Roy Berkowitz Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

Very honest...I asked some unpleasant questions, and he answered honestly.
A little bit...I was not too impressed with the aftercare. I wished they had given more information up front on what to expect.
I liked most of the nursing staff and the respiratory people were great. The dietitian didn't have a clue what it was like to be obese...she has never had a weight problem and wore a size 5!!
More re-assurance.
He is very capable good skilled surgeon which is probably the most important.
Follow up care was greatly stressed. I have done my followup care with my local physician as I live 4 hours away from where I had surgery. I don't think the aftercare is all that structured. My 2 week postop consisted of a 5 minute visit with the dr and a 5 minute visit with the dietician.
They outlined the risks of surgery very clearly. I would rate him average. Preferably the surgeon would have both qualities but if I had to choose one it would be competence.

The BTC in Belvidere, IL is near Rockford, IL which is a north-west suburb of Chicago. The hospital is neat and clean. The staff is courteous. The surgeon is very professional looking and acting. The only thing that concerned me with our initial visit is that it all seems to be so "routine" to them. This is good and bad. I feel it is "routine" because they handled the open RNY everyday, all day, and it is the only procedure they do at this hospital. But, it is not "routine" to me. I guess he just lacked a little ZEST, if that makes any sense. They were all very willing to talk with me, I just got the feeling it was all a bit boring for him. He addressed all my questions and took a lot of time to answer my very long list (I did my homework!).

4/13/01 UPDATE: (Post-op) I really never talked with Dr. B. about my surgery or any details. He did it but Dr. Slessinger (sp?) was who took care of me during my hospital stay. I found Dr. Slessinger to be GREAT! I would recommend using him as a surgeon, if going to BTC. Dr. B. just doesn't talk much and it can be a little unsettling when it is such a big issue to you (knowing details).

I think Dr. Berkowitz is wonderful. He explained everything exceptionally well and answered every question we had. My husband had surgery December 13, 2000, mine is scheduled for May 1, 2001.

April 10, 2001 ----> New stuff to say about Dr. Berkowitz!! I saw him at pretesting he was walking around pre-op testing area before he was going to do his surgeries. He came into the waiting room and said Hi and myself and another girl said "See you in a week" so he said "Oh good! Are you ladies nervous?" we both lied and said "NOOO!" he then replied... "Well it should go real good if only I can get rid of this shake" (and he started shaking his hand) Aaargh! (lol) he's a pretty good guy! I like that kind of ease and bedside manner!<p>January 29, 2001 ---->My first impression of Dr Berkowitz was that this is a skinney man, he'll never understand, oh god am I embarassed! <p>That was the first thought that popped through my head.<p> Then he walked through the door and shook my hand, and looked me straight in the eye, never looked at my body, as many doctors do. He took charge of the situation and made me feel comfortable all in a matter of seconds.<p>
I was so surprised! <p>
He is a very well dressed & together man. Right away I was quite impressed and intimidated all in one swoop. Like I said though, the bed-side manner was impecable!<p> I never felt fat infront of him, his body language did not act that way to me as so many people and especially doctors do!<p>
My husband came with me to my consultation, because he had many questions and was totally against me changing my body. (I don't know what he was thinking) Dr Berkowitz answered all of his questions and explained everthing to Scott.<p>
After Dr Berkowitz left the room my husband, Scott looked at me and asked "Is he doing the surgery?" I said "Yes he is. Why?" Scott said "I like him, I want him to do the surgery he knows what's going on." I was so happy that Scott felt that way! <p>
So to sum up this long story, not only is Dr Berkowitz a great surgeon (which I will find out in a few short weeks) but he was also a wonderful guidance for a very unsure husband.<p>

I really was impressed with Dr.B he had agood sense of humor and was very informative.I think he really understands whatI go through.I trust him!

I felt he was very professional he took the time to answer my questions. He seems to care even after the surgery. Many of the staff members have gone through the surgery themselves so the seemed to understand what I was going through, They answered many of my questions before I asked them.

I'm not sure if this is him, it sounds like it is. I had my surgery at the Bariatric Treatment Center in Belvidere Il.
They were very friendly and supportive, never making me feel bad for being overweight.
The office staff were very helpful as well and I was impressed with them overall.

The only thing I did not like was when I went for my 2 week post op visit.
I had a little infection in my scar and told the doctor of this. He just said put neosporin on it and did not look at it. Im no doctor so I thought he should of looked at it. Yes he probably does have that come in often but I still believe everyone is different and he should have looked at it.

My husband and I really liked Dr Berkowitz. He seems very honest and straight to the point. I ask him why he chose to do the type of surgery that he does and he answered that he likes being able to be such a positive impact on peoples lifes. Such as when a patient is able to come off of different medications from the weight loss. We really liked his ability to answere all of our questions and for not making us feal stupid for asking them!

I had my consultation on 2/14/01. Dr. Berkowitz was a compassionate, yet forthright doctor. Any question that I had, he answered without hesitation and very honestly. We reviewed everything from where I'm at now until where I could be at a year from now. He let me know all the pros and cons of the procedure. What I should expect and shouldn't. He also informed me of his experience as a physician. He is a very personable man who wants you to call him if you have questions. Anyways, I'm waiting for insurance approval now.

August 2000
My first impression of Dr. Berkowitz is that he is very sure of himself and the process that he uses. I feel very comfortable in his care. He knows what he is doing and makes you feel that he does too. He is very quiet and a man of few words. He talks about the business at hand,then moves on. Seems very focused on his work.He explained everything from start to finish. Never makes any promises he can't keep. Lets you know that this weight loss is a team effort,with me, the patient in control of the ultimate success. I have no fear of surgery and I trust the Dr. completely. I have no doubts.

October 2000
The surgery went well. So far everything that the doctor told me has come true. The hospital staff was wonderful. They weren't going to let me lay in that bed when they knew it would benefit me to get up and moving. Even when I didn't want to cooperate, they always made me feel like I was the one in control. I have never seen a more intelligent or caring bunch of medical professionals.
Dr. Berkowitz heads a great team.

February 2001
Well, I must say that Dr. Berkowitz has had a big hand in my success so far. He still isn't a big talker, but, I can't help but trust him and feel safe with him when it comes to my well-being. When he walks in the room for my check-ups with that big smile on his face, I know that things are going good for me. In his own sutble way I know that he is my biggest cheer-leader because when I succeed, so does he. He lets me know that I can call for help any time and he will be there for me. He gives me true peace of mind.
I would reccommed him to anyone that needs a helping hand in the weight loss department.