment, but my time is valuable too.
Well, Dr Colella has left the WPAHS and is a dr at UPMC (AARRGGGHHH), I haven't been back to the office since I got a bad impression of the surgeon who has taken over his practice. Dr Colella always said that "You didn't fail the surgery, the surgery failed you" when I saw the new surgeon, I asked him "Why am I having such a hard time? Why am I gaining weight?" his reply? "I don't know, what are you doing wrong?" Some help......I just see my PCP & endocrinologist now, that is enough since they have been with me through most of this and the new surgeon has only seen me 2 times and both times were MANY years post-op.

DR JOSEPH COLELLA WAS WONDERFUL. HE DID MY REVISION AND LISTENED TO EVERYTHING I SAID. I PREVIOUSLY HAD SURGERY WITH DR HAMAD AND IT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. I WAS BLAMING MYSELF AND DR COLELLA INFORMED ME SHE WAS TOO CONSERVATIVE WITH MY SURGERY, THATS WHY I DIDNT HAVE GREAT SUCCESS. WOULD RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE.. I WAS OUT SHOPPING THE DAY OF DISCHARGE!

Dr Colella and his partner Dr Uchal are/were GREAT. I had not met Dr Uchal prior to surgery, but I did have a chance to meet with him during rounds. Also, Dr Michael Palmer, Resident, had terrific bedside manner and really seemed to genuinely care about his patients.rnrnThe office staff is also very helpful esp Patti and Milissa. THANKS !!rnrnI would say that overall I would rate Dr Colella and his staff a 10/10.rnrnI have a 3-week follow-up scheduled and have not yet attended a support group meeting monthly.

I did not see Dr.Colella until my 3 month visit. Which I thought I would have met him before that. I really liked Dr. Miro Urchal who is part if the Allegheny Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgey Group as he was very patience and gave me his full attention everytime I met with him. He answered all my questions and he did advise me that both himself and Dr. Colella was going to be doing my surgery. So I did meet doctor Dr. Colella briefly ~ as I was getting wheeled into the operating room. No problems as Dr. Urchal was great and I was glad to have him as my doctor. My only issue was with the intern doctor who came in to see me in the evening. Dr Urchal always checked in during the day. The intern was the doctor who released me from the hostipal and I wished Dr Urchal released me instead.

I only met the man one time and that was 6 months before my surgery. I honestly don't know if he is the one who performed my sugery or one of his associates. He did not do my follow up in hospital, but he did do my 3 week checkup. He is a nice doctor, I just think he isn't as personable with his patients.

I met Dr. Colella at one of the initial seminars. I chose this program because of his reputation. He seems very nice and knowledgable, even though I haven't had alot of \"face time\" with him. Dr. Uchal is the surgeon I saw at my first office visit. He was incredibly caring and answered all of my questions. When I went in I wasn't sure if I wanted to do the lapband or the RYN bypass. He took alot of time to talk to me and help me make my decision, explaining all of the benefits and risks of each procedure, and relating them specifically to my situation. He also explained the importance of aftercare and support groups. The office staff that I dealt with were all very caring and helpful. My insurance would not pay for my surgery because my company did not buy the bariatric rider for our policy, but the office staff helped me through the process to be a self-pay. Overall I would recommend Drs. Colella and Uchal and their staff!!

My first impression was that he is a caring, professional man. He listened to me and I felt he was truly concerned about me. I am impressed with his professionalism and compassion. I've had no negative interactions with Dr. Colella. rnrnThe staff are all truly wonderful, kind people. I was afraid that they would look down on me for being obese. The opposite is true. They treat everyone with dignity and compassion. I've not had any negative experiences what so ever!rnrnI think that Dr. Colella and his staff are among the best in the profession.rnrnAs a first grade teacher, I'd give him straight A's on the report-card! :-)

First impression of Dr. Colella was I noticed a sence of calmness when I first talked to him about surgery.rnHis staff so far seems to know what is going on and everytime i am there I leave with a smile.rnI don't have anything that I like least. What can you say negative about someone who saved your life! rnHave total trust in Dr. Colella and staff. After all we need him and his staff. I know I did.rnI rate my overall experiance since no one is a 10 I rate the whole experiance a 9 1/2 . Not that I didnt have problems, I had many, went through alot after surgery but I would do it again and again... 2007 was my worst year but it was my BEST year. rn

I really liked Dr. Collela,he explained everything to me in detail. He and his staff emphasize the importance of follow-up and after care. He is bedside manner is very good. He made me feel very comfortable with the entire process. During my hospital stay, I saw his associates rather than him but they too are very knowledgable and helpful.

Dr. Colella is an excellent surgeon. Very caring and willing to spend the time necessary to make you feel comfortable with the surgery. I would recommend him to everyone, his surgical competence and bedside manners are great.