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

I am 10 years post-op and I am so happy! Dr. Berkowitz saved my life. I feel good - my health is very good. I never had any complications. It was scary at times and painful but, I hardly remember that now. I am happy to hear that Dr. Berkowitz has retired. He should feel good for everything he has done for us.
--Patti (open Rou. Start 326, lowest 158, now, 170)

This year will mark the 10th year since my surgery. Dr Berkowitz was also my surgeon. I dont remember him "sugar coating" the procedure. I know he was up front and honest about the pros and cons of the surgery. I researched this procedure for an entire year before finally chosing the Barix clinc. It was called the Bariatric Treatment Center then. I do remember the staff being very caring. If I had it to do again, I would in a heart beat. I am Still half the size I was 10 years ago and have managed to keep ALL of that weight off. Thanks Dr. Berkowitz.

'My first impression of Dr. Berkowitz was all business. When I first went to see him he was still with Bariatric Treatment Centers (now Barix) in Belvidere. But I learned very quickly that he had a genuine concern for his patients he wanted to make sure that we were comfortable with him and his style

My doctor was absolutely AWSOME - but he's since retired I'm sad to say.

Berk was good. Saved my life - he is now, however RETIRED. The Barix Clinics program (formerly BTC) was / is incredible. People are people and there will always be "issues" with any organization - Barix Clinics - I felt like they knew what they were doing! Specialized in treating the morbidly obese and gave me respect.

I co-lead a Barix support group -- after care is very good: informational, multi-faceted - and the support group is one of the critical facets! Working / learning/ talking together to share common situations, changes...

The BENEFITS of surgery (it's outcome) for me, far outweighed the risks. I thought I'd play "stump the surgeon" and show up with 3 pages of hard-hitting questions - the doc answered EACH QUESTION even BEFORE I could ask ONE of them! :)

Dr. Berkowitz is now retired but my first impression of him is that he is busy..I felt rushed by him from the very beginning but I continued on with him as a surgeon because my friend recommended him.

The office staff at the Bariatric Treatment Centers were very polite. The center does not have good aftercare..I had problems with my incision and after being on the phone with them several times and not being allowed to speak to a doctor..they finally put me through and then even the doctor wasn't very helpful and rushed our conversation. I was so upset over the whole ordeal..I never went back to the center for any of my other check ups..not my 3mos,6mos, or 9mos..finally, I decided to go for the anual..and when I did it was such a waste of my time..they didn't even do blood work or take me into a doctors office..they just asked me questions and again sent me on my way in a big hurry..I still feel like I was just a $ sign..the only thing that I can say good about the Center was the loving care of my nurse..she was unbelievable..so sweet and caring and she just really went out of her way to take care of me..

As far as a structured aftercare program-it doesn't exist..but there are groups of post-ops who meet but they met so far from my area that I never attended those either

Aside from my doctor never having enough time for me..I guess what matters in the long run is the success of my surgery..which I believe it was a success..he was a very competent doctor.

My first impression of him was a good feeling. The office staff was great. Had alot of lost paper work but everything came out ok. I would have like to see him at the hospital after surgery, but thats ok. He is a very funny person, yet tells it like it is. I like that! He said with the help of you and me we can get thru this. I will follow all rules, I want a good recovery.I was told about the risk. I have been trying to make it on my job for years with many back surgeries, 4 bladder surgeries, another one to repair what is left and alot of other things that were wrong with me. I had got to the point that I could not lift my body up and the pressure was too much for me to handle. So I ask doctor Roy a few questions he answered them, my husband liked him and I have heard nothing but the best about Doctor Roy. His stats on this site alone speaks for itself what kind of doctor he is. I know that he was going to leave and do something else and I am sure glad that I got him as my Doctor before he left the clinic. Very happy with Doctor Roy!!!!!

well i personally thought dr berkowitz was really caring and understanding and most of all patient. and he seemed to be smiling everytime i see him. even at my follow-up appts even tho at sometime saw dr. schlesinger at times. even if i passed dr berkowitz in the hall he always ask how are u doing? i felt so confortable. when the btc had a patient reunion the awhile back and people brought their biggest dress or pants to show off, omg he even recognized my dress as the one o wore to my consultation! now that floored me! the staff were also very nice too polite helpful and informative about any questions i may have.aftercare program was clearly describeed the take home materials each patient is given. i mena they even gave us restaurant card, a photo album, and a notebook with the information on each step in the recovery process. risks as well as benefits were discussed as well. overall i felt his bedside manner and his competence was excellent. just looking at his photo makes ya wanna smile, dont it? so overall i saw or felt nothing at all negative or disturbing in my experience with him.

Dr Berkowitz, from the very first meeting, was an enthusiastic, attentive, friendly sort. Both my wife (who also had the surgery) and I had many questions, and he answered them all completely. He also told us about the risks involved and what to expect during recovery. My wife and I did extensive research on bariatric surgeons in our general area, and Dr Berkowitz was hands down the most qualified. We both highly reccomend Dr Berkowitz for any folks looking to have this surgery.

I really liked him and so did my husband he answered all of our questions and I was very impressed with BTC overall, I'm now waiting for approval of insurance by Federated Mutual insurance PPO. I feel very safe with Dr Berkowitz as my DR.