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

Dr. Berkowitz is associated with Bariatric Treatment Centers in Illinois. I saw quite a few surgeons and facilities and not one was as professional, understanding and available as this. Dr. Berkowitz patiently answered all of my nagging questions with good humor. He gave me the time I felt I needed and did not apply one ounce of pressure while I took my time to make my decision. Once I made the decision, his compassion shined through. I did not feel like another body he was about to make money off of. I have no complaints.

The office and actual surgical center were fantastic. The staff could not have been better during or after the surgery. The days after the surgery were not easy, but the staff eased the pain as well as they could. No one ever left my room without asking me what I needed. They were always smiling and friendly and never treated me like I was asking for too much or whining too much about the pain.

The one thing the company could improve on is their scheduling process. It did take me quite a while to get the surgery scheduled. Partly due to my lifestyle, but partly due to the fact that they are only available 8-4 Eastern time Monday through Friday. They would be better if they expanded their hours and added staff. Not everyone has a 9-5 life.

Dr Berkowitz seemed very kind, and mild mannered. He gave us alot of infomation and answered all of my questions with honesty.

My first impression of my surgeon was that he was very quiet, and a no nonsense man, where I am just the opposite, and I felt he was a bit standoffish, but if he is qualified, which I believe he is, that's all that matters.
I've only met with him once, so that first impression is still there. The office staff I've only met once also, and they seemed to be nice. What I liked about my surgeon is that he explained things to me on my level, which is in laymans terms, he didn't show his medical qualifications in his vocabulary, which would have turned me off and I would have found someone else. What I didn't like about him was that he was over an hour late for my appointment, and he seemed to want to rush me out the door. Excuse me, but I'M the one who had to wait for over an hour.
He explained to me that there are risks to the surgery, but then again, so is there risks to driving to and from work every day. But the risks of death are less than 1%.
I would rate him on a scale of 1-10, about a 5 on personalism, but I guess if I live through the surgery, and it's a success, I'd rate him a 10 no matter what his personality was.
I think that both surgical competence and bedside manner are a must for a doctor.

He seems quiet, but very concerned. He took the time to explain everything and answer all my questions. The only complaint I had was that he seemed a little too serious, not overly friendly. This is just my first impression and in no way gave me any negative feelings about him as a doctor or his performance. I felt confident in his abilities after leaving the office. I spoke to another person who had him, though, and she was thrilled with having him as her surgeon. I've only met with him once, but I'm scheduled to see him again on 12/4/02. The office staff at BTC was wonderful. Bariatric Treatment Center seems to really focus on the entire process, not just the surgery. They seem to have a great aftercare program, but I'll have to let people know more after I have my surgery.

I met Dr. Berkowitz today at my 1st consultation.
He was very friendly and very informative. All my questions were answered completely to my satisfaction.

His staff is very warm and understanding and I felt as if I made two new friends when I left the office.

I'm very comfortable at BTC and with Dr. Berkowitz's staff.

I can't wait to have the surgery!

I'm in the waiting mode now!

Dr. Berkowitz seemed very knowledgable when I met him for the first time, at my consultation. I had a list of questions to ask, however in his "spiel", he answered all of my questions and I didn't even have to ask.
I was impressed, even though disappointed, that he would not perform my surgery due to my PTT level being too high. He wanted to wait until I was seen by a Hematologist to determine what the problem was, before going forward with my surgery. So, my surgery was postponed for about 3 weeks.
I felt the office staff was very friendly and helpful.
The fact that he postponed my surgery, due to his concern about my blood clotting, rather than taking a risk.
His staff stresses the fact that if you have a question, the Dr. does not mind you calling. They want you to call especially regarding any pain you might be having.
He has a specific follow-up program.
I would rate Dr. Berkowitz very high, even though I only saw him, personally, 3 times.

I saw Dr. Berkowitz on the day of my counseltation at the Bariatric Treatment Center in Belvidere, IL. He told me about the surgery as if he had described it to hundred people before. He answered my questions with very knowledgeable answers. He is not a very personal type doctor but he appeared to be capable. When Iasked him how the surgery would effect me later on in life he said, "This sugery will save your life." "It will add many years and better quality to your life." I was sold. He was the doctor for me. I didn't see him again until the day of surgery. He just came in a said hi. I haven't seen him since. not even after the surgery. I don't if he will be my follow up sergeon or not. So if you are looking for a surgeon who will be there when you wake up or that takes up alot of time with you you may want to pick someone else. But he was great as far as I am concerned. And all the doctors I did meet were great. Some friendlier than others but all caring, knowledgable, and concerned. The staff at the Baricatric Treament Center are all caring peaple. Tracy was my consultant. She showed me her before and after pictures and we talked about things other than the sugery such as family and friends reactions. I had to call her many times before I was scheduled for sugery. I could tell she was busy but she always found time to anwser my questions and if she didn't know the answers she reserched until she did and called me back. I was really impressed by the furniture in the office. This may sound like a petty thing. But all the chair are extra wide and this gave me a since of caring and comfort. After the surgury the doctors and nurses make certain that you are as comfortable as possible. Even when they coherse you out of bed for that first painful walk down the hall. I can't say enough about the staff. They answer questions and go over all the things that you are expected to do and believe me they aren't kidding you do it. This makes your recovery faster and you are stronger in a short period of time. They talk about risks and how to pervent complications. They assist with exercizes for your legs and cheer you on when you are doing the breathing treatment. The whole experiance is very satifying and supportive. The other patients help too. Get to know the others who have surgery the same day as you. Support each other. Serveral of us had late night popsilces and charted our weight. And when we had gained weight due to the fuilds we we getting the nurse explained and having someone else there for support helped.We watched movies and walked the hall together.

I made my first phone call this year to BTC on 6/12 - my 35th B-Day. My initial consultation was on 6/20 with Dr. Berkowitz. My first impression was a good one. Dr. Berkowitz seemed very personable. I never got the feeling that he needed to move on to his next appointment. He was blunt, but I appreciate that. He took the time to discuss the entire procedure with both my husband and myself.
The office staff was helpful. I didn't personally care for the receptionist in the lobby. She had never been through this before and did not seem to understand my state of mind. The patient counselor I met with was very helpful
Hopefully my first impression was accurate. I'll know more soon.

What a nice man! I was very impressed by him and the entire staff at BTC for that matter.

He answered my questions and was very reassuring. I can't imagine being in more capible hands!

I first met with Dr. Berkowitz on June 20,2002. As I was being taken into a room at BTC I passed this man in the hall. He had a warm smile and said sorry for the wait we're a bit busy today. Very sincere, very nice. I had no idea that was the surgeon. How refreshing. This man has to be one of the most down to earth people (very unusual in surgeons) I've met. A few minutes after passing him in the hallway he walked into the room where I was waiting to meet with the surgeon. Dr. Berkowitz explained the surgery thouroughly and honestly. He was patient and sincere. He answered any questions I had for him and was in no hurry to move on even though there was a room full of people. If you have met with him and have left him with any questions at all then that was your fault. He also expressed to me to feel free to call with any other questions that may come up as often as I need.

I would rate him a 10 on a scale on 1 - 10, so far.
He told me his backround and his experience without having to ask. I feel that he excels in both surgical competence and his bedside manner.