OK, I'll be the first to post...

He is an excellent surgeon, certainly knows what he is doing in the operating room.

But, no "bedside" manner, doesn't bother much with remembering anything about his patients, doesn't even recall anything about me when I go to a checkup or fill appointment. Still, I would take a great surgeon over a good relationship.

He makes it clear that he isn't really interested in talking about problems or issues and that I should be discussing those things in a support group or with the nutritionist. He clearly is interested in the surgery and the issues surrounding that part of the work, and he has really good results with few complications.

I think surgery is an art form, and something that, though it can be taught to some extent, requires the right capacity and experience. Since he is such a good surgeon, I think it is good to have him do anything related to the mechanical aspects of the operation, and the fills (which he does very quickly and painlessly), but now I don't even bother talking to him about how it has impacted my health, as he isn't interested. I don't tell him of anything but keep the conversation very superficial, and work with my other health practitioners for the other health aspects.

Let me make this clear--I think he is a top notch surgeon, I would venture to say that he is in the top 3 out of 10,000 in his field, if I had to put a number to it. He has done lots of surgeries, he has excellent results, and I absolutely trust his work. I highly recommend him. And, he has surrounded himself with a great staff, a very smart thing for him to do.

He works with a nutritionist, Chantal Gariepy, who is very good. She is subsidized through the program and so is very affordable. She is not only really a good listener and talker, she is extremely knowledgeable. I've been to three speicalist doctors and two other nutritionists, and hands-down, she is better than any of them. I have nothing but the highest respect for her and her ability.

Also, Karen, on David's staff, is very knowledgeable and basically runs the office. She knows what needs to be done, how to schedule, what to do in an emergency, etc. I've observed her handle things when I'm in the office and she can juggle multiple things at the same time, an absolutely amazing woman. She has really good judgment on what is critical, what can wait, how to get things done, and how to handle people. I hope he never loses her!

I did some research on him and everything looks awsome! I really want him to do my surgery but its $15,000 and that doesn't include preop stuff. If I have $7,000 more I would use him for sure.

Dave

Yeah, and that's provided there are no complications--my hospital stay ended up being overnight, which costs a lot more. But cost is certainly a consideration. Mine was covered by insurance--once I met the $8,500 deductible for the year, that is. So the $250 office visits are all out-of-pocket cost for me, which is certainly an issue.

Hi,,

I'm due to have my surgery this coming Monday, March 29th, 2010 and have a lot of confidence in Dr. Thoman. I agree his support staff is exceptional and Chantal and Karen are the best. I'm coming from Bakersfield, as we have no Center of Excellence there for this surgery, as required by Blue Cross/Anthem, so the distance will hopefully not be a problem for me if issues arise...

At least Blue Cross reimburses for the hotel stay up to 2/3 days and some gas/expenses but I have to cover the nutritionist visit/psych eval and costs of transport up to the surgery date, but so far , it's been worth it.

Will be staying overnight in SB the day after surgery just to be safe...Glad to hear he does good fills...since I've heard horror stories of other doctors issues....Thanks for sharing and hope more people post.

Guitarmama,

Good luck with the upcoming surgery and with your journey!

I had surgery with another doctor so I'm not concerned with his skill as a surgeon. I find his bedside manor to be a total 180 from my surgeon. I pay for my fills out of pocket and may be taking my business to another doctor who will remember me... lol

My dad had gastric bypass with this doctor. After his surgery he goes in for a post op visit and the doctor asked him if he'd seen him before.

I also find him to come off as a bit cocky.