George S. Ferzli, MD, FACS Bariatrics Bariatric Center

I had Lapband surgery 2/3/09 and YTD have lost 80 lbs. I met with Dr. Ferzli two times prior to surgery where I was evaluated, risks explained, and he emphasized the importance of follow up care and working with my band. Surgery day I was terrified, and I remember Dr. Ferzli holding my hand, I was squeezing his so hard, and he told me over and over it would be ok and to go to sleep and then finally I went under. Dr. Ferzli and his team kept close watch on me after surgery, and Lutheran Med Staff in recovery were fantastic. When they see you are Dr. Ferzli's patient, believe me, they are taking care of you. Dr. Ferzli even kept me an extra night as the surgery was a little riskier than normal due to my enlarged liver. He is professional, empathetic, and I can say that as this was my first surgical experience, he has set the bar extremely high. I have visited Dr. Vulpe as well 3x for my adjustments which have all gone very well. I have had zero post op issues, not once have I vomitted. It is critical to follow the post op diet and have your post op visits with your surgeon. Every time I see Dr. Ferzli I just want to kiss him and hug him as he has changed my life and undoubtedly added years to it. I would never have gone through with it unless I had absolute trust in my surgeon and with Dr. Ferzli, his record and experience, it was very hard not to. Also, how could you not trust your life with the surgeon who holds mutliple patents on the laparoscopic instruments and teaches the procedure around the world?? It's a no brainer!!Further, his office is organized, responsive, and professional as well- AAA in my book. Overall, I can't think of anything negative to say except that I wish I would have decided sooner to go through with it. When you are overweight it's easy to slip into denial and think willpower will address the issue- sometimes medical intervention is a necessity. I think what I appreciated most is that Dr. Ferzli is very candid and really expects a partnership in terms of the patient accepting their role and responsibility in ensuring success. I think that's what did it for me and why I have been successful. This is not effortless and a committment to your band or WLS procedure is mandatory. Dr. Ferzli and his team will deliver 100% on their part getting you through your surgery and you must do your part post op.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF HIM/HER? rnI thought Dr. Ferzli was excellent. When I first met him, he was very informative and knowledgeable. He was very patient in explaining everything to me and answered all of my questions. rnrnHOW DID YOUR IMPRESSION CHANGE OVER TIME? rnI think it may have changed for the better; my impression of Dr. Ferzli has never diminished. He has been an excellent doctor over the last two years that I have been seeing him.rnrnHOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE HIS/HER OFFICE STAFF? rnHis staff is very polite and professional and is always ready to help in any way they can. In his office, there is full staff of assistants, nutritionists and a psychologist. They are all excellent and very well informed. Lisa Lobel is my nutritionist and she is excellent. She is very patient in answering all my questions and making suggestions catered to my habits and preferences. I have a very busy work schedule, so the office staff is very mindful of that and always tries to make my appointments with the nutritionist, Dr. Ferzli and support group on the same day.rnrnWHAT DID YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT HIM/HER? rnI don’t think there is anything I really dislike about Dr. Ferzli. rnrnWHAT SHOULD FUTURE PATIENTS KNOW ABOUT HIM/HER? rnNothing I can think of, other than his reputation really precedes him. My primary doctor highly recommended him, saying he was one of the best surgeons. rnrnHOW MUCH DOES HE/SHE EMPHASIZE AFTERCARE? rnDr. Ferzli is a huge proponent of aftercare. The times I met with, he stressed to me that the baricatric surgery is not the end, but rather just the beginning. He fervently emphasized the importance of following-up with him, the nutritionist and the support group regularly after the surgery for it to be a lasting success.rnrnDOES HE/SHE HAVE A STRUCTURED AFTERCARE PROGRAM? rnDr. Ferzli’s office has a very structured and organized aftercare program. They have tons of printed material and numerous resources at their disposal for the patients. rnrnHOW DID HE/SHE ADDRESS THE RISKS OF SURGERY? rnDr. Ferzli’s very much stressed the risks and seriousness of the surgery, but he also assured me that the surgery is safe and very successful, if patients do their fair share with aftercare and developing healthy habits.rnrnHOW WOULD YOU RATE HIM/HER OVERALL? rnI would rate him as excellent! rnrnWHICH IS BETTER, SURGICAL COMPETENCE, BEDSIDE MANNER, OR ARE BOTH GREATrnBoth are good, but I think his surgical competence is his strongpoint. He has performed thousands of surgeries successfully and is considered of the foremost surgeons in his field. rn

I am considering surgey but have gone to see Doctor Ferzli. The office staff was very nice and gave me an appointment quickly. I felt comfortable when I met with the Doctor and he addressed my concerns and answered my questions. Though I am still undecided about surgey, I feel this is the right program for me should I choose to pursue it.

Doctor Ferzli was very nice and he made me feel comfortable. One thing that stands out in my mind was that during a hospitalization at another hospital, he visited me while I was there. I wasn't admitted by him, but he came nonetheless. Overall, I am very pleased with this program. The staff has been very nice and helpful throughout.

My impression was and still is that he is very professional; he has a lot of patience and answered all of my questions. I consider these to be important traits. I am overall ecstatic about my decision to have had weight loss surgey by Doctor Ferzli.

I had surgery last year with Doctor Ferzli. I am so glad I had surgery through his program. Not only have I almost reached my goal but I feel more energetic. I'm able to exercise for the first time and I'm also more social. Doctor Ferzli and his staff were helpful each time I followed up with them. I am very thankful to them.

I was impressed when I first met Doctor Ferzli. He made me feel comfortable and gave me time to answer my questions. The office staff was also helpful. I feel that I chose the right program.

The first impression was very impressive. I became more impressed as I did my research on Dr. Ferzli. The office staff was kind and courteous. Dr. Ferzli does excellent work. I am the proof. They push after care very hard. It is up to you to show up. There is a structured after care program. They addressed the risks of surgery well before and the day of the surgery. Using Dr. Ferzli's team for my surgery was the best choice I ever made. I believe his surgical competence is better than his bedside manner.

My family & I want to thank Dr. Ferzli & his staff for the wonderful way they treated us. His concern for making me feel comfortable before surgery was a blessing. I was real nervous & he & his staff assured me everything would be fine & it was. Dr. Ferzli was gracious enough to see my family in the waiting room area when the procedure was over. He assured them everything went fine. Thanks again Dr. Ferzli you were great

This is my second experience with Dr. Ferzli, he did a bowel resection 3 years ago and I had gastric bypass on May 9, 2009. He is an excellent surgeon, but most importantly, a very caring person. I just love him!