Fresno Heart and Surgical Hospital Organization

My expereience might be different than others. But I only saw my surgeon for about 10 minutes before surgery and 2 minutes after. Dr. Carr, a young doctor from his office who looked 22, did the inital intake interview, went over the WLS booklet, poked my belly and talked about types of surgeries. After he was through Dr. Hoga walked in and asked if I had any questions. And left within two minutes. rnrnIn Pre-op apptoinment I Saw Dr. Higa for about 8 minues when he went over last minutes items. I had 4 questions which he did answer.rnrnLast, after my surgery I was walking the halls when he came to see me. As I walked up he looked at me and told the other doctor that my ankles were sweeling, add lasix. He never said a word to me. So he is not a people person at all. He is a great surgeon, having done over 7,000 RNYs. So would I recommend him? Yes.

I first met Dr. Boone at a Baratric surgery seminar in Fresno, CA in May 2008. I listened to him attentively as his personality, education and personal life unfolded. He shared so many things concerning Bariactric surgery from the good things that happen to the the possible risks. He stressed the importance of aftercare and how he just wasn't a doctor to perform your surgery and send you on your way but that he cared and wanted to continue follow-up appointments throughout the rest of our lives. He answered all my questions and concerns. His wit was also admirable as he talked about the heavy set nanny he had hired to take care of his children. After he performed surgery on her, she lost weight, quit her job and got married. He joked about not ever doing surgery on his nannies ever again. My first impression of him was a positive one as it motivated me to want to get prepared for the new journey of my lifetime. In the weeks that followed I quickly made my preparations. I attended a nutrition class with Cheryl Williams, met with a psychologist Sharon Hathearly, who evaluated me to make sure I was mentally ready for this soon-to-be drastic change in my life. As I became familiar with Dr. Boone's staff, I realized how blessed he was to have such caring people working for him. They kept me well-informed and were right on top of every detail.rnThe day of my pre-op appt. I met with Dr. Boone. I had to take a written test to make sure I knew what I was doing. I asked him many questions concerning the surgery like where he would be making my incisions, my stay in the hsopital, what to expect after surgery. As he took his time answering every question I had, I turned the table around and asked him a couple questions concerning him personally. I asked him if he was planning to drink alcohol the evening before my surgery, how he and his wife were getting along....I wanted everything to go perfect the day of my surgery. I didn't want him to take any bottled up anger he might have towards his wife, out on me (with scapel in hand). As he chuckled he assured me that everything was fine. He said these are some really good questions. I told him to enjoy a morning cup of coffee before my surgery (it would make him fully awake), he said he would definitely do that. I felt like I knew my doctor and it was a great feeling. The day of my pre-op pre-registration appt. at the Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital, I had the pleasure of getting aqauinted with a very sweet lady, Patty Bradley who shared some very valuable information with me concerning this awesome website. She went outof her way to prepare me for the two days ahead.rn The day of surgery after I was all prepped, Dr. Boone came into the room and introduced a couple of his surgery team members to me, asked me a few routine questions and then asked me if I had any questons. I was totally and completely ready! rnSurgery seemed like it lasted 5 minutes because I didn't remember anything except for when they were \"wheeling\" me down the hall to the surgery room, they paused for a moment at the door and at the same time I muttered, \"My head feels funny.\" The last words I remember was from the RN saying \"well honey, you are on your way.\" The next thing I knew I was waking up and I felt good. The hospital staff was amazing. They were always cheerful, willing to help in any way they could. The hospital itself was quiet, nice and clean and had very nice private rooms for their patients and state-of-the-art equipment. The best hospital I had ever been in.rnIf I were to say anything about Dr. Boone and his teams, it would have to be that they are all very caring people, professional, well educated and very respectfull individuals. To sum it all up...they ARE THE BEST! rnThank you everyone who had a hand in my surgery process!rnBlessings to you all.rnKathy Gong

I thought Dr Higa was a nice doctor but really what does nice have to do with it. His after care program is horrible and very dangerous. I was not told the truth about WLS and it's complications nor given the propper long term care needed. Now I am very ill. I would not recommend him to anyone.

NEW HOPE!rnI went back to Dr. Boone in Fresno since he is approved through my insurance and works at Fresno's Heart Hospital and I am happy to say after much work , pre-operative weightloss and more work , I am scheduled for surgery 4/17/08! Thank you for all of your support!rnrnMuch love for Dr Boone and his office staff! Thank you to Brenda , she worked really hard to get my insurance stuff all straight! They are very informative and patient in the office. Nothing but good to say about my experience so far!rnrnrnDr's Boone and Higa are outstanding surgeons! They follow me closely and even hospitalized me when they felt something was wrong with my Gall bladder. If you have any questions about my experience with ALSA please send me a private message!

I love him.. He really great and has been a great support for me...

Dr Higa was WONDERFUL! I had to be re-hospitalized just one week after my RNY due to dehydration. I couldn't believe how many times he came to my hospital room to make sure that I was ok! His ALSA office is beautiful and very professional but at times I've wished for a more personal touch. But Dr Higa always takes the time to answer all my questions and never makes me feel rushed. I would definitely recommend him as a surgeon. He is a very skilled surgeon. I've known other previous patients of his and everyone has healed up very well following surgery. I would rate him highly overall. I feel the most important issue is having a skilled surgeon & good after surgery care.

I've been completely impressed by the competance of Dr Higa's staff. Very efficient and friendly. Dr Higa himself? He's absolutely wonderful! When he talked with me in his office, I sincerely felt he cared, and he answered all my questions, completely. He looked me straight in the eyes when he talked to me, and when he asked me a question, he looked at me and listened! I really apreciated that. I'd rate him as AAA+++. He's a top-notch surgeon and he sincerely cares about his patients.

First Impression: Very personal and friendly. I spoke with him at an informational meeting and he was very open and interested. The presentation was informative and he answered questions in a clear and easy to understand manner. rnrnOffice Staff: So far I have mainly dealt with Brenda and she is GREAT! Always answered questions and I had many.rn

I kept hearing the name of \"Kelvin Higa\" when it came to the best surgeon for RNY. It was true! DR. Higa is a great surgeon! I had my surgery 04/07 and I have always felt great! He was always assurring me that all will be well, even with my skeptisism! Higa, was always making sure I understood the process and making sure I was educated in what was to take place. I would ONLY recommed Dr Higa to anyone who is thinking of having RNY!

I met with my surgeon and I am so excited that I picked him. He made me feel comfortable right away. He took time to explain things and answer questions. The entire visit, including wait time, took less than an hour. It was great. During my consultation, we discoved that we went to the same high school and he has family near my home. I am feeling so positive about my journey, now.