Paul Friday Psychologist Ph.D.

I went to see Dr. Friday for a Psych eval as part of my pre-op testing requirements. I was impressed with his knowledge of the surgery and the medical and social aspects of obesity both before and after the surgery.

There were a lot of papers to fill out and two tests. One that had 244 questions!

He also had a very good bedside manner and made me feel very much at ease with the entire process.

Very nice man; seems very understanding of the WLS process, and Dr. Schauer's office in particular.

Dr. Friday is an excellent resource person on my journey through this whole bariatric surgery "jungle". He was very informative and very positive about the surgery yet he made sure both my husband and myself were aware of the risks as well as the benefits. I would feel comfortable sending anyone to him for counseling.

Had a wonderful sense of Humor and I seemed to click immediately with him. Was very apprehensive about the visit, but he immediately put me at ease and I had a very enjoyable session with him.

stresses that the procedure is a tool that I choose to control my weight

After the surgery, I went back to Dr. Friday to discuss some issues related to the weight loss. He was very sensitive to my needs and helpful.

I work in the mental health field and I have several concerns about Dr. Friday. He tried to use his position, as the MANDATED MH professional for DR. Schauer, to sell me his book. This misuse of his position is unethical. He had me complete his paperwork for insurance reimbursement, and even my own mental status examinations. These evatuations are very technical, and are always to be completed by the clinician. Would the average patient walking in the door know if they were exhibiting loosened associations, flight of ideas, a blunted affect? Could someone outside of healthcare understand what allert and oriented X3 means? In my experience the answer is no.
He then demanded that I give him the names and phone numbers of friends in a twelve step progam (of which I am a memeber) who would be supporting me through the surgery process. He obviously did not understand the Anonymous part of the 12 step program. When I asked him to provide me with a copy of his report, he first stated; "of course patients have a right to this information." Then he tried to persuade me that I didn't want to do this for various reasons. lastly he tried to tell me that I wouldn't understand the report. When I again reminded him that I am a Mental Health professional, he coldy stated, "you'll have to get your lawyer to contact me." I firmly believe that one should not lie to a patient. He lied to me. This lie did not foster a feeling of safety, or trust.

I thought he was very nice and genuinely warm. I came in for my appointment at 8:50a and I went back to see him at 9am. I really think that he is very conscious of the problems of the obese community. He really takes the time to prepare you.