George R. Merriman II Bariatric Surgeon MD, FASMBS

My first impression of Dr. Merriman was that he was very caring and supportive.
My opinion of him has only improved over time. I remember thinking how comfortable he made me feel.
He strongly emphasizes aftercare and he has a capable and knowledgeable office staff to assist him. I haven't had my first post op visit yet, but his staff has been helpful onthe phone for any questions I have.

Today, I finally met with Dr. Merriman. I had chosen him based on what others had said about him in this forum....and I will say, I was truly impressed with him. He did emphasize the aftercare which is what most patients said about him...and I think that is one of the most important things about making this all work. I like him and glad he will be my surgeon!

I'VE ATTENDED DR. MERRIMAN'S INFORMATIONAL SEMINAR AND ALSO HAD A CONSULT WITH HIM, AND ALSO WITH THE DIETICIAN-LISA STANSBURY AND ALYCIA BELLAH THE PSYCOLOGIST, TO DISCUSS THE SURGERY AND WT LOSS PROGRAM PERSONALLY. AS AN RN, I WAS EXTREMELY IMPRESSED WITH THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE OF NOT ONLY THE SURGERY, BUT THEIR CONCERN AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL IN EXPLORING MY INDIVIDUAL COMORBIDITIES AND PERSONAL FACTORS. THEY DISCUSSED WITH ME SPECIFIC DETAILS REGARDING CONCERNS ABOUT HOW THESE WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE SURGERY AND HOW THEY COULD AFFECT MY OUTCOMES POST-OP. IT WAS VERY OBVIOUS THAT EVERYONE AFFILIATED WITH DR. MERRIMAN'S OFFICE AND LIV-LITE WERE DEDICATED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE. I FEEL CONFIDENT I'LL BE IN GOOD HANDS FOR MY SURGERY AND HAVE ALL THE SUPPORT I NEED TO ATTAIN MY GOALS. EVERYONE EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF AFTERCARE AND INFORMED ME OF ALL THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE AND PEERS I COULD CONTACT FOR SUPPORT. THEY DIDN'T SUGARCOAT ANYTHING! I'LL DEFINITELY BE GOING INTO THIS WITH MY EYES WIDE OPEN.

The first time I met with Dr. Merriman, I was immediately impressed. He was so caring, he made me understand that I was not morbidly obese because I ate too much, or because I was lazy. He explained to me that people who have this disease are "wired differently" than ones who don't have this disease. My impression of him has only gotten better. He is genuinely concerned with his patients. I was his FIRST lapband patient. And I was never even nervous that he had not done any before me. I was totally confident in him and I still am. His office staff are wonderful. They answer any question, no matter how dumb you feel that it is. If they don't know, they find out! There is nothing that I dislike about Dr. Merriman. His aftercare program is great. They have a support group that meets once a month. I have not had any complications and have not had any problems, therefore I saw him for my two week post op, and unless I need an adjustment of my band, I don't have to see him for six months. He was very thorough in explaining the risks, complications, and even went over the failure rate with me - that way, if something happened - heaven forbid - I wouldn't be taken off guard. Over all I would give him a 10! He is surgically competent and has a great bedside manner!!! I love Dr. Merriman!

Total honesty, no matter how much it hurts ones feelings....exactly what everyone needs in a doctor
The office staff was wonderful, any questions, they answered!!
The after care program is strictly enforced and they remind you everytime you go in that this is not a game.......It's Serious!!!!!
Risk of surgery are discussed greatly...as Dr. Merriman says, "You put yourself in danger to live longer!"
He and his staff have been a true blessing for me and I look forward to him doing my surgery!!

What was your first impression of him/her?
PROFESSIONAL

How would you describe his/her office staff?
PROFESSIONAL

How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
CONSIDERABLY

Does he/she have a structured aftercare program? YES

How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
UPFRONT

How would you rate him/her overall? SO FAR, GREAT

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside
manner, or both great? BOTH

First impression was of someone who knew what they were talking about and doing.
No my impression has just gotten better, he is a very caring Doctor.
His staff is the best
I have not found anything that I didn't like about Dr. Merriman
That he is very good at his job
He stress the after care very much and is very good at the questions that he ask in the office visits
Yes
Very much so
Excellent
Both was excellent

My first impression was one of professionalism and education. Office staff was friendly and informative. The fact that the Doc limited info given as to not sway your decision to have a bypass or banding. He gave each side equal oportunity. I felt I needed a Doc to tell me what I needed to be successful, or at least reccomend, not just say 'here's the info..good luck to ya'.
Aftercare is HIGHLY emphasized. Diet is HIGHLY emphasized. Very structured aftercare with registered dietician, recreational and physical therapists, psychiatry evals, and extensive counseling. Overall I rate him High on any scale.

My first impression of Dr. Merriman was that he was very personable. I felt comfortable talking to him. During my first appointment he discussed in detail the pros and cons of bariatric surgery. He asked me not to make a decision about the type of surgery I would have until I had learned more about the different types available. He went over my medical history and asked why I was considering the surgery and why I came to him. My PCP, Dr. Michael Angelo, had recommended him to me and spoke very highly of Dr. Merriman, telling me his patients have had very good results with WLS. Dr. Merriman emphasized that he was giving me a tool to lose weight but it is up to me to use it correctly. His office staff is very cordial and helpful and have answered all my questions. Dr. Merriman has an amazing staff and aftercare program at the bariatric center. His informational meeting was great and he answered any and all questions. I cannot comment on the surgical experience because I have not had my surgery yet but my EGD was as pleasant as it could be. I will post more after surgery.

He's handsome. Looks just like Richard Gere
He was patience. Very informative and wanted the best for me. My respect has only grown over the past few months.
Dr. Merriman's office has been the greatest. They have been extremely helpful and has really worked with me to get approval.
I have not found any negative things about him.
He emphasize aftercare to the utmost. His support system is impressive.
His address of risk was with honesty, but was reassuring that fatalities have been low.
I got recommendation from one of his patience. I have adopted the same attitude about Dr. Merriman as he did. I feel like he cares about me and not just the dollar.
Surgical Competence and bedside manners are great. Surgical Competency is a most.