Fresno Heart and Surgical Hospital Organization

Very good bed-side manner. I'm very confident in his abilities, which helps me be less anxious about the surgery. Office staff is great!

My impression of Dr. Higa was that he was more casual than I thought he would be. On his informational video he came agross as very clinical, but in person he was much warmer. I felt very comfortable with him and his aura of competence.

The office of Valley Surgical Specialists was not quite as swank as I expected, reminding me a little of a walk-in clinic atmosphere. But every person I met on the staff was very professional and nice.

If I had one semi-negative thing to say it would be that I didn't think he elaborated enough on the after-care. I've had to do research on my own to learn about that.

He was very up front about the risks, and I never felt like I was being "sold" on the surgery.

08/16/04:
I have had two post op visits at the surgeon's office with the P.A. that handles aftercare and diet supervision. I have not been very happy with the visits and for the 6 months post op visit, I have changed the appointment so that I can meet with Dr. Boone instead. She is too focused on pointing out the errors and basically ignored all the good things I'd done. I voluntarily brought in a 5 day food intake journal so that I could discuss protien intake and other items with her. She quickly scanned it and pointed out the negative stuff. She could not answer several of my questions (which it's fine to just say "I don't know") and when I asked a question about calorie burn/intake and weight loss she accused me of "over analyzing" this whole thing. Well..."this whole thing" just happens to be my life, my health, my future...needless to say...the appointment was less than desireable. I will visit with Dr. Boone at the 6 month PO date and then again at 1 year. They ask that you visit with them annually after that.


05/30/04:
I had surgery on the 26th. Dr. Boone said that my liver was enlarged and there was additional scar tissue from a prior surgery that both made my sugery a bit challenging. He was able to complete it laproscopically (I'm so thankful!) and there were no other complications. I think that Dr. Boone made a choice to stick it out and work extra hard to keep me at lap and not open me up. He really went the extra mile to honor my request. He is very professional, compassionate and in my opinion very talented. They made me take a test the day before surgery and graded it too!!! They gave me my after surgery medication Rx the day before surgery so that I could get them filled and have them ready. They have written handouts for aftercare and for people living close to Fresno, they offer a Monday nite support/informational meeting.
**I recommend Dr. Boone and his partners to others that are looking for an experienced team of professionals with compassion to perform their surgery.



03/30/04:
I have completed my initial educational session and consult with Dr. Boone. The video educational session was great and answered several of my questions. I watched the video as I live 3 hrs away and they don't want to make you drive over just for a presentation. Through the video I was able to get a feel for the surgery clinic, their attitudes and dedication to helping others with obesity. Nurse Brenda and the clerical gal Jeanice were very professional, helpful and encouraging. What I liked most about Dr. Boone??? His beautiful eyes..... Ooops....!!! no, not really- although he is an attractive man... I felt very comfortable talking with him. He actually read the information I filled out regarding my history of health and dieting...(first diet at age 10)...His bedside manner was great. I handing him a list of 15 questions and he stood next to me and we read them one by one. When I inquired about my estrogen use after surgery, he did say we would leave that up to the GYN. Otherwise he was careful to answer each of my questions. They actually gave me a booklet that includes a test in the back. I'm to answer the questions and then actually take a test at my pre-op appointment. Brenda said that I would be able to transfer the information over from the take home papers. I like that accountability. It's interesting to visit with a doctor that is actually glad you have some knowledge on the subject at hand. At this point, I can recommend Dr. Boone's office in Fresno and will update here after I have my surgery.


12/01/04:
Well..I think Dr. Boone is one of the more talented WLS doctors. He did a remarkable job on my surgery; went the extra mile to keep it lap (lots of scar tissue in the way and enlarged liver); I was out of the hospital in 1 1/2 days; I had absolutely NO PAIN and never took any pain meds afterwards; went back to work and the gym in 10 days and his after surgery food plan is manageable and "do-able". I have had good follow-up when calling to get questions answered and I think he relies on his patients being actively involved, educated and assertive about their health concerns. When a doctor embraces that...I'm impressed. I highly recommend Dr. Boone and his office staff.

I am very thankful Dr Boone will be doing my surgery. He answered all my questions and welcomed more anytime. after meeting with Dr Boone I feel I am in very capable hands.

Dr. Boone is a very caring and up front Doctor. When I had my consult with him he made me aware of the possibilities of a bad outcome, he did not sugar coat anything he also explains that I would have to give up certain pain medication for ever and will have to take other alternate medications when needed. He was very concerned with my physical problems and felt that my chances of being approved for the surgery were great. He wants you to understand the meaning of WLS and that it is not a cure, but a tool. For life....
I really researched Dr. Boone and was quite happy to know that he had many successful surgeries and few complications. His competence was very important in my desition.
Getting all the necessary paperwork in was the most challanging part, he is strick and wants all the paperwork completed before submitting to insurance. He really wants to make sure you are physically able to go through the surgery. His practice is not a "cattle call" facility. Dr. Boone and his staff were wonderful, always available for any questions you may have. They are extreamly busy, but never too busy to call you back and answer any question. I was treated with the upmost respect at all times, never felt awkward at all. I would do it all over again, and would recommend anyone to go to one of his seminars if you are wanting to have WLS and have questions and need answers. I rate Dr. Boone and his staff an A+ Good Luck....

HE IS A VERY GOOD SURGEON. I WORKED WITH HIM WHILE HE WAS TRAINING. IT'S TO EARLY TO TELL.
I WAIT ALONG TIME TO SEE THE DOCTORS. THEY STRESS AFTER CARE.
YES THEY HAVE A GROUP THAT MEETS THE 1ST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH.
DR HO DID AT MY 1ST VISIT.
DR IS A VERY GOOD SURGEON. I WILL SAY HIS SURGICAL COMPETENCE OUTWAYS HIS BEDSIDE MANNER.

My first impression of Dr. Boone was very very good. He had been highly recommended and he has a very nice bedside manner. I liked him immediately. He seems very down to earth and nice. My impression has remained the same about him. His office staff seems to be on top of things. Dr. Boone comes highly recommended, he studied/practiced at Stanford University Medical Center and from what I've gathered has also trained other physicians as well with regards to laproscopic surgery. I currently rate him very high. Before and after the surgery I knew in my heart I was in EXCELLENT hands. I am grateful to God that Dr. Boone was my surgeon and I felt completely safe and had complete confidence in his ability as a surgeon and human being. I believe that surgical competence outweighs any physicians bedside manner however if a surgeon exudes a good bedside manner it is certainly a bonus. Dr. Boone is absoulutely without a doubt one of the best surgeons I have had the pleasure of meeting and it is with extreme gratitude that I thank him from the bottom of my heart for helping me to begin to live again. Everyone at Valley Surgical Center was superb and St. Agnes Medical Center was outstanding.

I have had my initial consultation with Dr. Boone. I found him soft spoken, direct and to the point. He was very good at explaining what to expect. His staff has been very kind, especially Rose who I have bothered several times in the last month because of my concern over the letter to the insurance company not yet being dictated. Rose has been kind, understanding, and "always" returns my calls. The letter has now been dictated and I am awaiting authorization. I have researched Dr Boone considerably and have found much favorable response to his care. I look forward to being his patient. Will add more after my surgery is approved and I meet with Dr Boone and his staff again.

A very nice man and caring doctor. A competent surgeon. I had almost no pain.
Once a month support group for aftercare.

I have only met my surgeon once so far. I liked him right away. He has a good sense of humor, which is critical for me. Once you have become one of the "Chosen Few" and have jumped through all the hoops and actually made it to an appt. to see the doctor, the staff is great! Prior to that - they were very effective at keeping you at bay and not letting you in to see the doctor until all of your "I's" were dotted and "T's" crossed. I suppose that is their job. I am not aware of a structured aftercare program. I do know that there is a patient support group for his and the other doctor's in the groups patients. I felt he was very candid about the risks/benefits/possible problems of the surgery. That is about all I can say so far.