"I've known Dr. Abendan for years and it is rare for him not to have a sweet smile for his patients, no matter how tired he might be. He knows his stuff, takes all the time needed to listen to my concerns, answers any questions I have, schedules procedures immediately, and doesn't waste time. And he has an open mind!"
"Unable to locate a surgeon in my area, Milton near Pensacola, who is willing to accept Medicare, which is my only insurance. I called Dr. Nye's Pensacola office last year before the holidays and was told that Medicare didn't pay enough for him. Called Dr. Althar's office today and requested info from them on this issue. As for having the surgery, I know it's serious and there could be some bad complications, including death, but this isn't living either, it's not an acceptable existence, so I would have the surgery today if I could find a surgeon. Medicare DOES pay. I meet the criteria in all areas. Maybe things will start happening soon!
6/28/03 Found Dr. Charles Smith in Fairhope, Alabama, 75 miles (one way) away from home and saw him two days ago for initial consult. Liked him very much, office staff, too. He insists that anyone considering bariatric surgery attend one of his lectures, given in the lobby of his office, where he describes each kind of procedure available, why he does RNY, how the surgery has evolved over the years, risks involved, hospitalization and tests involved, possible complications, and answers questions of a general nature. After the lecture anyone who wishes to begin the process toward surgery is seen privately and examined. Dr. Smith is knowledgeable, kind, and caring. His staff has been helpful, gentle, understanding and caring. The experience wasn't uncomfortable at all and I look forward to working with all of them to achieve my goals. While surgical competence is most important, a good bedside manner goes a long way toward creating a better experience and it assists healing by lessening stress. Dr. Smith possesses both. He did my sister's surgery two months ago and she's doing great. She's lost over 50 lbs. already and is in his aftercare program. As of this time Dr. Smith has done this procedure on 17 patients and none have had serious complications. The only negative part of the initial consult was the fact that the weight scales are located in a hallway where others can hear the results. On the positive side, the scales are at the end of the hall and care was taken so that others couldn't see."
