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

Met Dr. Sooriash and his staff at a support group on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002. Was very impressed with his manner and that of his staff. There was quite a group of people there, consisting of those inquiring about the WLS, those who were about to have it, and those who were post-op, anywhere from two weeks to two years or longer.

Met with Dr. Sooriash on Monday, Dec. 16, 2002 for my intial consult. He was very straight forward and honest with answers to all my questions. I was weighed and had my picture taken and then shown into his office.
He asked me how I thought that I became so heavy. I misunderstood and thought he meant, did I have an emotional eating problem or was there something in my past that made me eat like I did. I think he got a little perturbed when I said I did'nt know. But then he rephrased it and I understood that he wanted me to tell him it was because I overeat and do not get enough exercise.
On a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate Dr. Sooriash as a 10. He is very careful about who he will perform the WLS surgery on and bluntly told me I had to lose 90 pounds before he would even consider me. I was given an appointment for January 26, 2003 and have been trying to watch what I eat and get some exercise every day.

I would say that his bedside manner is'nt that great. But I prefer a Doctor who is competent in what he is doing rather than how much personality he has with his patients. I like Dr. Sooriash very much and will do my best to get my weight down to where it is safe to have this surgery.

I have my first consultation with Dr. Sooriash on Monday, January 13, 2003. I've already spoken with my insurance company and they definitely cover this type of surgery - no problems. Just have to meet their criteria, i.e., over 100 lbs ideal weight, medically necessary. My insurance covers the procedure 100% as long as I stay in network. Dr. Sooriash and Memorial Hospital are both in-network providers for me so that works out beautifully! I've talked to Nina at length so now all I have to do is wait for the 13th to come around. I will update at that time.

I am so glad I read how stern Dr. Sooriash was before my initial visit. That's fine with me though as long as he is a good surgeon. I was very pleased to say the least that they were able to get my insurance approval in one hour...that is right one hour! My surgery is scheduled with Dr. Sooriash at Memorial on January 29, 2003.

First impression was great. As soon as Iproved to Dr. Sooriash that I was serious about my weight loss he took me a lot more serious.
Dr.Sooriash has an absolutely wonderful staff. Nina, kinda, Theresa you are the best!!
I am absolutely thrilled with my results after surgery. The pain was nothing after about the third day. I have had no bad side affects what so ever. I am now five weeks post op and have had no complications what so ever!! I have lost 52 pounds so far. I could not be more thrilled. Every one in the support groups made a big deal out of the insurance companies dropping Dr. Yesrabi and going with Dr.Sooriash this to me was the best thing the insurance company could have done. After being seen by both of the Dr's I would have to agree that the insurance company made a great decision.

I had my first visit with Dr Sooriash August 27. My next appt is Sept. 26. He was very business like. His office staff was nice. He did not require a specific amount of weight that I would be required to lose, but he said I was to diet and exercise for an hour a day until I return in Sept.

Sept 26...My husband, Roger, and I met with the doctor today. He was very pleased with my 15 lb weight loss in the last month. He even smiled. He did seem to be much more personable today. He made sure that my husband knew exactly what was involed in the surgery. I am to continue dieting and exercising till my next appt Oct 24. He has set my surgery date for Dec 16,02. Even though we haven't gotten the insurance approval yet.

My surgeon is Dr. David Sooriash in Jacksonville, Florida. My inital consult with him was on 8/14/02. I thought it went well but let me tell you, you need to be prepared for the hard truth about your weight. He is very direct and to the point, no beating around the bush for him. He will tell you straight out what he expects from you as a patient if you want him to help you. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. His office assistant, Nina is a GEM..ONE OF A KIND. You will love her. I feel very confident in Dr. Sooriash and his staff and recommend him to anyone who is serious about WLS.

Dr. Sooriash is great. I highly recommend him! Be ready for the hard truth though, and answer honestly. Be prepared to loose weight and exercise before surgery, but it will be good for recovery.

I didn't know what to think of him at first. He is very straight forward and to the point. While I was in the hospital for my cellulitis he visited me and I kinda felt better about him afterward. His staff is very nice and they were go great about getting my insurance approved and following up with me. I thank my primary care doctor for reccomending him to me, if not I would have had to wait a whole year for Dr. Yasrebi to have a slot for me.