"FIRST IMPRESSION: I had my first consultation with Dr. Zuccala on March 1, 2002. He was a man of few words, really, and basically told me everything I already knew from research and this website. He was very nice and to the point. Didn't hold anything back. I didn't ask many questions, I honestly could not think of any. But then when I got home, a few came to mind and I started to compile a list.
DID MY IMPRESSION OF HIME CHANGE OVER TIME: Since I've only met him once, I cannot answer this question at this time.
OFFICE STAFF: The staff was extremely nice: Cathy, Sue (the RN)...and the dietician (I apologize, I cannot remember her name - I'll get back to you on that).
LIKE LEAST: I guess I expected a little more consulting in our consultation. He also mentioned that this is major suregery and that we do not create super models - a good point for many people, but for me - I am 450lbs and I am not looking to be anything near a super model...as a matter of fact, I don't want to be anything near SUPER in any way, anymore (like super-sized). I know what he meant by it, and I totally agree. I was just a little thrown off by that remakr given I am much more then a 200lb person looking to have WLS.
WHAT FUTURE PATIENTS SHOULD KNOW: Dr. Zuccala is new to Danbury. As of March, he's only performed approximately 50 of these operations. All successful with no complications. This should by no means scare you - after all I have decided to have my suregery with Dr. Zuccala
EMPHASIS ON AFTERCARE: I do not feel at this time I can answer this question
STRUCTURED AFTERCARE PROGRAM: I will answer this after my second consult.
RISKS OF SURGERY: Dr. Zuccala did a brief overview of risks and complications. He touched on the major aspecs of surgery. Once I am approved, my second consult is supposed to be much more informed and detailed.
RATING OVERALL: As it stands right now, on a scale from 1-10, 10 being the highest, I give Dr. Zuccala an 8. I will revise this number, if need be, once I have my second consult.
WHICH IS BETTER: I believe a doctor or anyone service the public, needs to be both. I am VERY sensitive about my weight and am basically nervous around doctors. I need a doctor that is great in both areas. But if I had to choose one, it would be competant of course.
BOTTOM LINE: The main reasons for going to Dr. Zuccala is because he is nice, close by, on my insurance plan, and does not have a long waiting list.
I WILL REVISE THIS IF AFTER MY NEXT CONSULT, I FEEL DIFFERENTLY IN ANY WAY."
