James Weber Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.
25 yr Experience
25 yr in Bariatrics
12 yr in Laparoscopic Surgery
85% Practice is Bariatrics
Min Age of Patient is 16
Max Age of Patient is 65
25 yr Experience
25 yr in Bariatrics
12 yr in Laparoscopic Surgery
85% Practice is Bariatrics
Min Age of Patient is 16
Max Age of Patient is 65
10/11/02 Called to schedule the first step in the process, the group consultation. Dr. Weber comes highly recommended by my family doctor, and online comments. His nutritionist (Edie) called me back within 24 hrs. of my call to schedule group consult. Was very friendly, and in no hurry to get off the phone. I am scheduled for 12/9/02. These are scheduled for the first Monday of each month, and start at 3:30. Should last about 3 hrs. My ins. coverage is Premera BX PPO. The benefit book says no WLS coverage. I will try anyway. My husband will be adding me on to his policy as of January 1, 2003. They have coverage for morbid obesity 100 lbs. overweight or 40+ BMI, which I would qualify for. My WLS will totally depend on insurance coverage. There is no way I can do this without the coverage.
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Dr. Weber's seminar was very informative. He seems very personable. I haven't had my one-on-one consult yet (Oct. 22)...but I am looking forward to it. His staff, hmmmm.. Edie is great. She is VERY smart woman and very nice. I really haven't had to have any dealings with anyone else yet. He VERY MUCH emphasizes aftercare as well as BEFORE CARE. Must start a walking or excersice regimen and keep a journal of this daily. Also, must start eating foods for NUTRITION only, not for fun, for comfort, etc. I will have to update on overall ratings after my consult, or rather surgery I guess.
Dr. Weber is an excellent surgeon and a wonderful person. It hasn't always been a perfectly smooth ride but Dr. Weber's people have gone out of their way for me and they do care about each individual. Dr. Weber is also a general surgeon and is careful to not run a "bariatric mill"–they don't take everyone, and won't take you if they feel you won't make the changes you must make to be successful.
What was your first impression of him/her?
In a hurry! How did your impression change over time? Yes, My Impression changed. I love the man. He really cares about his patients. Health first. Weight loss next.
How would you describe his/her office staff?
His office Staff is real busy, but they are great people and full of compliments and lots of laughter. What did you like least about him/her? He wont let you feel sorry for your self is what I liked least, but thats O.K. What should future patients know about him/her? He's a great Doctor! He saved my life! How much does he/she emphasize aftercare? Lots! He made sue I had lots of Aftercare, Almost too much! Does he/she have a structured aftercare program? Oh Yes! I guess after their surgrey's some people stop going in. I look forward too it. I wish he could be my primary Doctor.
How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
Throughly, I ended up with Peritinitis. Some of my friends said sue. My husbaand and I both told them no! Because we were warned there are risk of Peritinitis from the surgrey. It is are. I was one of the Unlucky ones. That man saved me and took really good care of me and even brought me up a Xmas gift. When I was feeling Blue his Wife came in and visited me and gave me pep talks.How would you rate him/her overall? On a scaale of 1 to 10. A 10! He's wonderful! He even went in a second time and fixed my Hrnia and
did a scar revision. Which is better, surgical competence, bedside
manner, or both great? Both are great! I always leave his office smiling. Julie Bennett
I thought Dr. Weber was a very caring man who also wants his patients to be responsible for themselves. His office staff is GREAT! I really like Pam and feel she is a hard worker and is concerned about the patients and their needs. Dr. Weber is a very busy man who does not like to do paperwork so that is the only hold up I have had since I started my whole process. Pam let me know every step of the way where my paper work was. When it was submitted to my insurance and who it was submitted to. Dr. Weber is very clear on what I will need to do to make my surgery a success. I have my presurgical appointment on Sept. 10, 2002 and will know more about what he has to say at that time. Dr. Weber made me go to an endocronologist before he would submit my claim to the insurance. He wanted me to abe the healthiest that I could possibly be before he would do surgery. I feel that is the sign of a very good surgeon. Surgical competence is the most important thing to me. Good bedside manner doesn't mean a thing if the surgery is not done properly.
I've been very favorably impressed with Dr. Weber. He has done thousands of WLS procedures, and has a very low rate of complications and mortalities. He emphasizes careful and thoughtful pre-surgery screening and planning, and has a thorough and structured aftercare process. He emphasizes the importance of daily exercise, before and after the surgery. Personally, I found him to be a exceptionally bright, quick and witty individual, and he listened to me. He seems to be skeptical and inpatient with the way that WLS patients give what he feels is medical advice, and insists on calling all the shots. He's so competent, however, that I am willing to place my trust in him and his judgments.
He cares for his patience, he doesn't pull any punches, he tells you exactly what he wants from you to be successful.
His nurse Lisa is a doll, she is very friendly and will go out of her way to help you.
There wasn't anything that I didn't like...I just wish his office was closer :o]
Future patients should know that Dr. Weber is not a miracle worker...you won't become thin over night...you have to work at becoming a healthier person and he expects you to work your butt off!
He is a strong advocate of waiting 8 weeks before you begin introducing solids. I think this is one of the reasons his patients are so successful...it gives their staple lines a chance to heal.
I would like to see his "Solid Foods Transition Book" updated. Perhaps with some menu suggestions, recipes, etc.
Dr. Weber did explain all of the risks involved, like I mentioned before, he doesn't pull any punches.
Overall I think that Dr. Weber is an excellent surgeon, he listens to you, he takes an interest in you...he may appear to be busy [because he is], and you may feel rushed...but make sure before you leave his office that he has answered all of your questions...he doesn't mind.
Both his surgical competance and his bedside manners were great...he has a great sense of humor!
I attended Dr. Weber's orientation class 4/22. It was very informative. He appears to be a caring and matter-of-fact kind of doctor. I appreciate his conservative approach and his demand that all of his patients - big and little - be on an exercise program. He does have a sence of humor too.
5/16/02 - My consultation with Dr. Weber was great. He did make me sign a paper stating I would exercise 7 days a week. He said in order for me to get to my goal weight I would have to work out 1 - 1 1/2 hours per day! That's a lot! He was very kind, encouraging and direct. I was surprised at how much he got from the medical records in my chart and the packet of information I brought with me. He went through them while we were together with questions and statements that made me feel he had a good handle of my situation. I didn't feel like just another one on the list. He gets and A+++!
8/26/02. Well, my insurance ended before surgery could be scheduled. Today I called about selfpay. Dr. Weber's office said I would have to speak with Pam and I just can't put myself through that again (certainly some of you understand what I mean). So, I'm switching to Dr. Oh.
My first impression of him was at his orientation. He showed in his scrubs.....and was all business.....w/some humor.....and big on working out. My impression has not changed. His office staff are overwhelmed.....but very nice. When I had my 1st appointment with him.....he was eating a sandwich......and seemed preoccupied. However.....he is my 1st choice and I feel comfortable with him.
08/25/2002
Dr. Weber is a good Surgeon.....terrible with post-op stuff.....diet.....etc.....may want to research another Surgeon who provides this kind of ever so important part of your journey.....like Dr. Rifenbery in Tacoma, Wa.