MercyOne Des Moines Bariatric Surgery 5901 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266

"Surgeons were great but their dietitians are lacking. I got the same speech every time I saw one even when I asked for help. One time I even asked if I could see one when I was there and was told "no" from the front desk person. The one is awful. I gave up with them. I drove about 2 hours one way and if you tried to get help over the phone that would never happen because they didn't answer or call back."

"I was so disappointed and disgusted with this place. I waisted 2 hours at my apt. They were aware I have eoe and dilations. But proceeded with the appointment anyway. I get a call from Megan who was short and basically rude to me. She made a point to say she called multiple times. 2x! I called back the third. I've had covid for 2 and a half weeks so I didn't answer my phone, I was trying to get well. Just bad energy. She was not wanting to explain how or why. Just go somewhere else and she got irritated when I asked questions. She was basically telling me there are non surgical options. If those would have been successful I wouldn't have been in the office! Because of my other health conditions I can't take most meds for weightloss. I have pots an autonomic disorder so exercise that's upright is not an option, maybe after I lose weight it will help with the diabetis and autonomic disorder. What is gross is The surgeon assuming I have too much scar tissue in my esophagus for him to do the surgery. Without looking. No where is scar tissue noted in my esophagus in my medical file. NOWHERE. complete b.s. My esophagus is stretched at the top, not at the lower portion which is where he'd be working. At the least he should check my esophagus to Guage the scar tissue before making that call. Most people with eoe have dilation and it's never been an issue for weightloss surgery. I would be doing the sleeve where he would cut a potion of my stomach, not bypass where he would need to re attach the LOWER esophagus to the intestines. In not an idiot and shame on them for that. This is nothing but an excuse. There is something not being disclosed to me. My heart doc sent me here because it's urgent. I have had multiple successful surgeries under anesthesia. It's not adding up. The place o went before excuse was that I had ptsd, unrelated to medical issues, despite me being in therapy and having a letter of recommendation for surgery from my therapist. I spoke with the doctor and he said your history of arguing with doctors. In thinking there's som e misinf in my file, now a second doctor denying me for a made up reason. When I more than qualify for the surgery. Absolute refusal to tell me what it is. I did the whole 6 month program, because of eoe im already able to deal with liquid and soft diets. Some ppl just cannot lose weight without the surgery, im one. I gave up after the first doc denied me for a frivolous reason my ptsd was controlled and is only related to vehicle accident. 2 yrs later I get the courage to try again. I asked to speak with the doctor so he can explain it to me, denied. I wouldn't bring my dog here. I should have read the reviews first."

"I have been in the process of trying to get scheduled for an appointment but you can never get anyone on the phone. Then you go in the office and witness the front desk staff just sitting there with the phones ringing in the background with no one picking them up. I think that is highly unprofessional when you have people with concerns or questions but can NEVER get anyone on the phone. Evertyone else has been great, but the front desk could use some help."

"Absolutely lazy people at the front desk. I feel like they don’t do their job. Been coming here for seven months and everytime we come here I have to fill out a new med sheet. One day I asked if they had it on file so I could copy it so I wouldn’t have to look my meds up and they said they don’t have it on file. So literally what’s the point of filling it out if it’s not going on file. They are extremely rude they got after my husband about not wearing a mask after 6 months of visits it literally took them that long to say something but at the same time they weren’t wearing masks. They have messed up the billing like 3-4 times so far"

"All the staff is wonderful. I have met several dieticians they all listen to me and help make a plan that will work for me. The front desk is always welcoming. The nurses are great and supportive. Dr Smolik is very though and explains everything very well. Joel Rand PA does a good job with after care. Everytime I call I easily get to speak with someone or I leave a message and they get back to me by the end of the day. I would highly recommend this office."