University of Maryland Medical Center Hospital

Surgeon Info:rnSurgeon: Mark D. Kligman M.D.rnrnInsurer Info:rnBlueCross BlueShield, PPOrnrnrnI didn't have to do a thing. Dr. Kligman's office took care of everything. I provided all the necessary paperwork they requested and they said they have a 15day review period. Lynn called on 3/28 with approval. I would recommend you have all your paperwork together, it seems that the most important thing they were looking for was the physc eval. and the letter from you PCP. But, I was approved without a letter from my PCP. So go figure! rnrnrn

I would like to say that the hospital staff were great I had no complaints I actually did not want to go home because I was treated so nice.

I was very impressed with Dr. Kligman from the very first night I met him at his seminar. He is a straightforward type of surgeon and knows what works and what doesn't. My impression of him was mellowed over time as I began to understand him and his way of doing things. Dr. Kligman’s staff was very professional and helpful to all aspects of the surgery. Dr. Kligman makes aftercare a top priority. He does have a structured aftercare program as well as pre-surgery care instructions to follow. He is very strict with these instructions. Dr. Kligman rates a 10 in my book. Side Note: For those thinking of Dr. Kligman a surgical choice… I would choose Dr. Kligman as my surgeon even if I had to drive to him from Ohio.

Great medical staff except for the nurses, nice accomodations, has a special floor for bariatric patients with appropriately-sized equipment. Too bad the inattentive and inexperienced nursing staff takes away from all the other great stuff about the hospital.

They have established a new ward just for baratric patients and they couldn't have been more wonderful to me.

Dr. Kligman is very direct and to the point, but he is extremely thorough (as his success and complication rates show). His dedication to his patients and the caution he exercises before you ever get near the O.R. sold me on him as my surgeon. He expects (demands) a lot of his patients, but it is all worth it. The office staff are wonderful.

Loved, Loved, Loved the nursing staff in the Recovery Area and on 10 West. They were amazingly nice and friendly. Had Nurse Ratchet, in the prep area, putting the IV in which sucked, but everyone else made up for her churlishness.

One of the nurses an older Indian woman whose name i will choose not to use, was the meanest most miserable nurse during my overnite stay. She had me in tears 3X that nite, which was no way to be after undergoing a 5-6 hr surgery. The nurse before I went up and the same one in the morning named Jeanie, was wonderful. Unfortunatly I had to deal with the witch during most of my stay. Boo on you witchy-poo!!!!

Dr. Kligman's seminar was far more informative than another I attended (Gandsas's). I took an entire page of notes, compared to none at the other seminar. I would rather all the possible risks and consequences be spelled out than "reassuringly" shrugged off, like they were at the other seminar. He was a bit braggy, but if he's bragging about his low complication rate, I'm all ears. <p>

In the consultation he answered all my questions thoroughly and patiently. He faked surprise when I described how I eat for emotional reasons, rather than sustenance, which was annoying because he's obviously encountered this with every patient. But aside from that, I felt like we had a good rapport, and I feel as confident as possible about his skills. <p>

Nadja, in his office, was also very comforting and likable. She spoke to me about the surgery with vigor and excitement -- like she hasn't given the same speech to 500 other people with the same stupid questions as me. :)<p>

Post-op: Everything went well, with no complications! And Nadja and Mary are always available to answer my questions over the phone.

Dr. Kligman is very knowledgable, and direct. He was completely honest about what to expect. He has a mandatory (free) GB surgical seminar that you must attend before having a New Patient Visit. I am completely confident in his abilities. He has lived up to my high expectations.

Also, his office staff (esp Nadja) are extremely wonderful and helpful. They will assist me with anything that I need.

When you meet Dr. Kligman bring a thorough list of questions. He will answer them all completely honestly.