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

The doctor was very nice, but not very talkative or personal.
My opinion of my doctor has remained about the same.
The staff at BTC, especially the nurses in the hospital, were very nice. Very supportive and understanding.
I think my expectations were probably to high, so I can understand why I had the feeling like I was just another patient to the doctor.
Be persistant in obtaining answers to your question from the doctor.
The doctor seems to rely on staff and handout material to emphasize aftercare.
My doctor is part of a Bariatric Treatment Centers, an organization that specializes in this surgery only. Their program is very detailed and organized. Including their aftercare program.
The doctor explained the proceedure and invited questions about the surgery and risks, during the initial consultation.
Despite his lack of enthusiasm and personal interest, I felt he is a good and competent doctor. The surgery and post-surgery has gone well.
I guess his surgical competence would be rated a little higher than his bedside manner.

These statements are my personal impression only. I am making no statements about what others may experience.

Dr. Berkowitz was very friendly when I met with him for my initial consult back in May. I wasn't sure what to expect because I read others on here say they thought he wasn't very personable. He answered all my questions and was very friendly.
The staff was very helpful and friendly also, their patient liason has had the surgery and told me about her experience.
The only thing that I didn't like was the fact that they didn't send the letter to the insurance company for 4 weeks, I was told they would have it out in a week, but I got approved right away.

I just recently had my 3 month check up with Dr. Berkowitz and I just wanted to reiterate how wonderful I think he is. He has been helpful through everything and answered all my questions.

I actually started out having Dr. Eric Vaughan in Belvidere, Illinois. For some reason they were having problems scheduling for him so they switched me to Dr. Roy Berkowitz. I haven't met him yet. Although, I have a fantastic faith in him from what I have read about him.

I MET WITH DR. ERIC VAUGHAN, HE WAS VERY SENSITIVE AND ANSWERED ALL OF MY ?


THE OFFICE STAFF WAS GREAT, THE LADY WHO SPOKE TO ME AND EXPLAINED THINGS WAS THOROUGH
EVEN MAKING ME FEEL LIKE THIS IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD DO WITHOUT ANY REGRET

I HAD NO QUALMS AT ALL AFTER SPEAKING TO THE DR.
AFTERCARE WAAS SPOKEN ABOUT AND MY FEARS OF FAILURE WHICH THE DR. SAID IT WOULD BE REALLY
HARD TO FAIL AT THIS.

AS FOR RISKS DR. COMPARED THEM TO THE RISKS OF OBESITY WHICH BY FAR OUT WEIGHED ALL ELSE

HIS MANNER WAS PROFESSIONAL YET SYMPATHETIC AND INFORMATIVE ALL AT THE SAME TIME

I AM HAVING A DIFFERENT DR. FOR SURGERY
BECAUSE OF SCHEDULING, HOPEFULLY I WILL BE AS
COMFORTABLE WITH DR. BERKOWITZ

I had to switch to Dr. Berkowitz from Dr. Vaughn. Dr. Vaughn was having some paperwork problem with the State of Illinois or someone else. I have not yet met Dr. Berkkowitz.

So far what I have seen from Dr Berkowitz, he seems to have been very helpful and friendly to my husband and I. He has answered all our questions.

I switched to Dr. Berkowitz, but only because they aren't scheduling for Dr. Vaughn right now, due to a glitch in paperwork. I have no problems whatsoever with Dr. Vaughn. I've heard very positive things about Dr. Berkowitz. My pre-op testing is tomorrow (01/16/02).

I liked Dr. Berkowitz, and the Bariatric clinic in Belvidere, IL. They specialize in weight loss surgery and really know what they are doing.

Dr. Berkowitz knew what he was talking about when I asked him questions. He also had a good bedside manner, and gave the impression that he does care about you.

I also saw some of the other docs at the same clinic and they were all good also.

The only bad thing I have to say is that he is quite busy and have had to wait for a really long time once in a while (two hours once).

I found Dr. Berkowitz, as well as BTC- Belvidere, IL to be very pleasent. The doctor apologized to me several times for keeping me waiting. I thought that was great because it seemed as though he felt my time was as valuable to me as his is to him.
He explained the procedure and risks thoroughly. The office staff was exceptionally courteous. May, the patient counselor, was very knowledgable of the procedure as she has had it done herself and looks fantastic! She had her before and after pictures to show me. She told me what to expect as far as the insurance process goes. She also informed me of each step as it leads to surgery. In the past, I have read a few posts on this site that criticize the facilities at BTC-Belvidere, IL. Some have said it was a dirty, shabby, "back-woods" hospital. It may have been at the time of the posts, but it sure isn't now. Everything was spotless and looked brand new. I think they have recently remodeled the building. They have a very structured after-care program that is INCLUDED in the cost of surgery. They also have monthly support group meetings. (A benefit if you live in the area) I feel confident in Dr. Berkowitz' surgical ability and rate him an 8 out of 10 for bedside manner. I will re-rate him after I know him better. He has a good sense of humor and has a way of making the patient feel at ease.

I have not yet seen my surgeon. My consultation is in July. I will be going to BTC in Belvidere,Il and not sure who I will see there.
Will let you know how things went after July.
July 29, 2001
Went to my first consultation on July 24th. Everything went well, now im just waiting for insurance approval.
The doctor was Dr. Berkowitz. He was very friendly. The front desk help could have acted like they cared. I even had to ask them if they wanted my insurance card. But they were young girls.
The counselor,who also had the surgery, was very helpful explaining what happens before and after surgery.
I will let you know what happens with the
insurance as soon as I find out.
Everything was approved, my surg date is N
ov 26,01.
12-11-01
I had surg Nov 26,01. Evevything went well. I was very pleased with Dr. and staff. My surg site is very thin and healing very well. I have not been sick and pain was very little.