"Most of the nurses in the bariatric unit were well equipped, informed, helpful, and caring when it came to pain, and anything else that was needed. I did run into a problem with one of the night nurses when it came to giving me pain medication that was prescribed by the doctor, as she was afraid that I would "overdose" because no one had told me that the morphiene machine I had did not deliver the drug unless I pressed the button (previous to this, the experience I have had with this machine was that a certain amount was administered automatically, but I could get a little extra boost by pressing the button should I be in more pain. I also had orders from my doctor to give me demerol on a 3 hour schedule. This particular nurse did not want to give me the demerol when I asked for it, as I had just given myself the morphiene through the machine. She would not call my doctor to ask him, and I was in a lot of unnecessary pain until the next shift of nurses came in and remedied the situation. Other than that, I found the nursing staff, the nurse's aids, and everyone else very accommodating, helpful, friendly, and felt that they were really a big part of my "team"."
"I'm in a different kind of position than most post op wls people. Almost a year out of surgery, I had a 2nd bout of breast cancer and chose to have a bilateral (double) mastectomy. I had my gastric bypass surgeon, Dr. Mir Ali, do the mastectomy portion of the surgery for me, as I was so impressed with him. He recommended Dr. Tran to me to do the reconstruction work on the breasts, and I feel so satisfied knowing that I am in good hands. I plan on using Dr. Tran for my tummy tuck after this whole breast business is out of the way. He is a compassionate man, takes the time to explain, answer questions, teach, is very cautious, likeable, professional and friendly. Between Dr. Tran and Dr. Ali, I feel as though I have the best team out there. I cannot say enough good things about this man. His heritage is Viet Namese, but he is American born and raised, has no problem with communicating. His Medical Assistant is very professional, and has always known what is going on, what is needed in the way of insurance approval, and has been excellent in coordinating things between all of the doctors involved, the hospital, and pre-surgery tests. I am looking forward to the day when I can get past this breast reconstruction (I had problems with the left breast opening up from all of the damaged skin and muscle due to my prior radiation.
I would also like to add that Dr. Tran has moved his office from Garden Grove to Fountain Valley, which is the hospital where I had my bypass, is in the same building as my Gastric Bypass surgeon is in (Dr. Mir Ali), which also makes it convenient to set appointments for one day, instead of two. New address is 11160 Warner Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Phone number is (714) 966-2888. "
"I found Dr. Ali to be very professional, caring, nurturing, willing to sit and listen to any and all questions without making me feel rushed or stupid. His ability as a surgeon was remarkable. In fact, almost a year out of my wls, I had to undergo bilateral (both) mastectomies,due to a second diagnosis of breast cancer, and I was so impressed with Dr. Ali, that I requested he do my surgery. He did a wonderful job, and took care of coordinating with the insurance company to get a plastic surgeon in there who he trusted and knew that I would be happy with. I can't say enough about this man. He was thorough prior to the surgery in prepping me for what I was going to go through, both physically and emotionally, and is still that way, almost a year after my bypass. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Ali to anyone who is looking for a bariatric, or any other kind of general surgeon. The only problem that I encountered through the whole experience is that my first visit after the surgery, I was seen by a physician's assistant, but as soon as I voiced that I wanted to see the doctor, I was able to see him, and have since."
