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

Well..... Dr. Spencer.. what a man... I had heard about this man a year or so before I ever met him.... I can honestly say... all that I heard was TRUE!! He is a very intelligent...caring man... I am so greatful... and blessed to have found him... Being a military wife...and have seen sooo many military Physicians... He is one in a million... Hats off to you Dr. Spencer!!! and..Thank you!!! for helping me to get another chance at life!

My first impression of him was made last September 20,2001. He was very honest and straight forward and described the complete picture of the surgery. He described different types and the RNY which is the type that he does laproscopically (if at all possible). He has done about 300 surgeries at Portsmouth Naval Hospital.
Everytime I encounter Dr. Spencer/Dr. Moore my impression deepens, they are willing to answer all your questions and give you a strong sense of security knowing that you are placing your life in their hands.
His team includes a Registered Nurse that has had the surgery done, nutritionists, psychologists and another surgeon Dr. Glen Moore.
What I like least is that both docs are retiring from the military and going into private practice next year, this may effect their accessibility to military service members and their dependants, maybe?
If I had to do it all over again, I would not hessitate to have them operate on me or anyone I know. My husband may have the surgery later this year (hopefully before they retire).
You have to be strongly committed to their aftercare program or he'll tell you "I won't do your surgery!" You have to stay in the area for 1-2 years for follow-up. (the first 12-18 months is most critical.) The team has a wonderful aftercare program, it starts before you have your surgery. He addresses all the risks and doesn't sugarcoat it either. He is honest and straight foward.
I would give him the highest possible rating, he has the utmost surgical competence, takes extra care to do the procedure lap. instead of open and his humorous side adds to a wonderful bedside manner. Drs. Spencer and Moore compliment each other and make an awesome team.

This doctor has it all together and though currrently a Navy doctor, I have it on good authority that he intends on opening hos own practice right here in Hampton Roads and I will do everything I can to spur him on. He is attentive to the patients needs and has a great and knowlegable staff backing him up.
My first impression was simply one of being impressed. And that impression has simply solidified. He and his staff continue to empasize the importance of afttercare and they have a very good structured one already in place.

At first I wasn't sure about him because he is very forthcoming and did not beat around the bush about any of the side affects.

When I got to know him a little better I realized that he was only looking out the best interest of all of his patients.

His office staff is very nice and try to empathize with what you are going through.
There was nothing I really did not like about him.
Future pateints should know that he is very honest and tells the truth about every part of the surgery and what to expect.
Aftercare with him is very important and in fact did not like the fact that I was moving out of state because he likes to see you for at least a year after your surgery.
I would rate him as the best doctor I have ever had.
Both are very important.

Although my doctor is a very good I did have some problems after the surgery. I had a leak which caused my left lung to colapse and yes I do believe that my doctor saved my life.

Dr. Spencer is very knowledgeable on this type of surgery. He was very clear in explaining the surgery. He attends the Support Group meetings at Portsmouth Hospital every month, to answer questions. The clinic staff is wonderful.
Dr. Spencer requires the patients to attend Nutrition class, Mental Health meeting to discuss long term affects, and of course all blood work etc. also requires you do research on your own about the surgery. This should be the last diet, in other words, other diets have been tried in the past supervised and counter diets, and nothing has a weight stay off result.

One thing that I truely like and look forward to is the after care. The fact they are not going to abandon you after the surgery is over, follow up appointments are very neccessary with excerise and the support meetings once monthly.

The risk of surgery are always scarey. With any surgery however there are risk.

The hardest part of this whole thing so far is the WAIT! But now that I have my date, (even though it's still a month away) I do feel better, soon it will be here.

My first impression of Dr. Spencer was good, and I was relieved that he didn't have the attitude toward obesity that I have experienced from other physicians. At this point I have only met him at his orientation class. Since I am going through the military to have this surgery, I have no choice on surgeons, it's him, or no surgery. However, so far, I'm happy with him.
I'm going to operated on by Dr. Newman, under Dr. Spencer's direct guidance and observation. Dr. Newman is another Navy surgeon at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center.

Dr. Spencer....what a man! He is a no-nonsense type of guy, but that is what YOU want in someone that will hold your life in his hands,right?

He doesnt pee paw around issues and is genuinely concerned for our health and well being. I think he is one of the most intelligent and talented (wanna see my scar)Dr's I have ever encountered!

He was very kind and understanding, My impression of him has not changed as of yet we will see after surgery(haha) The staff is great his RN had the surgery herself and is of course very knowledgeable. What I like best is there commitment to helping others with their OBESITY as a Illness. The after care is intense you have to agree to come back for checkup's or you cannot have the surgery, they have mthly suppor groups and Dietician on call. They did not let anyone enter into this lightly. a very in depth pre op screening was required. Such as speaking with Dr's, Dieticians, Psych consult, Support group attendance.......
I have not had my surgery yet but i would recomend him to anyone.

My first impression of Dr. Spencer was that of respect. He is a very inteligent man and really knows his stuff. The team he has working for him is so educated on this matter and they really do care. I was surprised to see how much time and eneegy went into every one of us to make sure we were as healthy as possible. Before they would even think about doing this surgery on any one.
No, my impression did not change much. He is very open and up front about the procedure that he will go over and over it with just about every time you have a meeting with him. He wants you to know exactly what you are going into and will tell you the pros and cons of this surgery.
His staff isnumber 1 in my book. They get to know you by name and even go the extra step to share with you thier personal history on fighting obesity.I would not want to go to any other people for my care.
The only thing I could say I didn't like about him is that he hardly ever takes the compliments that are giving to him very well. He seems to shy away from all the great things that are said about him and to him.
Don't take it personal if he comes into the room and gets right down to business..he is very serious and doesn't have time to socalize much..I know he would if he could...So many people to see so little time.
His whole staff is very much behind us and will make sure the after care is a must for all of his patients. His after care program is very structured. Not only does he see us every month we also see a nutritionist. His staff has made it clear to all of us ...They are only a phone call away.
There are always risks in any surgery. However this is a major change to your body that has possible problems...It is explained to you several times you are to see him or his staff.
At this point iI have yet to have my surgery but I feel 100 % sure that Dr. Spencer and his staff are going to take very good care of me before , during and after.
I want to know my surgeon is competent and knows what he is doing. Dr. Spencer has a wonderful track record and that is great comfort to me. Also, on the other hand bedside manner is important as well. I want to know I can talk to my care giver about any problems and not feel bad about it.

My first impression of Dr. Spencer was one ofactual indifference... to understand this, you must know that I have been around military doctors all of my life, and have learned the hard way that you should NEVER expect to have any warm fuzzy feelings about any of them, until they have proven themselves!! Well, needless to say, after my first visit, I felt very comfortable, and had those warm fuzzies. Dr Spencer made me feel like he truly cared about the fact that I was in his office because I needed help, not that I was fat, and therefore labled by society as LAZY!! He made me realize that I wasn't a chicken for wanting the surgery!! He only got better over time... he truly attemts to get to knw each of his patients, and takes personal interest in them as well. We had a very structered pre-op program, and and fantastic aftercare program. We have a support group that meets right in the hospital, and has a wide variety of people for you to meet and talk with. I would rate Dr. spencer, and his staff as #1 in my book, you couldn't ask for a better man to put you on the road to a new life!! This of course is just my opinion... you have to meet him to find out how really great he is!!