"My communication with Dr. Read's staff has been via the phone so far. I have been extremely impressed with the professional and curteous manner in which his office conducts business. Susan was very supportive and gave me a lot of great information. His office obviously care about their patients and consider a Bariatric patient to be life-long. They offer many support services and insist upon support groups and a class before scheduling surgery. Any Dr. who is that concerned with my knowledge of the surgery both positive and negative has my vote. I will continue to consider Dr. Read as a surgeon. I have made the first steps in changing my insurance provider and have the Bariatric class scheduled for tomorrow night. I would rate my emotional state as guarded optimism. As for the last question, I believe competence is the number one priority in identifying a surgeon, but with this surgery, there is a lot of emotional needs that need to be met. I need both competence and a good bedside manner.
Since my last note, I have taken the class that Dr. Read offers as well as the several of the monthly support group meetings. I have also had my consultation with Dr. Read and Susan and have been approved and have a surgery date scheduled. Dr. Read and his staff are terrific. Susan did most of the leg work and was great at keeping me in the loop. I feel very good about my decision and comfortable with my surgeon. I am very excited."
