Surgical Associates of Atlanta Organization

So far I have really liked Dr. Finley. He is straightforward, confident and feel he will do the surgery very well. Everyone in his office is always so kind and helpful as we all know the process has many steps involved.

I liked Dr Finley from the first. He took the time to talk with me himself and explained the process that I would go through from that day and for the next few years. He said that we would have a ongoing partnership, because this process did not end once the surgery was complete. He explained to me the risks of each type of gastric surgery and gave me the recommendation on what he felt would work best for me. I look forward to working with him and his staff throughout the process.

This was my 2nd time meeting with Dr. Santavicca. I was very much at ease with him. Don't let his wonderful manners fool you, he can look through you w/discernment. He also recommended this website. That was a big help. Thanks Dr. Santavicca!

Dr Lemmon was a kind older Dr.He went over the sugery with myself and my husband,I remember him speaking to my husband more than me and I was asking the question. He also made sure the insurance approved the surgery before we got to far into things as this was a new surgery at the time 1983..He assured me that I would be watched closley,I would be in ICU for 3 days and then in a regular room for 7..I would be allowed 1 oz per hour of water in day 2 ..Then on day 6 clear liquids ...My input and output were measured carefully cath was removed on day 5..Walks down the hall began after cath was removed..We always had 3-7 doctors checking on us..He was teaching many doctor this surgery.. Nell Carter was in the room next to me and she allowed me to visit.after I got out of the hospital we returned to see the doctor ever 5 days. for a month..My friend had surgery 2 days after me, her insurance didn't pay for ICU so she was only in there 1 day,then I agreed to share my room with her even though my insurance would have pd for a single room. She lost wt faster than me,so Dr Lemmon thought I was cheating a little. He didn't get upset though .there were no protein drinks to drink. no dumping.. 4 yrs down the path she gained all her wt back and I kept mine off. I believe I heard he had died.. We stopped seeing him after a yr.1 1/2 yrs after I had my gallbladder out my friend had hers out at yr 2 .I never regreted having the surgery...On yr 12 post op I had lasor surgery to remove adhesions, my liver was stuck up between my lung and intestion cutting off its blood supplyIt was a 6 hour surgery I was in bad shape all my insides swelled from the lasor surgery I was in pain for 5 months after that surgery I retained fluids for about that long. I was able to keep my wt off to this very day

Dr. Santavicca was wonderful. He is very energetic and you do feel as though a tornado has swept into the room when he starts talking, but he is so nice and pleasant that it's not disconcerting at all. He explains aspects of the surgery that you may not have thought about and he then talks to you very frankly to determine if he believes you need additional assistance throughout the surgical process. However, he suggests that everyone persue counseling, considering how life altering this decision is. Overall, I was totally thrilled with my decision to have Dr. Santavicca conduct my Psychiatric evaluation.

He is WONDERFUL! He talks VERY fast and covers alot of information in a short amount of time. He is not out to keep anyone from having this surgery. His goal is to make sure that we are adequately prepared emotionally and know what steps to take post op if issues arise. I would highly recommend anyone needing to get a psych eval completed to go to him. There are two offices that I know of. I went to the Conyers office. There was no staff...just him. He offered great advice for exercising and getting the most out of our new "tool" when we get to post op status. He promised my report by Friday since I have my surgeon consult on Monday! 2-day turnaround is pretty good if you ask me!

Wow is the word that comes to mind when I think about Dr. SantaVicca. He was more than knowlegeable about WLS he's an expert.

Also he's got great people skills and goes through a presentation with you before you get specific. He's so knowledgeable about all the comorbid conditions and has obviously been doing this for a long time.

He was also extremely easy to talk to...sometimes psychiatrists/psychologists are not very personable but he was a trip!

I really liked him and would highly recommend...also he does take BC/BS HMO insurance!!! That was just a bonus because I was already prepared to have to pay out of pocket when I made the appointment (no one else I called took the insurance so I did not even ask his office - they asked me).

Dr. Santavicca was nice...talked a little fast, but good. He is interested in helping you get approved, but making sure that you are prepared for the changes in life as well.

Dr. Santavicca made me feel so comfortable from the time I entered his office until the time I left him. He made me feel so comfortable that If I needed to see a psychologist..I would choose him.

I enjoyed our meeting, he was well informed and pleasent. I recommend him to anyone. (BUT had to wait 45 minutes in office)