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

My first impression of Dr. David Spencer was that he was a bit arrogant and didn't really listen to all my fears about surgery. My impression changed over time because of his actions toward me through this whole journey. His surgical skills I do believe give him the right to be a tad arrogant or shall I say, confident. I had an abdomneoplasty about 7 years ago and surgery on a 9cm hematoma in that same area about 3 years ago. When he was operating on me, he discovered part of my colon was attached to my abdominal wall that he had to attend to before he could even start the gastric bypass. He was able to perform a laproscopic procedure without undoing the abdomneoplasty work that had been done years back. That to me was the mark of a very skilled surgeon. He did say after the surgery it was quite a challenge and he probably would not try that again. He came to check on me twice in the hospital the very first day to make sure all was well and I wasn't suffering any more nausea problems. That is what I mean by because of his skills and actions toward me that changed my impression of him. I am so grateful for his skills I can tell you that.

His staff is like a finely tuned watch. Each person tends to what they are in charge of and gets each patient through the maze in a timely fashion not to mention they are very pleasant while doing it.

Dr. Spencer's facility has a program in place that offers information seminars, support groups, nutritionists and after care for as long as the patient has a need for it. He was very clear about the importance of aftercare and the need to continue to attend seminars, see the nutritionist and become involved with the support groups. I was very impressed with the whole program since it was mandatory that I attend for a certain period of time before and after my surgery.

I would highly recommend Dr. David Spencer and I feel that surgical competence is better although a little bedside manner makes the whole experience even better to get through.

Dr. Spencer comes with an unmatched reputation. I knew that I was in excellent hands before we met. Our initial meeting was my first consultation appointment. He was very general with the basic information. No warm fuzzies, but who needs that when you have the best hands in the country changing your life. He has some sarcasm on board if you can tolerate that. I do not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who is considering this surgery. The Lap RNY is the only way to go. I have to say that I have not been impressed with his office staff. I have tried three times post op to get in touch with his nurse Charlene, and she has never returned my calls. She was very informative and kind however when I met her personally. After care is a huge part of Dr. Spencer's program. He does seem to genuine care about his patient's progress. The risks of surgery were fully explained to me in detail. As far as which is better, surgical competence, or bedside manner, there is no contest. I chose my surgeon, Dr. Spencer because of his superior skills. No, he is not packaged with warm fuzzies, but that is not necessary for this surgery. Yes, the whole package would be great, but if you want the best in town, he is the man for the job.

I like Dr. Spencer. He is nice and very knowledgable. I did a lot of research on him and the program for GBS at Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth, VA. His staff is very nice and knowledgable too.

I was approved almost immediately. Like in 48 hrs turnaround time.

He emphasizes aftercare a lot. There is a support group run by his office with him and his staff leading it every second Thursdays of the month at Harbour View Medical Centre in Suffolk at 5:30pm or 7pm.
Very informative.

I would rate him very highly. Very caring and very knowledgable.


He seems to very competent in all areas. I am very pleased.

Dr. Spencer is the best doctor around. His group is wonderful. I have to say that I know many people who have had WLS and dealt with other surgeons in the area and did not receive the time and attention that Tidewater Surgical has given me. I enjoyed the nutrician education seminar and the support group meeting. I had a one on one personal evaluation with the nutricianist and have the opportunity to meet other surgeons in the group. He has made me very aware of the all the risks, benefits, and lifestyle changes that I am going to face with the surgery and has even addressed the issues and concerns that my fiancee has with the surgery. I have already recommended him to others and one other person has already set up their date and will be having surgery in December.

I met with Dr. Spencer and he was wonderful. He took the time to thoroughly explain everything that this surgery entails. He was very knowledgable and very concerned to hear my questions and concerns. He stressed how important it was to follow the aftercare program and reminded me that this surgery is just a medical tool for the weight loss and that the rest is up to me.

I immediately liked my Doctor. He made me feel at ease, asked me all the questions he needed to tactfully and made it clear what risk factors there were for me as well as the wonderful benefits.His staff was great and supportive. I met a few of his patients while at appointments and they all made a point to tell me how happy they were with him.I would tell everyone who plans on seeing him to make a list of any questions they have and communicate... Its the only thing that will put you at ease. He is a no nonsense Dr.and will answer your questions straight forward.His aftercare has been superb and he has been very encouraging to me to follow the nutrionist and exercise . My experience with Dr, Spencer has been great and I have and will continue to recommend him...1-10, he's a 10!
Thanks Dr. Spencer

As far as my first impression of Dr. Spencer, he had a very straight forward approach. I had already been informed of his talent and skill as a surgeon by several of his patients, and I knew that I would accept no less than the best...the best being Dr. Spencer. I have no qualms about recommending Dr. Spencer to anyone considering surgery. In fact, it is my distinct pleasure to recommend Dr. Spencer and his staff.

Dr. Spencer is an excellent doctor. He takes the time to explain the procedure as well as time to listen and answer questions.

My first impression of Dr. David Spencer is that he is competent and he knows he is. Many years ago, I followed NASCAR when an upcoming Dale Earnhardt used to wear a tee-shirt that read "DAMN, I'M GOOD'. I have a feeling that if Dr. Spencer isn't wearing a tee-shirt that says the same...he should be.
I did a lot of reading on the procedures and I am passing by other doctors offices who do the same surgeries to go to Dr. Spencer because I trust and believe in his abilities. Not only was I picking out a doctor for myself, but for my two daughters who will be having the same surgery, so this doc needed to be someone that I had complete faith in. The staff has been wonderful...Shawna answers all questions and is so helpful; Charlene is upfront about what to expect, Mel was a magic worker enabling the three of us to get testing done together, Lisa though very informative is in for alot of telephone calls and Diana our insurance guru had such a beautiful voice when she called with "you were approved", "Kammy was approved", "Danielle was approved". The risks were presented, and we know the risks after losing a friend who had the same surgery this past spring (not from the surgery - but he had many other problems associated with being heavy). The support groups and after care are an integral part of this lifestyle change. On a scale of 1 - 10, I emphatically rate Dr. Spencer and Tidewater Surgical Specialists a "15".

My first impression of Dr. Spencer was that, I was just another patient to him trying to have weight loss surgery. I admit, I was wrong. Dr. Spencer is every patients dream come true. I had some serious doubt about his bedside manner. But after talking with Dr. Spencer and finding out the in's and out's of true bariatric surgery, I was greatly relieve. All of my reservations I once had about Dr. Spencer are now dissolved after our initial consultation. On a scale of 1-10, Dr. Spencer, you are a TEN!