Sentara Comprehensive Weight Loss Solutions Organization

I met Dr. Fontana at a WLS information session and was impressed with his manner. I also found out some of the doctors I work for know him as well and that made me feel comfortable too. rn The office staff has been great and seems very organized so far, but I'm only in the beginning stages. The program at Norfolk Surgical Group is very structured and the aftercare program sounds great too. I even have a BIG notebook with information for the WLS process.

My first impression of Dr Fontana was that he was very professional, confident, capable, and caring to my needs and desires. Though he didnt fill my head with false hopes, he did seem very sure that WLS was a positive means of a healthier lifestyle for myself. He fully explained his experience, the risks and benefits, the full procedure, all the pre-op requirements (which were a great many - for his surgical group, compared to most), all the post op requirements, and his requirements and goals for aftercare. I feel very confident putting my health and life in his care. Not to mention he is SO easy on the eyes!!! LOL I personally have a friend who is an OR nurse and who actually works with my entire Surgical Group. She highly recommended all the doctors from Norfolk Surgical Group, but specifally suggested I see Dr Fontana, she stated he has a great bedside manner and surgical practices in place that put him second to none!!rnrnI will update this again, after my operation~~rn

I have nothing but good things to saw about Dr. Boustany, Dr. Snyder and the Staff at Norfolk Surgical Group. Especially their Bariatric Co-ordinator Jennette.rnrnJennette has had the surgery herself and as someone who has been through it as well as an RN. She is more than qualified and more than willing to help in any way she can.rnrnAs for the surgeons... I was sleeping for most of their job thank goodness, but the pre-op and post-op care is excellent.rnrnThe little blurb below says that I should have something negative to say or else people will be suspect of my review. Of course there was and still is pain... it's been only 5 days.rnBut anyone going in for any kind of surgery who doesn't expect that from the beginning is an idiot anyway. As the follow up care progresses, I will keep on the lookout for anything I think could be improved. But honestly, as yet, I have nothing.rn

I think Dr. Wohlgemuth is wonderful and I love his whole staff. They have a very detailed and through program and I wouldn't want it any other way! I recommend The Norfolk Surgical Group completely! His surgical competence and his bedside manner are excellent.

I really like Dr. Fontana. I was very comfortable talking with him. He is very thorough in making sure you are healthy before he does the surgery.

Dr Wohlemuth was my surgeon and is one of several bariatric surgeons with Norfolk Surgical Group. He was highly recommended by my priimary care physican. When I first met Dr. Wohlgemuth I thought he was \"okay\" and wasn't overly impressed but as I have seen him and he performed my surgery I am very impressed with him and his whole team. His office staff is very friendly and encouraging. I have dealt with the bariatric co-ordinator for his office on many occasions and she is very pleasant and helpful. Dr. Wohlgemuth emphasizes aftercare. His office has two support groups and an online support group. I am required to maintain my labs with his office and to see him on a yearly basis and any other times as recommended. He has given me the tool to lose the weight and I need to continue to work with him and his staff to ensure that I use it correctly. One of things that I liked about his office is that I received a book of information concerning the surgery, risks and protocols on my first visit. I was also required to sign an agreement, stating that I would continue with all the required visits after my surgery. He or staff have always been available to answer any and all questions. Dr. Wohlgemuth has a great bedside manner and is a very competent surgeon. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking wls.

I first met Dr. Boustany to have my gallbladder removed in January of 2004. He was recommended by a nurse anestitist (sp?) that worked with him at Chesapeake General--I figured she knows all the surgeons and she said gave Dr. Boustany glowing reviews. I became severely infected prior to my surgery and spent 9 days in the hospital, but the surgery was a tough one, according to Dr. B., but I couldn't say enough good things about him. His bedside manner is outstanding and he treats you as more than just a number.rnrnSo, when it came time for my RNY, my choice was already made. Jeanette and Jeanne in the Bariatric Surgery program at Norfolk Surgical Group are fantastic. They both have had the surgery and have loads of information and they \"know where you're coming from\". I had some problems after surgery, including being hospitalized for dehydration about 2 months out. Dr. B. and Norfolk Surgical were incredibly responsive. I called in on Monday morning and they had me a room in Chesapeake General within an hour. I live more than an hour away from the hospital, so their prompt repsonse was appreciated. I can't say enough good things about Dr. B.'s secretary--she was a delight to work with, before and after my surgery. I spent a couple of days in the hospital and Dr. B. refused to let me go home unless I was able to eat something solid and keep it down. After some mashed potatoes and yogurt, he released me after three days of rehydration.rnrnSince then, I've had my good days and my not so good days, but I know that Dr. B. and the staff of Norfolk Surgical are only a phone call away. The only negative thing about the program is the absence of a local support group, and that's not really their fault. I can go to the meetings, but it's tough to make that drive on a weeknight.rnrnI love Dr. Boustany and the group of Norfolk Surgical Group and would highly recommend them to anyone searching for WLS.

Dr. Wohlgemuth has one of the best bedside manners of any doctor I have dealth with - and through this whole process, I've dealt with many. He's warm, open, and will take the time necessary to speak with you and make sure you completely understand all aspects of this adventure. He's very open about the risks and benefits. I appreciated his candor and honesty. The program through Norfolk Surgical Group is long, and very structured, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. I started the program in the middle of March and my date is scheduled in October. I feel that the whole process has made me a highly educated candidate and made me really think about it the RNY was the best way for me. Pre-op, I would highly recommend Dr. Wohlgemuth and Norfolk Surgical. I'll come back and update post-op.

'My first impression of Dr. Fontana was that he seemed so young. As he began to go over things and talk about his experiences I felt very comfortable. He may be young but he is certainly qualified careing and experienced! So far his staff has been right ontop of things and extremely patient and understnading with someone like myself

Dr Boustany and the Staff at Norfolk Surgical Group are AWESOME. Dr Boustany has you stay on a liquid diet for a full month, which really gives you time to adjust to your new lifestyle. His Office liason has had the surgery so she knows what you go through and she also runs the support group meeting once a month, which are really helpful before and after surgery. Dr Boustany is reallu upfront with you saying if you are looking for swimsuit model resuklts the surgery is not for you, but if your goal is to bne healthy and increase your lifespan than great. Frieda took care of evertyhing with the Insurance and is always there to answer any questions. Dr Boustany has preformed several surgeries on me before my gastric bypass so I was totally at ease withhim and there is always 2 doctors present during the suregery. So if you are looking for a doctor check out Norfolk Surgical Group.