"My first impression of Dr. Mailapur was he was abrupt and straight to the point. He told me I had to loose 50lbs BEFORE he would do the surgery!!! I thought he was crazy, that is why I came to him, to have surgery to help me loose the weight. He explained to me that this was a complicated surgery and the more weight I lost before surgery, and the mindset change that it takes to loose 50 lbs will help me be more successful over the long haul.rnI begin to understand what he was talking about. My insurance required that I do a doctor controlled program for 6 months, so I figured I would give it my best and see how it comes out. The ENTIRE 6 months of the program, the words I kept hearing was Dr. Mailapur say “You MUST loose 50 lbs. before I will operate on you” It kept me chugging. I had been trying to get insurance to pay for this off and on for 8 Years.rnHis office staff Chrissy and Jessica are fantastic. They helped me maneuver through the insurance “issues” and were always friendly when I called. rnrnFuture patients should know that (in my opinion) Dr. Mailapur does not do this surgery “just because you want to loose some weight” he is very serious about lifestyle changes and long term health benefits. Do what he tells you, IT WORKS!!rnrnAftercare and meeting with the nutritionist are most important. Also as soon as you can push yourself out of the bed to walk the day of surgery, do it!!! It is uncomfortable at first, however, I knew it is what I needed to do.rnrnOverall I would rate him a 9 out of 10 and his bedside manner is sometimes alittle abrupt, not offensive, he just does not candy coat things. I will take that anytime with a surgeon who is good at what he does. I was up and actually driving on my 3rd day post op. Back to work in 2 weeks (that long only because of the Christmas holidays) I felt FANTASTIC! I had no pain and did not take a drop of pain medicine after I left the hospital. I am 3 weeks post op, I have lost 34 lbs (86 lbs total since the first appointment with Dr. Mailapur) I have more energy, I feel AWESOME and would get back on the table tomorrow to do it again. It truly has been a life changing, incredible experience. rnrn*** UPDATE *** I am now exactly 6 months post op (June 17, 2009) and I have lost 160 lbs. Dr. Mailapur is a GREAT suregon. I had NO COMPLICATIONS and didn't have any pain medication once I got out of the hospital. This surgery has saved and changed my life. I am more active, have more energy, actually enjoy working out and have nothing but positive things to say. If you are thinking about this, atleast give Dr. Mailapur a try. He is good at what he does and really cares about his patients!rn"
