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

I liked Dr. Spencer from the first moment. He has a sarcastic and dry sense of humor. I am married to someone just like him, so I told him he didn't intimadate me at all!!! He is very upfront about the facts of this surgery. He makes sure you are very informed about the dangers, side effects, different types of procedures, the commitment that this is and how important it is to follow his directions to the letter and what happens if you don't. The staff was wonderful, My nurse Charlene also had the surgery so this really helped when I had questions. Everyone is so nice and you feel like you visit family when you are there. There are no judges and jury there to convict you due to obesity, like you sometimes feel at PCP's. Everyone is the cheering section!! They are very thorough about their screening. I love the girls, Melanie and Lisa were terrific with making the necessary appointments and my nutrionalist Lisa are so patient. No question is ever stupid. They are so supportive of every aspect. The nurse, the nutritionist Lisa, and Melanie all came to visit me in the hospital, they are all there at the support groups..which is SO important for success in this life altering lifestyle.
I have RNY Lap, with no compications, I was back to work in two weeks. I was a little sore but by 6 weeks I felt like a new woman with sooo much energy.
My dr shared all the risks with me, he doesn't sugar coat ANYTHING. I don't want him to either. The national average for leakage is 7 % my Dr. is less that 1% and they have had NO deaths due to complications from their surgery.
I rate his as 100% the best choice for having Bariatric surgery.

Dr. Spencer is a wonderful docter. My first impression was he truly cares about his patients. He is honest and up-front with you about all the pros and cons of gastric bypass. All in all, I felt comfortable speaking with him and addressing my thoughts and concerns. Most definitely he and the staff are ranked a 10 on a 1-10 scale.

my first impression was, he was shorter than I expected. He was also very personable, knowledgable and direct. Over time i still feel he's very personable, there's nothing I cant talk to him about. I'd choose him again. His office staff is very friendly and professional, especially Charlene LPN who's had surgery. I least liked nothing about him, he was and is great. Future patients should know, he's very direct and to the point. Do your homework first before going to see him, this way it's just a refresher, and have your list of questions, b/c he'll ask if you have any questions. He's very emphatic on after care. There are structured appointments for aftercare as well as an appointment with the dietician lisa King.She's also very direct but personable also, she refers to you as "her patient" I liked that. Again he's direct and to the point regarding the risks of this surgery, and there are real risks. I would rate DR. Spencer a 10+ he's awesome, my experience was also awesome, I think this was one of the reasons I came to Virginia, cause I'm from Philadelphia, and my family and I are soon moving back there.My goodness I would say both. Iv'e had 0 complications from my surgery, my scars healed really well, I had laproscopic RNY, so his surgical competence is awesome. My roommate and I habthe same type surgery, on the same day, with the same surgeon, so when he rounded he saw both of us. He politely sat down unhurried, and talked to us about the plans for the day, and askedhow we were feeling, he examined us individually, taking his time. He then asked if we had any questions, and patiently answered all our questions and concerns. Again he and his staff are awesome.

My first impression of Dr.Spencer was that he told it like it was, the good the bad and the ugly. He was very informative. His staff is the greatest,especially Diane, love her(she is so helpful and kind).There is nothing I dont like about my Dr. He is there to help you and he is genuine.He even called me at home whenever I had a question or problem.He states that surgery is only a tool but we must be wise and make healthy choices and do as he recommends.He told me all the risks involved. I rate him on a scale of 1 to 10 an 11.He is funny and caring and I thank God for him.I just love him!

Loved him,loved him, loved him !!!! What a brilliant man with a down to earth personality. This man knows his business. I was very comfortable with Dr. Spencer and his staff was wonderful. It is too early to say much more, however I am looking forward to working with him and his staff while I go through this. Dr Spencer was able to touch on everything so well I really didn't have any questions. I will update this as I go throught this process.

My first impression of Dr. Spencer is of someone who know what they are talking about and a bit cocky about it. My impression has not changed, but my respect for him has grown. He is cocky, but he can be, he is very knowledgable in his field, as well as personally understands this procedure/lifestyle because his wife had gastric bypass surgery in the last few years. I take what he has to say to me with open eyes and open ears because he is telling me from a professional and personal stance. I have been familiar with him for a few years now because I was on the waiting list at the Naval Hospital for a year before using my private insurance at his civilian office. Of all of the surgeons in this area, I am so glad that Dr. Spencer and Dr. Moore performed my surgery. Just know that when you see Dr. Spencer, he is funny, sarcastic and very straight forward. Personally, I admire these traits and makes it that much easier to have a good, more personal relationship with Dr. Spencer.

I know we all think our surgeon is the best but I can honestly say that Dr. Spencer is the greatest of them all. He performed my surgery at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He provided the best care and information. I especially appreciate the brief and honest answers and assessments of this surgery to me. I would highly recommend him to anyone interested in this surgery. I do not get to see him anymore since he has moved on to the civilian community but I truly own him unlimited thanks and love.

I will never forget the first time I met Dr. Spencer. I was very nervous, and he was so calm and understanding about all of the medical problems I had been having it put me at ease. I had done some research on the surgery, but as soon as I left his office I told my family I was having this surgery by this surgeon. I had already made up my mind.

The staff was so kind to me, and I have always lived in a world where people have not often been nice to me because of how I look. They probably border on "too much information" if there is such a thing?? His staff at the office and the staff at the Bon Secours Surgical Weight loss are all very supportive of you and do whatever they can to make sure you have a clear understanding of what is going on before, during and after the surgery.

Melodye even came by to see me in the hospital (Lisa was sick).

I think anybody considering this surgery, should have a chat with Dr. Spencer. Besides being an excellent surgeon, he has a great bedside manner and when he speaks to you, he actually makes himself comfortable and treats you like you were two friends sitting down to a cup of coffee!

Great job!!

Dr. Spencer is very straight forward. He doesn't sugar coat things. He is a very good doctor. He cares about his patients and makes sure that they get the best pre-op, operation, and post-op care. I had surgery on May 29th, 2002. I would highly recommend Dr. Spencer. I had some complications in March 2003. It was my fault. I ate oranges and didn't clean all the membranes off of them. I ended up having a bowel obstruction and again Dr. Spencer was wonderful. I am very grateful to have him as my gastric bypass doctor.

I have met with both of my surgeons, Dr. Spencer and Dr. Moore. I am very impressed with them. As I understand, they will both perform the surgery. I am also very impressed with their nurse, Mary Gorman. She had the surgery several years ago and looks great. I already feel like they care about me. They have a support group which meets once a month. I really enjoyed the last meeting. I feel very lucky to have doctors who have such surgical skill and a caring and understanding attitude!