Eric Mariotti, MD Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Plastic Surgery Center
In 2002, I had my bariatric surgery - duodenal switch bariatric surgery. I won't this sugar coat this, it was indeed painful.
The struggling with food consumption, my brain said more, my body said no, retraining myself how to eat slower but I learned over time the slower I ate the enjoyed my food. With that said, it was the best decision I ever made. It gave me my life back. Fast forward to Dr. Mariotti in 2006, I may have given myself my life back but he gave me back my self confidence back. I decided to have a breast lift and did not research the procedure for reconstructive after major weight loss. Apparently it is very different than a typical breast lift. My first surgery was with another doctor and unfortunately it went terribly wrong. I was devastated. After the initial surgery, I did extensive research and I found Dr. Mariotti! He not only specializes in body contouring procedures after major weight loss, but he is kind, patient, easy to talk to, confide in and he simply put me at ease. The results are amazing to this day. I am so happy.
I investigated plastic surgery after losing almost 200 lbs with my VSG. I interviewed 3 plastic surgeons in my area, since ease of follow up was an important consideration in my choice of a surgeon. I had heard of Dr. Mariotti and the other 2 surgeons by way of other patients in my WLS group, and attended one of his informational talks to our group. Of the three surgeons I interviewed, Dr. Mariotti was the only one who performed the procedure I was interested in - a Circumferential Belt Lipectomy. I also wanted to do 2 other procedures at the same time, a breast lift and breast augmentation. His office and support staff were excellent. Everyone was professional and courteous, and never did I get the impression that I was being rushed or spoken down to. My first consultation lasted over an hour, and Dr. Mariotti and his assistant Sarah were thorough in answering all my questions. What impressed me the most was how many procedures he had performed on massive weight loss patients- because of his extensive experience, he was able to tell me- "You have a body type similar to this patient, her outcome looks like this" ( and showed me photos of the results). Or, " You've lost more weight than this woman and she is short waisted, your outcome will be slightly different from hers in this way" and showed me more photos. He clearly explained the risks and benefits of performing the surgeries at the same time, and invited me back for more consultation time if I needed it. After I had interviewed the other 2 plastic surgeons, and months later, I emailed some questions to the office and was invited back in for more face time with Dr. Mariotti. He patiently answered more questions and referred me to medical literature that was more recent than I had been given at the other offices, and explained how he minimizes the risks that prevented the other surgeons from performing the procedure I desired. I have a career in the medical field, I was given straightforward honest answers and never was I promised something he could not deliver. I scheduled surgery with him the following month and had an amazingly terrific experience ( considering what I signed up for!). The pre operative area is kept warmer than normal, and pneumatic pressure pants put on the patient in order to help prevent blood clots. My nurse who cared for me overnight was outstanding- her care and empathy for my comfort level impressed me so much ( and I've had ALOT of nurses through the 13 surgical procedures I've had!). Dr. Mariotti uses adjunctive pain relief - an OnQ Pain Blocker that kept me comfortable for the first 5 days post op to where I was up and moving the night of my 6.5 hour surgery, and walking upright the next day. The purpose and function of the drains placed at the time of surgery were explained to me ahead of time and I felt no angst at having to handle them. If Sarah handled a follow up appointment, she always asked if I had any questions for Dr. Mariotti. And oh, my results! I mean that's what's really the most important thing here, isn't it? I'd take the crappiest bedside manner in the world if it meant superior results...but you do not have to experience that with this office. Instead you get a caring, professional, experienced crew who knows how to work together and support a very talented surgeon and assistant. The real question is- would I return to this office for more plastic surgery if needed? The answer is a resounding YES. As someone who 2 years ago could not look into the mirror without shame, to a confident woman who is proud and amazed at her flat tummy, beautiful breasts and minimal scars, I say Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
4 people found this helpful
Dr. Mariotti was an excellent doctor! I had some unique circumstances and he went above and beyond in his care for me. His assistant Sara was also incredible! I actually interviewed 3 different plastic surgeons and I knew when I met Dr. Mariotti and his terrific staff that this was the right choice for me. I have had a belt lipectomy and breast augmentation and hope to have my inner thighs done next spring. You could not find a more skilled and caring doctor anywhere.
Dr Mariott is the greatest. When I first walk into his office, I felt welcomed and knew in my heart I made the right decission. A co-work referred me to him and that was the best. Dr. M impressed me from the get go and so did his staff. I walked in and I was greeted by first name. I had to call on a Saturday, because I started to bleed and Dr. Mariotti met me at his office to check me out. Which lead to a problem while recovering from my surgery, I had a blood clot and it had to heal from the inside out whch meant I had to be packed it wasn't fun, but Dr. Mariotti & all his staff were there to support me. His bed sight manner is the best I have ever seen. He as wonderful smile to great you. To let you know what kind of person this man is, I was flying home about 1 year ago and he happended to be on the same plane he was going to a conference, but what got me is as he past me he said Hello Lucille how's going and you know you need to make your appointment to come see me. All with a big smile. After we were in the air he came and spoke to asking me how my family was doing. That's they type of person he is he gets to know you and that means a lot to me.
2 people found this helpful
Dr M is absolutely the best. He knows what to do just by listening to you. He is a very compassionate and totally understanding person. You never hear him say "I know how you feel." Instead he listens and makes you feel like you will be better and with his help and your trust in him you will be totally successful. And it works. I must also tell you and elaborate on his professional, outgoing and comfortable office staff. His Physician Assistant is completely knowledgeable and able to assist you with all your needs both before and after surgery. You will not find a better doctor to do this surgery on whatever part of your body. And he truly knows how to make you feel better about yourself. He is frank, honest and understanding of your needs. At all times he makes you and your needs come first. And that's what it is all about. It is all about you and he knows that and works with and in that realm of knowledge. Just listening to him makes you feel better. He makes the surgey feel like it really is nothing to worry about although we all know surgery does have it's dangers but he softens that in a way that you would not believe. So I say when it comes to making youself feel even better after weight loss surgery, Dr. M is THE ONE to do it.
1 person found this helpful
In March of 2006 I had Bariatric Surgery and was about 450lbs – My weight loss was very successful in by March 2008 I had lost 270 lbs. Now with very loose, draping flaps of skin everywhere it was time to seek a professional to review my goals, and to come up with a plan on removing all this skin. I carefully researched Plastic Surgeons in California and found some pretty popular ones in Southern California BUT, knowing that it would not be convenient to travel every time I had a problem was not going to be feasible. I wanted a Surgeon who was reasonable close to my home in Northern California, Bay Area. I read a few reviews about Dr. Marrioti and some other PS in the area and then did some research on my own and the bottom line is that I had a good feeling about Dr. Marrioti. I made my first consultation appointment even though I was still about 40 lbs from my goal weight. The first question I asked Dr. Marrioti was; Ok, in your opinion which surgery do I need to most? His response was I don’t think you need any surgery, this is up to you and I want you to tell me what you would like to see happen with your body – he then said “when you look at yourself in the mirror which area of your body do you dislike the most?’ This was our starting point. He was not trying to sell me anything – and he was right, I could live with loose skin – much better then the 270 extra pounds I was carrying – which would surly have killed me.
With all of us who have lost a lot of weight each of us has different bodies to now work with. What might work for one may not work for another – I now learned the meaning of Body Sculpturing. Getting rid of all the loose skin which I am still in the process of calculating how many square inches was actually removed (and donated through Dr. Marrioti who works with a non-profit, there is no money exchanged or giving to him for the skin), but I think it is around 600 sq inches.
I found the support staff in Dr. M’s office to be 5 stars – from the receptionist, finance and appointment specialist to his Physicians Assistant, Sarah, all has been the best! Thus far I have had: Arm skin removal, tummy tuck, breast implant removal (one was leaking and 20 years old) and replacement, beltectamy, lipo suction on my legs in preparation for my final surgery coming up on my legs and also some skin removed on my face and chin.
On my profile you can see my current pics – I just got back from a cruise, rode wave riders, para-sailed, got to ski last winter, ride horses again and can go fishing with my dogs. I worked hard to lose the weight and going through the plastic surgeries has also been work. I must say, it was much easier though then I expected and I had very little pain afterwards to deal with. I read where some people felt the surgeries were very painful and well, maybe this is something we all deal with differently but Dr. M and his staff always made sure I was comfortable during the healing process.
Seeking Dr. M out and the research I did paid off. But, my gut feeling was also right and I can only tell you that my experiences with Dr. M and his staff has been the bomb!!!!! I am very pleased with the process and my results!
2 people found this helpful
Dr. Mariotti performed plastic surgery on my arms and thighs three years ago with great results. He was recommended by my weight loss center and by a former patient. I was very impressed with his care and his entire office staff (Sarah was terrific).I would confidently recommend Dr. Mariotti to anyone thinking about post weight loss surgery. He was competent and caring. I'm happy!