"I cannot say enough about Dr. Darrow, I love him, he is an angel, my savior in a time when I had just about given up hope. I had a Ventral Hernia Repair, and an Abdominoplasty and new belly button. I lost 250 lbs. from Gastric Bypass Surgery (8/22/02). His staff goes above and beyond the call of duty, especially Patti and Helen. And South Shore Hospital has an unbelievable staff, they spoiled me. Dr. Darrow has given me the start to a beautiful, healthy, new life. I plan to have an inner thigh lift next summer. And I will go no place other than to Dr. Darrow. God Bless him and his kind heart!"
"My first impression of Dr. Rivera was that he was young, later I found out he was 36. I would have chosen an older, more experienced doctor, had I a choice, but my primary care doctor knew him and referred me to him. He was nice, and answered all my questions. He smiled occasionally, but I didn't really connect with him. That should of been something I paid more attention too. His office staff was pleasant and nice. I found him to be not so compassionate to my Mother on the phone when I had serious complications and she was rightfully upset and scared, he didn't try to soothe her anxiety. Future patients should know that he is nice, but I have met some of his patients that have had complications as being his patient. He never really emphasized aftercare, that came more from my Fabulous Angel, Jane Christenson, the Surgical Weight Loss Coordinator. Dr. Rivera does not have a structured aftercare program himself, but the Salem Hospital has the MOST wonderful 12 week post-op program that is mandatory and amazing! Dr. Rivera discussed the risks of the surgery, but I learned more from Jane. My overall rating of Dr. Rivera on a scale from 1-10 would have to be a 4. But, that's just my personal opinion. I had my Gall Bladder removed, he nicked my Spleen, so that had to be removed, I had 5 blood transfusions, was in the hospital for 12 days and was sick and vomiting for 8 months. I think that surgeon's need to have both surgical competence and a great bedside manner, because without one or the other, you won't want to allow him/her to touch you. "
