My road to bariatric surgery was a long and winding one, but alas, I found the right place. Before I moved to Denver, I scheduled a consult with Dr. Chae to discuss the gastric sleeve. When I went to my consult, not only was it informative, but I could tell Dr. Chae is truly KIND and has a kind spirit. I had done my research before the meeting, but only needed guidance on the process with my insurance company (Cigna). Thankfully, my insurance company did not require a 3-6 month weight management program (and I had already done many of those), so I just had to complete some nutrition classes, review the materials they provided, complete a psych eval, meet with a nutritionist, and get clearance from my Endocrinologist. Oh, and I had to quit smoking. Which was fine, because this was a great impetus to do so. Once I completed everything, I contacted my case manager and notified her all steps were completed. I told her my preferred surgery date, so I would have time to quit smoking and for the blood tests to confirm as much. One week before my surgery, I had an intake/pre-admission appointment. I went to the intake area and met with a nurse who reviewed my information and confirmed other information/stats/medications. I completed my blood draw and was done. The nurse I met (Rick), was so friendly and so fun, it made the appointment a piece of cake! On the day of my surgergy, I went to the hospital, checked in, and within 5 minutes was called back to the pre-op area. The nurses were all super friendly. The only thing that sucked was that they couldn't find a good vein for an IV, soooo, I had some fun battle wounds (bruises) on my arms. They got someone else to come in and she found the vein that would work. Hooray! They got me all prepped and finally my parents came in to say hi. I got super nervous after the anesthesiologist came in, not sure why, maybe the finality. haha. I got hot and had to take off the warm socks and airblower things on my legs to avoid blood clots. Then, they gave me a relaxer and BOOM - all was well. I was out within 10 seconds, I believe. Hahahah. I am sensitive to anesthesia, apparently, because I woke up 4 hours later (the surgery only lasts about an hour). I had no pain, no gas pain, nothing. I was a little thirsty, but I just remember waking up and the nurse saying "hi!" like she'd been watching me hahaha! After that, they wheeled me to the recovery, which is 6th floor in the Sky Ridge Hospital. More will come in that review. All in all, my process has been so smooth - so much easier than I could have ever expected. They provided me the materials, the videos, and the information to know what I should be doing at each stage of my post-op. I am forever grateful to Dr. Chae for his amazing work. My incisions had no infections, they are healing cleanly and with no pain. I have had no issues pain wise, food wise, or with anything else. Thank you Dr. Chae for your amazing work and kindness! read more

Based on having had one surgery by Dr. Snyder, I'd say he's a competent surgeon. I picked him and his practice because of reviews. I had a bad history with surgery and was apprehensive to say the least. My two stars are because I survived with no direct surgical complications and because of Ramona, one of the nurses. She's very sweet and encouraging. Overall, though, Dr. Snyder falls short. First off, without getting to know anything about my history, within maybe 5 minutes of meeting me, his prediction for my weight loss total was ridiculously optimistic (and well over the "average" for vertical sleeve gastrectomy patients based on my copious research). I all but literally laughed in his face and pointed out my weight had been over 300 lbs since I was 15 years old (so over 25 years) and that I did not expect to ever get below that. I didn't care. I wasn't in this to be thin. I just wanted to be able to get a damn MRI if I needed one (and, fyi, I should not have to resort to the amputation of 80% of my stomach for adequate medical care, but that's another story). However, I often think of the majority of patients going in to see him who ARE dreaming of being thin and who are given overly optimistic numbers like this. Interestingly, without ever explaining it, the day of my surgery he had revised his "best case" UP 60 lbs. The day of my surgery, he asks, are you hungry? Well, yeah. I haven't been allowed to eat for four days. You'd be hungry, too. Then he tells me how I won't be hungry afterwards (and if you've ever had surgery of any sort you know that's pretty damn standard, tbh). And he "promises" he'll ask me when he comes to see me after the surgery. Except he never did. We ran into him in the hall when my husband was helping me walk (you have to be able to walk a certain distance before discharge). He asked me then, and of course, I said no, because pfft I wasn't. I was in too much pain to be hungry. He told me he'd be by my room to see me later. And that was the last time I ever saw OR spoke to him. He did not come to my room. He wasn't the one to call me back on the two occasions I had need for an on-call doctor (one time NONE of the doctors called me back - I was promised a call in 20 minutes and heard from NO one until over an hour and a half later when a nurse called). You pay for the surgery and after care visits, but it's rather sneaky because it seems like it's ALL of the follow up visits. It's actually only the first six months. The six month and one year follow ups you have to pay for (or pay a co-pay for, in the case of insurance). You'll pay the co-pay to see a specialist, but you won't actually see a specialist. You'll see their nurse practitioner. To be clear, I have NOTHING against NPs. I think they are often smarter than doctors, tbh. BUT... I'm paying for a specialist and not seeing the actual specialist and that really irks me. That being said, the NP in question (Elaine) is also really unfriendly. She never acknowledged my husband when I had my first follow up. Didn't even look at him. She has an attitude of superiority and just made traveling over an hour each way that much less pleasant. I was never given a reminder call or postcard for my 1 year follow up. By then I knew the drill anyway. I'd be written up orders for labs and given a 10 minute appointment (if that) for $30 (my co-pay) and over two hours of driving. I had already decided I wasn't going to bother with it. I had no questions or issues and I had my PCP run my labs for me. Finally - and perhaps most critically - there's the complete lack of informed consent about the increased risks of mental health issues, including self-harm and suicide that research has shown post-op patients to suffer. I had a therapist and psychiatrist and a history of mental health issues and eating disorders, all known to the surgeon and staff. I was still not warned of the increased risks. I found out about it after my surgery, as I battled one of the worst bouts of depression I've ever had (yes, despite weight loss). That's just not OK. read more

Dr. Weaver was phenomenal! When I met with him the first time, he took the time to sit with me and answer all of my questions. He didn't make me feel rushed or unimportant. I Fast forward to surgery day, and he was the same, before surgery and after surgery. if you are thinking about having this type of surgery, don't wait. Not only will you feel treated like a human being, but you'll come out the other side so much healthier. Dr. Weaver totally saved my life. read more

I just recently started this process with Dr. Snyder and his team and so far everyone has been very encouraging and wonderful. My initial consultation was great. Dr. Snyder spent the hour answering countless questions that my family and I had and reassured me that I'm making a great decision for my life going forward. The communication so far has been great and I'm so lucky to have found Dr. Snyder and this office to take this journey with! read more

The staff at Denver center for Batiatric are truly amazing and kind!!! The ladies up front are so sweet and welcoming. Dr Snyder is great and is amazing at what he does! A true professional. But as they say a surgeon is only as good as his nurse (idk if they say that or not) but his nurse that has been there 10+ years ( forgot her name) needs some recognition she is AMAZING!!!!!! The coordinator I work with Christine Hart is the sweetest!! She is great at what she does and is very organized!!! She is on top of her game!! The whole team comes together perfectly and they all do what they are meant to perfectly! It is so nice to see people with passion!!! I highly recommend this center! And I already have 2 family members that are making consults. And are out of town even! I told them there is no one better than this team!!! I leave this review with much respect for these professionals. Update-surgery scheduled and I can say it has been a smooth road so far!! My navigator Christine is amazing and I just adore her!!! Pre op I'm two days then surgery in a week. Will update after surgery. Update- almost 48 hours after surgery. Dr Snyder met with me in the hospital. He did an amazing job. All the nurses where so amazing and patient. When I got home the Amanda called me to check up on me. They r so compassionate and the after care was beyond what I expected. They made everything so easy! From bed side delivered meds so I didn't have to go to the pharmacy after surgery. To follow up calls. The nurses kept me comfortable in the hospital. Everything was great!!! And now that I am home I have a one week follow up and two week follow up scheduled so far! This is a great team that I highly recommend they are the best of the best. read more

Dr. Snyder is wonderful and knows his stuff. My husband has lost tons of weight after the sleeve. The followup appointments in the beginning are very critical and you do not want to miss them. I would advise you speak with the doctor about your gallbladder. Rapid weight loss like my husband had required months later for him to have it removed. It would have been much easier if we would have be informed of this prior and just removed it at the same time. We would recommend Dr. Snyder very highly! read more

Parking is a little tricky but there is free two hour parking right in front of the bldg. Dr. Berry is very friendly and actually talks to you to make sure all your questions, comments and needs are answered. read more

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I am writing to say how very disappointed I am with the postoperative care I have received from the Denver Center for bariatric surgery I remember 10 years ago when I got my lap-band put in that I was also disappointed with the lack of follow up after my surgery, but assumed that things had gotten better in the past decade. Having just gotten my lap band removed, however, I am sad to say that I received the same lack of care after my second surgery as I did my first. Pre-operative care and testing with Dr. Snyder's office is top notch. They really put you through the ringer. But once you've gotten your surgery and have paid your bills, there is pretty much radio silence. Looking back, my lap band probably flipped about five years ago. I expressed concerns to my various PCPs, and they just shrugged are the symptoms off as complications commonly related to the lap band. I was finally able to follow up with Dr. Snyder's office and was able to have my lap band removed after discovering it had indeed changed positions. Going into surgery, my BMI was 17 and I had lost more than 10% of my bodyweight in the past six months. Any medical professional worth their weight should have known that those are symptoms of severe malnourishment and should have put me on a refeeding plan immediately after my lap band removal. I was given no such instruction. I was told to eat soft foods for the next few days and then I could resume a normal diet. This led to many complications (which I only know now after doing my own research) that was caused by a lack of proper re-introduction to nutrition. My post operative edema was so severe that upon listening to my heart, my PCP became concerned and ordered an echocardiogram. Luckily, it came back normal. But even after calling the office about a month after surgery expressing my concerns about my edema, I was asked why I did not bring it up during my three week follow up call. I had no idea I was supposed to have any scheduled follow-ups, and have yet to be contacted by the office to schedule these appointments. I have not called to schedule them myself because of my lack of confidence in the postoperative care I am receiving from Denver Center for Bariatric Surgery. I also gained a substantial amount of actual weight in a very little time. By the six week mark, even with no more swelling, I had gained 50 pounds. Despite a healthy diet that includes high amounts of protein/fiber (a diet recommended to me by a nutritionist friend after realizing I'd gotten no guidance from Dr. Snyder's office) and daily rigorous exercise, I still continue to gain. I am now dealing with the self hate and poor body image that I had before I even had the lap-band put in. If you want a doctor who could probably do surgery with his eyes closed, Snyder is your guy. Just don't expect quality aftercare. read more

Dr. Snyder is an excellent surgeon. However I feel that once you have the surgery his no longer concerned about your care. You never see him. You meet only with nurse practitioners who she you during large cattle calls its hard to get an appointment outside one of those cattle calls. The nurses are nice but even if you have an issue you never see Dr. Snyder. He just relays your care to the nurse. I am also unhappy with the new office woman who makes appointments. She seems clueless and rude read more

Had gastric sleeve surgery last year. Down about 65 lbs so far. I don't regret it. Dr. Snyder and his team and very caring and efficient, and he knows his stuff. For someone struggling with morbid obesity, I can't recommend the procedure highly enough. read more

Dr. Snyder is great! Friendly and funny. I know I'll be successful with him and all the available programs. However the front desk staff needs some serious work. I've never experienced such confusion and disorganization. They have a tendency to interrupt and not listen and so they miss important information (both from patients and the doctor). They aren't rude, just seem to always be in a hurry. The front desk is messy and I was nervous about all the medical records just in boxes behind the counter. Maybe they just moved into this office? I also didn't like that one of girls at the front desk has extremely long fake fingernails. Besides seemingly unsanitary, it was painful watching her struggle with basic office tasks. Besides all of that, I'm happy I choose Denver Bariatric. read more

You just won't find a more caring doctor and staff. I had my WLS surgery back in 2009 and still see the office for follow up care to help guarantee my success. Thanks to the work and care of Dr. Snyder and The Denver Center for Bariatric Surgery, I am 160 pounds less and free of diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. I am a 3 Time Ironman and Boston Marathon finisher! I never thought I would be doing these types of things, but the care that I received and the follow up from Dr. Snyder keeps me going even 5 years later! I wouldn't recommend anyone go anywhere else, you just won't find a more caring staff and has a goal to see you be successful in your journey! read more

This is the best of the best. Dr Snyder is a fantastic Sirgeon I recommend him to ANYONE needing this kind of care.

I had my gastric bypass done by Dr. Snyder over 10 years ago. (I so desprately wanted to loose weight so I understand what that feels like.) I wish I had so much more information though to make my decision. I now am so enimic from lack of iron that I have to have iron infusions. (every year) Once you bypass the part of your intestions that absorbs iron you can eat all the beef, spinach, liver or iron supplements you want and it won't absorb. This information is left out for you to make your decision. Also lack of b12 absorption for the same reason can cause neurological complications. Such as balance, consitration, and memory. The tabs of b12 you put under your tounge work a little but not enough over time. It took 10 years for me to find this out from my hematologist. These is the case of 10 out of 10 people who have gastric bypass. You will see in the future if you have this done no medication will absorb right. Dr Snyder also did my mother that he knew had epilepsy and her medication has never been able to be firmly figured out leading to her severe grandmal sezier/ stroke. Please do you research. read more

Dr. Snyder is amazing! His staff and himself treated me so well and worked hard to get my surgery approved. The surgery went great and I am always able to get the help or support I need. read more

Dr. Snyder didn't just change my life, he saved my life! Never knew the doctor before February 2015. My wife and I very quickly (out of necessity because of extreme and sever medical complications) got to know the individual, the man, the professional and without a doubt a compassionate, caring and outright loving person of which he was. After years of extreme pain, anguish, frustration, despair and complete loss of hope my wife and I were quickly referred to him by another outstanding doctor (Dr. Dan Siegel). Dr. Snyder immediately met with my wife and I and quickly identified a key denominator in all my ailments. His office staff worked feverishly to remove what has become major obstacles within insurance approval processes and were able to accomplish approval for expedited surgery, within 2 business days. I'm not a religious man by nature but I believe that divine intervention was at play here. I owe my life to Dr. Snyder and his staff. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. read more

I had lap band surgery five years ago with Dr. Snyder and his crew. One year later my wife did the same. Between the two of us we have lost 165 pounds and are much the better for it. My diabetes is under control, blood pressure is normal without medication and the same with my cholesterol. I still have an ongoing relationship with the staff and most likely will for quite a long time. If you are considering bariatric surgery this is the place to go. read more

Great place until you have a problem. They can't even advise you if vomiting blood and an inability to pass fluids for 6 days is an emergency. They just want to schedule you an appointment. They charge your insurance company 4-5X the amount an uninsured patient pays. Very disappointed in post-surgery care. They just want the ongoing income of office visits. read more

Dr. Snyder was great and surgery went well without complications. Preoperative visits and insurance assistance was great. You will not see the doctor again after you leave the hospital, only nurses and NP's. Post operative appointments are consistently very late, my last one was over 35 minutes late to be taken back. If it happens once I can give them grace but after multiple appointments I find it very disrespectful to me and my time. I doubt I would be seen if I arrived nearly 40 minutes late and then I would be charged to the visit. The main office clerk is nice but her speaking voice is nearly inaudible so makes communicating difficult especially over the phone. The RD is very responsive and helpful with questions. They bill you immediately and will ask for payment without regard to insurance so expect that and then to get reimbursed because they should not have billed or charged you will take an extraordinary amount of time. I was over charged preop and was told I couldn't have the surgery if I didn't pay what they asked and then had to make many phone calls and requests to get reimbursed. I would give the doctor, dietician and the preop insurance case manager 5 stars but the post op / office experiences and billing a 2-3/5. read more

Dr. Snyder did my lap band almost four years ago. I have lost 75 pounds and with Dr.Snyders help and guidence along with his staff I have been able to keep it off. I was suffering from severe back issues and surgery had been recommended. Because I had the lap band and lost the weight my back issues resolved so well that surgery is no longer an option I need to consider. My back probems along with other health issues are no longer a problem. I would recommend Dr. Snyder and his staff to anyone. read more