Nuvance Health Organization
My experience with Dr. Neil Floch and his entire staff was remarkable, especially with Anita and Jen. They are a truly professional and organized practice and it is a pleasure to be their patient. Anita made the whole preapproval process painless when I had expected a battle with the insurance company. She took control and did an awesome job.
My surgery went extremely well, which I never doubted for a minute. Dr. Floch has a way of making you feel so at ease during what certainly could be a very stressful time in one's life.
His personality reflects a man of complete confidence, exceptional experience in surgical procedures, an upbeat attitude and also not to mention he is extremely goodlooking. As a nurse stated in the hospital, "Dr. Floch is easy on your eyes".
Dr. Floch's assistant, Jen, is also wonderful and so informative. She is always available to answer questions and always willing to make suggestions.
In closing, I would highly recommend Dr. Floch if anyone is considering a surgeon in the Norwalk area.
Being comfortable with the choice you have made is the first step in assuring yourself that you have made the right decision to have Gastric Bypass Surgery.
Trusting in Dr. Floch was easy as pie.
(No more pie for us though)
Good Luck to all of you and I hope you allow Dr. Floch to help make some of your dreams come true, as I did.
Dr. Zuccala is a knowledgeable, and compassionate surgeon. He also has a great sense of humor. He described the risks and benefits, of Roux-en-y, in great detail. He also promises he will be there for you throughout the entire process. There was more than ample time for questions or concerns. He has a fantastic aftercare program. He and his staff coordinate monthly support group meetings too. His staff is AMAZING. I can't say enough about the wonderful group of people who work in the office. Dr. Zuccala states they are the jewels in his crown and I most certainly agree with him. If I had to rate him as a surgeon, he's an overall GREAT.
Let me first say that Dr Zuccala has the best bedside manner. He is compassionate and empathetic to your needs. He looks at you as a person! He listens intently. He asked me if I had any questions I sad yes, pulled a folder out of my purse he smiled, leaned back and said ask away. And I did for well over an hour. He answered every question I had. He never even looked at his watch. I was with him for almost 2 hours. The office staff is also as caring and efficient. It may seem as if it’s taking forever to get an appointment with the many physicians that you have to see pre-op. But hang in there! It will all be worth it in the end. It is the procedure! We all have to go through it.
As soon as I met Dr. Zucalla, I was immediately put at ease and knew that he was going to stick with me no matter what. If anything, prior to and following the surgery, that opinion was strengthened. The night prior to surgery, he called me to ask me how I was doing and feeling. There is nothing that I dislike about him or his staff. As far as what anyone should know about him...I would consider any patient of his lucky to have him. He is very strong on the aftercare, especially the diet. He is a very competent and kind staff and the dietician is available for as many calls as one can make. My surgeon was very thorough on explaining the particulars of the surgery, including the risks. As far as rating him on a scale of 1-10, I would have to say 11. He seemed extremely competent as a surgeon and his bedside manner is the best!
I first meet Dr. Zuccala and his staff on 9/11/02. I was very comfortable with what they were requesting me to do to show I am committed to surgery. They answered all my questions. At that time they told me it would be 2 months before surgery would be scheduled.
On 10/11/02 I had my follow up to see if I had lost the weight. I passed the test. Previous to this date I had the blood work done, the ultrasound of my gall bladder completed and pysch visit accomplished. Terry said she would submit the paper work to the insurance company. She was not concerned but I was (Cigna HMO) and she told me it could take three weeks for approval.
On 10/16/02 I attended my first support group meeting. (I was invited to other meetings but was unable to attend). This was the first time I realized just how many patients Dr. Zuccala deals with. There were many people in attendance at all different stages of the process from just gathering info to had the surgery and doing great.
On 11/4/02 I received the insurance approval and I am now schedule for surgery on 11/19/02. I was very excited to find this out because I had decided back in the summer this was the solution for me.
Dr. Zuccala's compassion and empathy with overwieght people, his sense of humor and his knowledge, put me at ease immediately. Met him for the first time at a support group two days prior to my first meeting with him and his staff. Also at the support group were one of his nurses, Nurse Meany (not a word I'd use to describe her at all), and some of his office staff. You couldn't find a group of more dedicated, responsive people. They all have patience to deal with all of his patients, all the insurance companies and their endless red tape. My first meeting was Friday, October 18. My husband came with me and we met first with Nurse Meany who took vitals, explained the surgery, the before and after stuff. Then met with Dr. Zuccala. Both my husband and I were able to ask lots and lots of questions. We were not rushed at all. The last piece of the day was meeting with the dietician. She outlined the diet following surgery and asked me to follow the diet now until my November 5th meeting with her. Dr. Zuccala told me after my exam he would be able to perform the surgically laproscopically - hooray! Next steps, blood work, ultrasound and visit with psychiatrist.
I first met Dr. Zuccala on July 31, 2002, when I had my first appointment to discuss bariatric surgery. My initial impression of him was that he was a very gentle, caring man who was truly interested in me and my health issues. I quickly developed confidence in him, he seemed self assured and sure of his abilities. He also was upfront about possible problems and complications my particular situation presented, and made me feel that my decision to continue with the pre-op clearances was well founded. He and his office staff have set up a monthly support group, which he asks all pre-op and post-op patients to attend. I have been pleased to see that his office staff (scheduling person, insurance person, receptonist), his RN, one or two of the nutritionists, as well as Dr. Zuccala are present at each meeting. He and his staff have stressed from the very beginning that the post-op follow-up is crucial, and that his patients are expected to continue with him long after the actual surgery. His staff have been very supportive, and all my questions and calls have been quickly answered. My second appointment with him, just a week before my 10/29/02 surgery date, reconfirmed my initiial impressions. He was very up front about possible post-op complications that I face, yet assured me that he would be there to deal with them. I am very pleased that I was refered to Dr. Zuccala by both my internist and my pulmonologist - I am sure that I am in the best of hands.
Dr. Zuccala is great. He has such a great demeanor. He is a very compassionate doctor and has a great personality. The staff is very helpful and caring. His office is very busy so you might have to call once in a while to check up on the status of things. He really emphasizes on proper aftercare. He has a structured aftercare program and is very thorough when giving direction. What a great doctor. I highly recommend going to him. I feel that surgical competence and bedside manner are of great importance and he is skillful in both areas.