Nathan Tomita Bariatric Surgeon D.O.

I started working with Dr. Tomita and his team in Kona, HI in March 2014. I had my RNY surgery on 9/16/2014. Maria (the nurse practitioner on his team) and Dr. Tomita have been excellent at answering all my questions and concerns, and keeping my expectations real. Even Michelle at the front desk is friendly and supportive. There is also a monthly support group that Maria helps with...but the surgical patients (both pre- and post-op) run the group discussion. Nothing is off-topic! It is so great to work with an extraordinary team. April is another nurse practitioner that handles the nutrition side of things - she helped me be successful losing weight pre-operatively, and is monitoring my labs and weight loss post-op. I cannot say enough good things about this team and this program. I am finally successful at weight loss and getting healthier every day.

I went to Dr. Tomita's informational seminar on March 13th, 2008. He presented information on the Lap Band and the Gastric Bypass. Past patients of both surgeries also talked about their experiences. The seminar was well presented, with a video demonstration of both procedures.rnrnI have been to consultations at 3 other bariatric centers, and the following differences stood out to me personally:rnrnHe requires a 10% weight loss prior to surgery being scheduled to ensure commitment on the patients part to a lifestyle change.rnrnHe requires a membership at a gym or excercise program with proof of participation.rnrnHe requires participation in monthly bariatric support group meetings during the weight loss period prior to surgery.rnrnHe has a virtual office that allows the patient to send emails with concerns directly to the office.rnrnHe requests the patient follow up with his office for a minimum of 3 years post op. After the first year, being seen twice a year for blood work and to address any bariatric concerns, such as unexpected weight gain, etc.rnrnI had contact with Dr. Tomita in the previously regarding a cyst on my tailbone and I found him to be honest, soft spoken with a nice bedside manner. rnrnPersonally, the only thing negative that stood out to me so far, is that Dr. Tomita himself could stand to lose several pounds. I don't think I would consider him \"obese\", but he definitely needs to lose 20-30 pounds. Maybe I was thinking, \"practice what you preach\"??rnrnDr. Tomita's surgical nurse Sandi does the inital nurse assessment and assists him during the seminar. She is very personable, very easy going and easy to talk to. rnrnI had my initial nurse assessment March 19th, 2008. It included personal and family history, blood pressure, weight, temp, EKG, lung capacity test and scheduling for my next 3 appointments. Sandi also answered questions regarding the surgery, and explained my requirement to lose 36 pounds. She indicated I could lose the weight in whatever way I felt was easiest/best for me. They offer a medically supervised weight loss plan, for a fee, but she said they do not require it because there is an additional cost to the patient.rnrnI set up an appointment to see the internist, the psychologist and the surgeon. Also, before seeing the internist, I have to have 12 hour fasting blood work done including:rnB12 Test, CDC-COMP.BLD.CT.1, TSH, CHEM 7, Glycohemoglobin, Iron/TIBC, Lipid Panel, Liver Function, Vit OH 25-D, Ferritin.

Dr. Tomita and his staff have given excellent care and service for myself and many others. I had surgery October 2005 and have lost 166 pounds and maintained my weight for over a year now. With their great compassion for patients and extra activities such as the Memorial Hospital Bariatric support group, I never felt as though I was alone in the process and am very thankful to them for that. Rest assured you will never feel like just a \"number\" with this staff!

I had an awesome expierence from the start. From Shelley who takes all my phone calls, the 2 Sandy's & Dr Tomita. It has been life changing for me. They guided me, informed me, re-assured me the entire time. The preparation for the LapBand is fantastic. I felt confident with my decision way before my surgery date & more confident now. Dr Tomita & his staff are highly motivated people & they want you to succeed. They follow up and make sure you get in for your check-ups/fills and are always encouraging!! I would tell anyone who is thinking about this to call Dr. Tomita's office in a heartbeat, it's life changing!!rnrnChristina

I think Dr. Tomita is a great surgeon. We are testing this site.

I have to say Dr. Nathan Tomita and his wonderful staff helped me change my life for the better.....Sandy thank you for all your help and support!!! (Dr. Tomita's nurse) rnrnThe first time I walked into Dr. Tomita's office the whole staff made me feel at ease I had many questions and they had all the answers for me....even when I would call three times a day with new questions....they went over the risk of surgery what I needed to do what to look for after surgery we talked about the aftercare programs they gave me so much information.rnrnSandy was awesome with all the insurance questions Sandy helped me with my Doctor to get all the right information that was needed to have the insurance company pay for my surgeryrnrnThe day of my surgery Dr. Tomita & Sandy not only made me feel relaxed they helped my Husband Steve to....rnrnDr. Tomita and Dr. Mohlman both came in alot during my hospital stay to check up on me after I was home the office called me to make sure I was doing ok I have never met such a group of caring people from day one to three months after my surgery...... People have asked my who did my surgery and I send them to Dr. Tomita and his staff....rnDr. Nathan Tomita YOU ARE A 10 IN MY BOOK

He seems to be a great doctor, I have not had the surgery yet, but everything I have seen so far seems good.

My first impression of Dr. Tomita was that he is concerned about helping others be able to help themselves. Every encounter I have had with him I walked away more informed and confident with him as my Dr. The staff in his office are helpful and friendly. I always feel the most welcome when I call or drop in. There has been constant contact with his staff either via phone or email. I do not have any thing negative to say about Dr. Tomita. Aftercare is strongly pushed. It is made very clear how important it is to still be treated after surgery. They have guideline to follow for aftercare that includes the surgical, medical, nursing and nutrition. I had to go over 2 consent forms, with me initializing each risk..one in a group session and once on a one on one with Dr. Tomita. The one on one was great. He was relaxed and to the bare bones point. He has a good sense of humor and made me feel comfortable. He also talks to you in a true manner of sharing the knowledge we need to know but not in a way that you walk away going huh. rnrnrn

Dr. Tomita and his staff are top-notch. I am very impressed with their care, concern, and follow-up.

They were very informative about risks, care, and life style changes.

They have been there through the ups and downs of this surgery. I have had minor complications, and have been supported and cared for in everything.

Dr. Tomita has been great through this whole process. He truly cares about his patients and it shows in all that he does. The office staff is wonderful-especially his bariatric coordinator Sandy. He truly emphasizes taking care of yourself after surgery and gives you many tools to do so. Rating Dr. Tomita would have to be a PERFECT 10! ALL SURGEONS SHOULD BE THIS GOOD!