David Sooriash Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Sooriash is very stern and I would hesitate to recommend him. He did a wonderful job on the surgery, but was less then polite in the hospital when my family had questions. I think its a shame because I have grown to like him, but there is never an excuse for abruptness, especially when it comes to your family.

I'm not sure about his aftercare. He doesn't provide a lot of information and doesn't really seem to want to answer questions. He says "Your educated, you figure it out". Thank god for my support circle here. I would never make it otherwise.

My first impression of Dr. Sooriash was that he was a man that knew his stuff. He was very friendly but stern. You must do what he sys or you will not be able to get your surgery done. He loves to hug and joke, he kept my spirits high. His staff was supportive and sweet. I can't really say that there was anything that I didn't like about him. I had heard that he was very mean and hard to get along with, I'm glad I didn't let that deter me from what I needed. He's a compassionate and understanding man. He didn't put me down for being overweight. He did however go through the dangers of being overweight. He gave me clear requirements and I complied. As a result I had my surgery and I'm thankful for a Dr. that cares about his patients.

April 3, 2003 - I talked with Dr. Sooliash and he answered all of my questions perfectly. I also questioned many of his patients in the waiting room. Some had surgery a week ago. Some 3 weeks ago and were having their tube taken out. Some were in for a check up after 6 or 8 weeks. Everyone was in wonderful spirits and helped me with all of my questions - even the most personal ones. I feel so much better now.

September 23, 2003 - I had my surgery on Sept. 11, 2003. Dr. Sooriash checked on me several times that day. The next day he visited me after another surgery, and later that night he called to check my status at 2:00 am! This is a very dedicated professional. If you are looking for the best surgeon for WLS in Jacksonville, FL - then you are looking for Dr. Sooriash. My advice is to listen to everything he says and do what he says. I made a very quick recovery and am doing amazingly well.

My first impression of Dr. Sooriash, was that he is personable, yet disaplined. He takes a stern attitude and gives you the risks up front. His office staff is wonderful and worked with me, helping me to get my surgery approved, although I did all the leg work. He does not give a lot of info about surgical specifics unless asked and seems to think some questions are insignificant. All and all I am comfortable with him, but I am a self starter and do research, so finding info has not been limited to him....
I am now nine months post-op and doing very well, I have lost a total of 104lbs since I started my new life commitment (5/02) and 72lbs have come off since I began my walk with Dr. Sooriash (8/02..thanks Doc!). Dr. Sooriash is a wonderful surgeon and a great doctor to work with. I have found him to be very caring in a no non-sense way and he always has a ready smile that makes your day! His sense of humor is growing on me!!He let's you know that he is with you for the long run, that what he does doesn't end with the cutting and stapling (of which he does a great job)!! Now we begin our walk together seeking the removal of all my extra skin (hoping the insurance company will once again step up to bat)....we are taking the steps (and hoop jumping) to document all that is required for approval..wish us luck.

I just met Dr. Sooriash on April 30th and I was very apprehensive going in to the office, because I've heard he can be pretty harsh. And yes, I'd have to agree. He was a very stern man, and although I thought I knew what the surgery involved, he quickly put me in my place. He made a couple jokes, but he was sure to let me know how difficult life before and after this surgery could be. He told me that, if I only exercise three days a week, I can only eat three days a week. He has said I need to exercise an hour a day, seven days a week and he has put me on a 1,000-calorie diet. Although he was very harsh in my opinion, I can understand his reasoning for that, as he doesn't want us to have any misconceptions about this surgery. I'll be seeing him again on June 5th.
7/29/03 - Well, here I am almost to my surgery date!! It's next Wednesday. I have to say I feel a little ashamed for saying what I did about Dr. Sooriash. Yes, he is very strict, but he is also a very loving and compassionate man. He simply wants us to succeed. I even got a hug from him on my second visit! He just wants to weed out the lax from the determined, and that's what the harshness of the first appointment is about. I feel I am in very good hands with Dr. Sooriash, and his staff couldn't be more willing to help. I love them all.

When I first met him, he was a very serious and impressive man. I think he was trying to impress upon me the seriousness of the surgery and the fact that it was a life altering change. I was scared of course, but not deterred at all.
His staff is terrific, all very nice people.
Since my surgery, he has been very supportive and encouraging in my journey.
He makes a great emphasis on the importance of exercising. Walking, working out, etc for one hour every single day.
Overall, I am extremely grateful for what he has done for me and my life, and would not regret for one minute the decision to have this procedure, or that he is my doctor.
He is a terrific surgeon, and I feel his only concern is that you will do your best to follow a program to benefit your own health.

Hello!
This letter of appreciation is to express my gratitude to Dr. David Sooriash for what I feel is a job well done for his role in my successful weight loss through stomach bypass surgery.

Although I felt apprehensive prior to my first meeting Dr. Sooriash (February 3, 2003), my personal experience with this gentleman has been entirely positive. At that time, I weighed in at 270 pounds. Dr. Sooriash clearly
explained that the loss of 27 pounds through a diet and exercise program would be required for healthy surgery. He clearly had my best interests in mind, was professional and encouraging, and I felt motivated by his pleasant voice. Prospective patients should understand that the reason for Dr. Sooriash's firmness regarding the patient's weight prior to surgery is because it is important for a healthy and successful surgery, and because he
wants what is best for his patients. By my second visit, I had lost 18 pounds--my surgery date was set for May 12, 2003! I was thrilled and proud that with Dr. Sooriash's support and encouragement, I had lost 28 pounds by the surgery date; one pound more than the required 27!

Dr. Sooriash's post-surgery care was very professional. He has a terrific bedside manner. He makes it clear that his orders must be carried through by the hospital staff swiftly and efficiently. He made me feel that I was always "Number One"! Before I was released, Dr. Sooriash explained in detail
the instructions for my care after my release from the hospital.

His follow-up care was excellent. My calls to his office were followed by an immediate response from Dr. Sooriash, and my ost-surgery office visits were exceptional--including humor, hugs, and words of praise!

I credit my swift recovery, return to work after two weeks, and continued healthy weight loss to following Dr. Sooriash's strict orders. This physician cares about his patients, and it shows! His wonderful office staff extends the same reassuring, and supportive patient care as Dr. Sooriash does. I am seeing actual results and I am continuing to lose weight in a healthy way. Thanks to Dr. Sooriash, my personal experience has been nothing but wonderful, and I would confidently recommend him to anyone who is considering a similar procedure.

Dr. Sooriash, you have truly been a wonder! Thank you so much!

Dr. Sooriash is a lifesaver! I am grateful beyond words.

He is very thorough, and expects you to be informed about the procedure, its risks, etc. He is not one to sit back and let you go into this unaware.

In my particular case, he required that I begin to lose 10% of my body weight prior to scheduling surgery.

He weighs me at every visit, and I had my staples out week 1 post-op, and G-tube out week 3 post-op.

His staff is extremely knowledgeable about the process, scheduling, pre-op testing, insurance approva, etc. They are wonderful!!!

I cannot say enough about his office and his surgical practices. He came to see me pre-op while I was being prepped for surgery, he visited me post-op, and each day there after, for the three days I was in the hospital.

He stresses the importance of following the guidelines and post-op care and practices. You will be successful if you follow his instructions.

I hope this information helps other patients.

I met Dr. Sooriash when my Mother needed her gall bladder removed 22 years ago. I was reintroduced to him when I had decided to pursue WLS. Dr. Sooriash is serious about what he does, doesn't do the surgery if the patient is not committed and requires work from the patient before even scheduling surgery. He also understands that because so many factors are involved in obesity, losing weight is not as easy as most people think. While he doesn't initially seem to be the "warm & fuzzy" type, he was very pleased to see my weight loss success between my initial visit and the 1st follow-up and was quite congenial Dr. Sooriash was also very pleased that my husband has been there for my appointments and is supportive. I really like Dr. Sooriash's no frills approach - you know exactly where he stands and where you stand with him. Nina, from Dr. Sooriash's office, was instrumental in getting my insurance approval. She told me exactly what I needed to submit to the insurance company for approval, and darn if I didn't get approved with the first request!! She interfaced with the insurance company for me. After I got her the paperwork she needed, I just waited for a phone call from her telling me I was approved - Nina was almost as excited as I was. Nina also went out of her way to schedule my upper GI, GB sonogram and follow-up with a gastroenterologist prior to the surgery date (not an easy task!). All in all, I'd say that I am extremely pleased with Dr. Sooriash and his staff to date.
*****
~4/23/03~
Wanted to let everyone know that Dr. Sooriash is a wonderfully caring surgeon. He met with me in pre-op and let me know everything would be ok. He then checked in on me both day and night following surgery. He was very pleased with my progress but very stern and fatherly about my need to breath, cough and walk. I felt and still feel very comfortable in my choice of Dr. Sooriash and completely trust his abilities and methods. I have my first followup tomorrow @ his office. I think all will go very well. :)
*****
~5/5/03~
The more I interact with Dr. Sooriash, the more pleased I am. He is SO supportive of my weight loss, jokes with me, holds my hand... what a guy!! He treats my family members with respect and encourages them too in their goals. I would recommend him to anyone! And boy, does he do a beautiful incision!!
*****

My first impression of Dr. Sooriash was I liked him. He is a surgeon and sees things through a surgeons eye.The TLC comes later. I have a great deal of respect for him and am very very grateful for doing the surgery and helping me enjoy my life.The feelings of selfworth to give someone is unmeasurable. He did the surgery great and I have had no complications. I'm 6 months post op. The only problem I am having is hair loss and they say that will improve in time. My wt loss is 75 lbs. size 10/12.MY suggestion to anyone wanting the surgery is go OPEN take the scar and be safe.