University of Maryland Medical Center Hospital
I did alot of online research prior to contacting anyone about the next step... After reading other's comments about Dr. Kligman & watching his video online, he came accross as very forward, which you need at this point... Hadn't even met the man, but it just felt right! So, I attended the seminar, again, very impressed, also had a chance to meet some of his staff! Even after recommendations of some other Doctors from friends, Dr. Kligman still feels like the right choice for me... So I made my first appointment!
I had a little bit of problems (because I am not used to the City, dealing with parking & finding the Office) however, I eventually made it there!
I was seen quickly for the apointment, Noel (I am horrible with names, however, I am pretty sure Noel) was GREAT (I rarely feel so comfortable in the nurse/doctor patient setting) She was easy to talk to, easy to be honest with without feeling judged. Dr. Kligman came in & again, I felt comfortable & respect his straightforwardness. I get the impression, he will not except BS answers, lol... Be honest & respect that you have to do your part, and it seems there will be a great patient/doctor relationship!
I saw Mary B (Nutritionist) for a short meeting & have my next appointment this upcoming week!
I will update more later!
After 6 months of Nutritionist meetings, I would like to add, Mary B is wonderful! Very informative & plenty of paperwork to serve as a guide after surgery!
When I first met Dr. Kligman I was impressed. I had been researching the RNY Bypass method for 2 years and I had, quite frankly, sat through a lot of sales pitches. Dr. Kilgman was different. He has a no-nonsense approach to the RYN bypass surgery and I appreciate that style. He made it clear what the risks of the surgery were to me but also benefits I would enjoy if I followed his program. This was done in such a way that I did not have reservations about having the RNY procedure. He also made it clear from the start that he was giving me a tool but how I used the tool was up to me. I had to take responsibility for my actions. Success or failure was up to me. He could help, but ultimately the choice was mine. Dr. Kligman outlined the goals and expectations of his program and made it clear what was expected of me if we were going to be successful. I liked the fact that in addition to the normal surgical support, his program also includes the assistance of other professionals in both pre and post surgical setting. I find the support group meetings especially helpful. Another thing that I found appealing about Dr. Kilgman was/is his sense of humor. We have the same type of personality so it made it easier for me to become at ease with him. The question is asked \"Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or both?\" With Dr. Kligman I don't think I would have to pick one over the other, he is very good at both.
Dr. Klingman and his staff are wonderful. He is so down to earth and tells it like it is. He expects you to do what you are suppose to do and lets you know it. But he is a life saver. I have followed everything he and his staff have told me and 5 months after the surgery I have lost 80 pounds and I am feeling wonderful. His followup is great. He expects you to attend support group meetings, exercise and eat the right things. Water, Water, Water, he could not emphasize the need for that enough. So far everything he had told me has happened and the results have been great. He is blunt but some of us need that (I know I do). He has a seminar you must attend before you even get an appointment and it is very informative and again pulls no punches. He explains the risks, what will be done, and what will happen afterwards. I could not have asked for a better doctor for this surgery. So far I have been extremely happy with Dr. Klingman and his staff. This is my personal opinion based on the treatment I received.
Dr. Kligman tells it like it is. As long as your upholding your end of the bargain, expect a great relationship with Dr. Kligman and his staff. If you're not committed to the changes required, be prepared to hear what you need to hear (although you may not like it).rnrnDr. Kligman's staff that work directly with him are superb. If you're thinking about surgery - check out one of Dr. Kligman's seminars (pre-req to see him anyway). He will lay it all on the line and leave it for you to decide.rnrn6 months after surgery, I'm down 140 lbs with another 70 lbs to go. I owe Dr. Kligman, his staff and their outstanding before/aftercare program a debt of gratitude.