Robert Marema Bariatric Surgeon

I originally saw Dr. Butler but was denied coverage because he is out of my insurance network. His office wanted me to fight for my out-of-netwirk benefits but my insurance will only cover 70% for out-of-network and that 30% can be a lot of money. I decided to see Dr. Marema in Ft. Lauderdale. He is in my insurance network and will be covered 100%. I go to my orientation with him on 6/10/00 and can't wait. I've heard wonderful things about him and he and several of his staff have had the surgery. I was hearing little things about Dr. Butler that were making my a little uneasy about using him. I'm sure that he is a good doctor but, I feel that Dr. Marema will be a better choice for me.

Dr. Marema is very committed to his patients. He has dedicated his life to his patients. His staff is great... I have confidence in him and feel that he has develop a wonderful learning environment for people who are interested in having the surgery. He has a 4 hour class that is mandatory, you must attend a group support meeting, he has a open house on monday to introduce you to the surgery...They give you material explaining pre op and post op. the good and the bad. I would recommend him to anyone who wants to know more informaton. He's a nice man...and a great doctor......

Dr. Marema is a very warm and concerned doctor. He is empathetic to the needs of his patients. I was very demanding in requesting a surgery date. I wanted another surgeon, but my insurance company would only allow Dr. Marema to perform the operation. Boy am I thankful for that. He honored my request to have surgery on the date that I demanded and was very attentive to my needs. My parents were allowed to join me in the surgery room prior to surgery and after surgery. His office staff is wonderful. His wife, who has also had the surgery along with her husband is a nurse in his office. They are truly a pair. I like everything about Dr. Marema. Know that he will spy on you to see if you're following your diet and somehow, he manages to find out when you're not following the plan. Aftercare is a very important part of his plan. Regular support meetings are scheduled and the doctor often attends them. He was very upfront about the risks of surgery, but also reminded me of the risks of remaining fat. I rate Dr. Marema as a 10++++++++. Surgical competence is what's most important to me and Dr. Marema certainly posses that. What he lacks in bedside manner, his wife makes up for. I love them both.

My first Impression was "How can this bean stalk even know how I feel beeing fat"

Once I found that his family and himself have also been through the same procedure I was so confortable to leave my life in his hand.

His staff are so understanding and I just wish sometimes that I can deel with that ofice alone throughout the whole exceptance procedures.

I have gone to a few of the meeting and I am very conformable with knowing he will be doing the surgery and that I am in good hands. He really cares for the obese patient and knows what we are going through.

UPDATE 05-22-00

Today was my first appointment with him and he was great to deal with and answered all my questions that I had.

His Office staff are all wonderful to deal with and they really care for there patients.

I attended a local support group 4 hours from Ft. Lauderdale (I live in Cape Coral), and the surgeon actually showed up!!!!! Dr. Marema was humorous and kind... yet his feet were firmly planted on the ground in discussing the realities of this surgery... and he was very believable because he himself had undergone the procedure (Dr. Fobi out of California did his).... I was pleased with his devotion, and felt completely at ease. I might add that Dr. Marema was not the 1st surgeon I had interviewed.... he won hands down.

His office staff, many who have had the procedure, have been kind, and informative... and ALL of my calls have been promptly answered with encouragement to call again should I have any questions.

I will be happy to post in the future once I am post-op....
BTW...DR. Marema offers a Panndetomy (wrong spelling)... an apron removal at the time of surgery.... kinda a pre-tummy tuck... you have to pay up-front if your ins. won't pay (and the majority will not)

Dr. Marema is a very skilled surgeon. He is one of the few who does the panniculectomy which is removal of the apron or hanging belly. He is kind and caring but doesn't spend much time with you because he has so many patients. However, I would recommend him and I am an RN.

I'VE ONLY MET HIM ONCE, IN A GROUP SEMINAR. I BELIEVE HE HAS A WONDERFUL PERSONALITY, WITTY YET SENSITIVE. HE IS VERY STRAIGHT TO THE POINT. I REALLY LIKED HEARING ALL THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE OPERATION. YET IT DID NOT MAKE ME WANT TO CHANGE MY MIND. IN FACT I EXPECTED TO HEAR MANY CONS ABOUT IT. NOTHING IS EASY, THERE IS A PRICE TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING. I FEEL THERE ARE MORE CONS BEING OVERWEIGHT. EVERYDAY NEW ONES ARE ADDED. I HAVE NEVER FELT ANYTHING, HOW WOULD I SAY BOTHERED ABOUT BEING OVERWEIGHT. I AM CONCIOUS THAT I AM, BUT I DO NOT LIVE INFRONT OF THE MIRROR FEELING SORRY FOR MYSELF. THIS IS MY CREATION. BELIEVE ME IT COST ALOT OF MONEY (FOOD) TO BECOME THIS WAY. MANY TIMES I ENJOYED LOTS OF THE STUFF I ATE. BUT IT HAS TO COME OFF, I CAN'T STAND MY SWOLLEN ANKLES, HARD TO FIND CLOTHES, INSOMNIAS, LOW ENERGY ETC ETC ETC. I WANT TO CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.

Dr. Marema is great. I liked him immediately, especially since he has had the surgery himself, performed by Dr. Fobi. Dr. Marema has also operated on his entire staff and they all look wonderful and are healthy. They are very understanding of what we go through. He performs the RNY with silastic ring, both open and as lap. He also does the pany procedure. He does not use staples for the closure, but rather a plastic surgeons closure. The breathing tube in out when you wake up from surgery which I was very happy about. He stresses a high protein, low carb and low sugar diet after surgery until the major part of the excess weight is lost. This allows for faster weight loss. He offers monthly support group meetings as well.
I had no complications at all and was extremely satisfied with my procedure and outcome. My personal experience was very positive.

He is wonderful, understands the problems as he's been obese and he and his wife have had the surgery !! He has a fantastic sense of humor and a personality to match. He truly seems to CARE! Even gives his patients his home phone if they can't reach him fast enough and have a problem, HOW MANY DOCTORS CARE ENOUGH TO DO THAT?

Everyone at the office has been informative, and at least 4 of them have had this surgery and they all look fabulous. You'd never know any of them ever were obese.

He is very big on aftercare, food, health etc. and they have support group meetings etc. for all his patients. Everything is very structured and informative.

He went over all the risks, but I feel I have my overall health risks as I age will be much worse down the road if remain this way. I want to be healthy and feel good about myself.

So far I'd rate him a 10. Will inform if I feel differently

Both are surgical competence and bed side manner are both extremely important to me, would't settle for less!! You need to have someone who is understanding and caring as well as great surgical skills.

Although I've to date been very happy with all involved, I can't guarantee how any of you out there may feel, you need to determine that this physician meets your needs or requirements. I've carefully investigated Dr. Marema's competence, and have had an excellent experience with his staff