"I have only had one appointment with him, but I appreciated his compassion and straight forward approach. He didn't strike me as a doctor that just wants to get rich off fat people, but someone that really wants to help by giving us a tool to improve our life. I also seen Chris the PA that day and Heather the RD. Again very compassionate and informative. I have seen Heather since to have documentation that I was able to lose weight and that I did try a diet for the insurance. Unfortunately, the person I have been dealing with most during the last few months is the secretary, Ruth. Just from the telephone conversations I have had with her I pictured an older lady, skinny with very deep frown lines. I met her a few weeks ago and almost laughed out loud because it was her to a tee! Too bad she doesn't realize how much her work means to those of us that are going through this maybe it would help her disposition a little.
I also know that Dr. Kothari has spoke to another surgeon I have had about some mesh I have near my belly button. I was happy to hear that because it reassured me that he was definitely listening to me when we met and was following up on things I felt he needed to know. Everyone on the team emphasized the importance of aftercare and that the success of this surgery had a lot to do with me and how seriously I take the aftercare. They were very straight forward about the risks, but he also said he has not had a death. I know someone that is seeing him for aftercare that had a different surgeon and has had numerous complications and she always reassures me that I will be in good hands.
Obviously, surgical competence is the most important thing when someone is playing with my insides, but a bedside manner is also important when they have you pumped full of pain killers."
