John Monk Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

My first impression of Dr. Monk was that he cares about what he is doing. He seems caring and understands the problem of obesity. The staff at his office are great, especially Megan and Sue, who I have called numerous times with questions. They always took the time to answer them completely, and I never felt rushed. Remember, the only dumb question is the one you never ask. There is a support group that you may go to before or after. You have regular visits for the first year and then you see him yearly after that. I was told the risks of the surgery in simple easy to understand words. I even asked him how many patients he had lost doing this surgery and why. He answered honestly and did not hesitate at all in giving his reply. The true test of his surgical ability will be on April 7, 2003, the date of my surgery.

My first impression of Dr Monk was great. He helped me answer all my questions and concerns and even answered any that my wife had. He is very caring and truly does understand. My impression of him has not changed. I would described his staff as absolutely wonderful especially Sue she has helped me schedule all of my pre-op tests and will help me with the insurance. There is not one thing that i do not like about these people except one thing they are busy but the cool thing is that they are too busy to take the time if you have a concern or problem. Future patients should be aware that the waiting list is long and it seems that you will never see him or his staff but be dilligent. Dr. Monk takes the time during your 2nd visit to map out and give you stats and sll the pro's and con's of the surgery but let me tell you the pro side of it far out weighs the cons. If it was a scale of 1-10 i would give them an 11. To answer the question which is better it is all three.

dr.monk was very nice and easy to talk to. the office staff was very friendly. the only thing i didn't like was the long waiting list to be seen by dr. monk. i think anyone who is going to become involved with dr.monk will be very pleased to have choosen him as a doctor.

My first impression of Dr Monk was sincere, concern. He got right to the point an made me feel he knew alot about my conditions and the need to have WLS. He has a sense of humor an is quick to tell you the details of what to expect before during an after WLS.
There are a few ladies in his office i could live without but then the ones who are helpful make up for those. Over all they are very helpful. I had to wait for about 4 months to get an appointment because he is so busy .. but to me that was a good sign that he is not just doing this on the side as a last thought. Dr. Monk was very upfront about the risk an dangers associated with the surgery but since i have had 10 abdominal hernia repairs done and probably looking at more in the future he and i both decided the risks were well worth it. I now have a surgery date set up for Feb 5th pending insurance approval.. i have my fingers crossed im so excited.

Dr. Monk is great. The first time I met him he was very clinical but caring. My visit he was very upbeat and supportive and put me at ease with a couple of jokes. He was a real person and I have great confidence in him and his team. Megan, Sue, Michelle and Kathy are great. Very Support, answered every question I had and were great to my mom whom accompanied me for support.

I've changed doc's, due to the fact that BTC has no idea when BC/BS will make them in network.
I met Dr. Monk yesterday, 1/14, he seems really nice. He went over the procedure with me, told me I was a good canidate. Yeah! He was impressed with the fact that I had brought along ALL paperwork needed; physc eval, cardio, etc. The only thing I needed was a visit with the nutrionist, and he called and got me right in, so we didn't have to wait. I go back next Tuesday to sign my paperwork and I'll have my date when I leave. He told me my surgery will be scheduled 1-2 after this visit! FINALLY!!!!!
His staff is friendly and very pleasant.
Dr. Monk emphasizes that aftercare is very important. There is structured care afterwards.

My first visit to Dr. Monk's office was to meet with Megan his assistant... to be honest she is the one who won my decision to go with Dr. Monk.. and then i went for my scheduled visit with Dr. Monk an found every thing Megan had told me about Dr. Monk to be true. He is very informative and is precise in telling you about what to expect an what he will be doing as far as the surgery goes an what to expect. He was amazed that i was as up to date on the surgery because i have been reading an visiting this site since i found out about it. I already had my test all scheduled and my diet schedule in hand. The more prepared you are when you begin this journey the faster it will proceed for you as well. So take the time to talk to you family doctor and get as much information about urself as you possibly can, any diets you have tired an any illnesses you are being treated for. Somethings you may not think are because of your weight will really actually turn outto be. Dr. Monk is really on the ball in letting you know this. I like him alot.

I have know Dr. Monk some time now through me working at York Hospital. He also performed the surgery on my mother in April of 2001. He is very personable and easy to understand and to talk to. His staff in person or on the phone have always been extremely friendly and courteous to me. I believe that he has a genuine interest in his patients and looks out for their well being on an individual basis. He was very upfront with the risks involved with the surgery. I had researched this for over a year prior to my consultation with him. I knew the risks involved ahead of time, so I felt it was easier going over the risks with him. I feel that his surgical competence and bedside manner go equally hand in hand. He is an excellent surgeon, physician and advisor. I truly enjoy the professional relationship with him.

The first time I met Dr. Monk I knew he was the perfect surgeon for me. He was a straightforward and informative surgeon with a humorous side when appropriate. His staff is friendly and professional. He believes in thorough prep and post operative programs. He believes in support groups and guided imagry. I have heard wonderful things about his skills and demeanor from everyone I have met. He was very honest and forthcoming about his personal statistics of success and failure. The nurse from the hospital called me today to verify information for my surgery. She said he is nicknamed Chip Monk. They love him at the hospital which says more than I can say here. I couldn't be in better hands.

Since there has to be something negative they say, the only thing I can say is that I wish I had been able to get a consult sooner. It took me a long time to get in. I understand he has changed his schedule to accommodate more consults.

I give him an excellent rating. I have learned he is an excellent surgeon and also has a great bedside manner. What more could you ask for. I know this all sound too good to be true but until I have a negative experience I can't comment other than to say what I have here.

I had met 2 other surgeons before Dr. Monk. The other 2 spent way more time with me and did not seem as rushed. However, by the time I met Dr. Monk, i knew so much about WLS I didn't need the detailed explanations received from the prior two doctors. Dr. Monk makes his incisions horizontally which he says decreases the chances of hernias. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about him from post-ops... they say he has great bedside manner and is always there for you. He seems mellow, caring and he stares at you as if he is looking into your soul. He said he prays and that is good because Doctors who pray are more successful than those who don't. He is a member of the ASBS (american socitey of bariatric surgeons) and they have an over all death rate of 1 in 800 compared to non members. I feel 100% confident in him and his staff... also very nice. I have made freinds with some of his other patients and they had absoltely no complications and are very happy with his work.