Before & After

Linda B.
Natchez, MS

I was told by a friend that Dr. Hargroder was a nice, informative and a great doctor. In her opinion I could not find a better surgeon. She was correct! He was everything she said and more. His office staff are the BEST! They have been very patient with my requests and concerns.

Leslie L.
Holden, LA

Before my surgery I did hours and hours of research on Dr. Hargroder and his patients. What I found was very impressive, in the years he has been performing obesity surgery he has never lost a patient. He was everything everyone described... He walked in the room wearing scrubs and cowboy boots, he was very open and honest and really listened to what my husband and I had to say. My opinion of him today is the same as before my surgery, I recommend him to everyone. Dr. Hargroder's office staff is wonderful, they are so warm and caring that they make you feel at home. His surgical nurse Karen is awesome, she is the best. You ask the question do I have anything negative to say, the answer is NO. There honestly was not one single thing that was negative about Dr. Hargroder, his office staff, the hospital staff or my stay at RiverWest Medical Center. Everyone went above and beyond to make me comfortable.

Bobbi N.
La Vernia, TX

Excellent!! Dr. hargroder deeply impressed me with his caring attitude. He honestly made me feel like a real person instead of a piece of meat. It only got better!! the explanations he gave were wonderful, he took so much time to answer my questions and allay any fears I had. No words are good enough!! The support staff was amazing!! even the nurses when they grumbled at me for not walking enugh after surgery! The after care was super, being from Texas I had a toll free number that was answered 24 hours a day and it never took very long to get a reply. I can't think of anything I dislike about Dr. H. Dr. H is a very caring man. he is intensely concerned about making you comfortable and making sure you have all the answers you need. He is very strong on aftercare. He does have an aftercare program but I was allowed to do mine with my primary physician under his guidance due to living so far away although he did ask me to come back at the 4 month point for a general check up. Dr. H is very honest about the risks associated and makes sure you understand what you are facing. I would rate Dr. hargroder as a 12 on a scale of 1 to 10. Both he and his staff went above and beyond to make sure I was taken care of. His bedside manner is awesome and his surgical skills seem to be very impressive, I had a LAP Roux N Y and was up[ walking in 24 hours and made a full recovery within 2 weeks.

Jessica R.
Medical Lake, WA

Dr Hargroder was great and so where the staff! I would recommend him highly! I am thanful that I had the chance to have this surgery. It has been 2 years and 4 months since I had the surgery and I have had no major complications to date. I have been struggling with anemia but I have been taken a product called Chorella that has help! I would not hesitate to suggest or recommend the surgery or surgeon to someone!

Allen R.


It is my belief that Gastric Bypass Surgery (GBS) saved my life. I battled my weight for most of my life. Every time I dieted and lost weight I would always gain the weight back plus more. I was on medication for hyper-thyroidism, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and I was borderline diabetic. In addition to the medical problems I generally felt bad, had very little energy and I had low self esteem. My family doctor warned me about my weight and the risk of heart decease. I began to research GBS as a solution to my obesity. After much research my wife and I attended a scheduled meeting given by Dr. Hargroder and his staff. He explained that GBS was a “tool” not a quick fix. He explained the procedure and addressed the advantages and the risk involved. His staff explained how my eating habits would have to change in order for this tool to work. Some of his former patients were there with before and after pictures. I left the meeting with a positive feeling and made the decision to undergo GBS. I had my surgery on August 26, 2003. The surgery went very well and I was discharged from the hospital after 2 days. I had prepared my self mentally for the journey and I have never looked back. I began my journey weighing 352 pounds, my waist size was a size 52, and I wore XXXXL and XXXXXL shirts. I have lost a total of 142 pounds. I now have a size 36 waist and wear large and XLarge shirts. My family doctor has taken me off the medication for blood pressure or cholesterol. I feel better and my energy has returned. My quality of life has improved dramatically. GBS was the best thing I have ever done for myself.

Renee Hill
Baton Rouge, LA

My Surgery was a success. Dr. Hargroder's office staff is wonderful. And my hospital stay was excellent. I would recommend him to anyone I know that is having surgery!!!

MARLO MOORE
Arlington, TX

SO FAR I KNOW I PICKED THE RIGHT SURGEON. HIS STAFF IS THE GREATEST

Lissa Moore
Biloxi, MS

I met Dr. Hargroder and he has lived up to everything that others have said about him. The man is wonderful and caring, and his staff is just awesome. I would recommend anyone I knew to him. Even his nurses had surgery the same time I did, and if your nurses are willing to let you work on them - that says a lot. He is wonderful and truly a blessed surgeon. I rate him at 100%.

AMBER SHANK
Chambersburg, PA

GREAT. DOWN TO EARTH GUY, AND EVEN WEARS HIS COWBOY BOOTS JUST FOLLOW UP WITH PCP.

KEN JUNEAU
Pineville, LA

DR. H IS THE BEST. HIS OFFICE STAFF IS GREAT.

Jennifer Woolridge
Dallas, TX

Well, I haven't had a consult yet. I've got to have a physical with my PCP first. However, his office staff is awesome! They're on top of everything and it doesn't seem like I'll have a long wait if everything goes right.

Jessica Robertson
Dr. Andrew Hargroder is a wonderful, informative, honest and skilled surgeon who truly cares about the surgery that he is performing! I would recommend him highly and he is very cute! His staff is very helpful! I really cannot say anything bad about this surgeon! He cares!! You won't go wrong if you choose Dr. Hargroder!

KELLIE RICKER
San Jose, CA

Dr.H and his staff are wonderful!! Not to mention he is easy on the eyes!! He is very good at explaining everything to you and does not make you feel like anything you ask is trivial. I would totally trust him again if I had to. He is a very busy doctor, but makes sure to stop by to see you and makes sure his staff is aware of all of your needs.

Kimberley Engelhardt
I liked Dr. Hargroder--he gave us some credit and didn't make me feel stupid. Great experience!

Kecia Thompson
Adamsville, TN

I was very impressed that Dr. Hargroder took the time to meet with me before surgery and answer any questions I had. I was very pleased with all of the staff and their eagerness to help me in anyway they could. I was real impressed and very happy with my decision to choose the facility and the Dr.

Kim Reeves
Sulphur, LA

He was much younger than I expected. He was very informative. I can't really say there is anything I didn't like about him. I pretty much had read everything possible to prepare myself for the surgery and he just reiterated that. Overall rating would be excellent. Both his bedside and surgical competence are a 10.

Patricia Gill
Fairbanks, AK

Dr. Hargroder is an excellent doctor and he never made me feel like a patient, I actually felt like family.

Leslie Downwind
St. Paul, MN

My surgeon was very good. He was knowledgeable and he put me at ease. I was very comfortable with him. The nursing staff and doctors' office staff were both very kind and helpful. Dr. Hargroder addressed the risks of surgery and the lifestyle changes required by the surgery to make sure people knew there were risks and this was not a magic solution. I would rate Dr. Hargroder very high. He and his staff were wonderful. I would highly recommend him to anyone planning to travel for the surgery. The doctor was highly competent and his manner was excellent. I am a nervous nelly but he put me at ease.

Pat McGurk
Lake Mills, IA

My first impression of Dr. Hargroder was that he cared for his patients. The more I saw of him the more I realized that he really cares and I was not just another fat person. His office staff was extremely friendly and caring. I can find nothing bad to say about him or his staff. You can relax knowing that he is going to do his best for you. Before he does any surgeries he talks to his patients and tells all the risks and gives you a chance to back out. He does not pressure anybody. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate him a 15. He has great surgical competence also a great bedside manner.

Laura Krenk
Omaha, NE

I was very impressed with Dr. Hargroder and his staff! They were so supportive and friendly. My mother came with me for my surgery. She was the nervous one; I was beyond excited! As my mom said, "what a wonderful surgeon...and look at his cowboy boots!" My only problem was cabin fever after the surgery, but, thankfully, they have cable, so at least I got to see the Huskers! What else?! Hmmm...Dr. H was very good about answering all of the questions I had, and he was very supportive of the decision I had made. He was honest about side effects and the dangers of surgery, and that made me feel very good. Again, he has both my mom and my approval, so you know he must rock!

Cassy Hayden
Justin, TX

Dr. Hargroder is in my opinion, the best surgeon alive, he is very skilled and takes pride in his work, he is always available and willing to answer all of your questions, and goes out of his way to make sure that your surgical experience and aftercare is as comfortable, pleasant and enjoyable as possible. The first time I met Dr. Hargroder, he walked into the room wearing cowboy boots and scrubs, he has a very nice appearance and on top of it all he has the best bedside manner, I have ever seen. Kristy, his nurse is always available to answer your questions, she has really become a good friend to me, when I call her with a question, and I know I will get an immediate answer. The whole staff goes above and beyond to help their patients and the bottom line is. They really do care! Thank you! Dr. Hargroder, Kristy and everyone else who made my dream of being healthy a reality! I never could have done it without you! I love you guys!!!!

Willette Laird
McKinney, TX

My first impression of Dr. Hargroder was that he was a very confident, competent person. This impression hasn't changed. He's a great surgeon and he's very laid back which makes me feel more comfortable talking to him. His office staff, that I met at the time of surgery, were very nice and helpful. He told me to let my body be my guide. If I'm feeling bad, go check it out. Which makes sense to me. Overall, I would rate him a very high 9 out of 10 (nobody's absolutely perfect), and I only wish that I lived closer so I could see him for my follow-up care.

Ann McCoy
Newton, NC

I thought he projected well. He answered my questions. He was direct. I liked him all the way through. Risks were covered & it was STRESSED to follow surgeon's orders & Nutritional guidelines to prevent trouble. Both manner & competence were very good. I had surgery through 2 hurricanes.

Mary Gaige
Dallas, TX

Dr H and his staff we really wonderful. My first impression was one of suspicion- since everyone else said good things...I am a bit of a skeptic... but after talking with him I was really put at ease and was no longer so nervous. I really cannot find anything I didn't like about Dr. Hargroder...except that I don't like Louisiana. Seriously! He came on rounds and talked with all of us...answered questions with no problem. I'm sure he had answered the exact thing a million times, but he didn't ever show it. Excellent doctor, excellent bedside manner, excellent staff, excellent surgical competence. Emphasized aftercare a great deal, makes sure you are taken care of. I really just cannot find anything negative to say about him or his staff. The longest I waited for a response to my call light was maybe three minutes before a nurse was in my room, I had a lot of allergies, so I am a high maintenance person and I was there by myself. Very professional, very friendly, very competent.

Judy Flaherty
Delano, PA

Dr. Hargroder is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He talks in language you can understand, and gives you the option of backing out anytime before the actual surgery. His staff is great also!! I would recommend Dr. Hargroder for anyone thinking about this surgery!! He tells you everything you need to know about risks, complications, etc. I would rate Dr. Hargroder a 15 on a scale of 1-10!! His surgical manner and bedside manner are both great!!

Barbara Pacheco
Lakeport, CA

Doctor Hargroder was great. He has a nice easy way about him when he talks to you. He talks slow and explains everything and after a few minutes he makes you feel very comfortable talking to him about anything. He does excellent work and aftercare, great bedside manner and nice to look at too! I just love them cowboy boots!

Janet Guinn
Austin, TX

I haven't actually met Dr Hargroder yet, but I hear wonderful things about him and I think I will like him very much. So far his staff has been nothing but helpful and patient. I like the convenience of the approval process and how streamlined they have everything. They apparently have a fantastic aftercare program. I will update this once my surgery is complete.

Kellie Ricker
San Jose, CA

Dr. Hargroder is very nice and easy to talk to. He takes the time to explain anything and everything to you. His staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. They answer all your questions without making you feel like you are bothering them with little things. He works closely with the hospital staff and they take very good care of you. His associates are also very aware of your status and check in on you frequently while you are there. Not to mention Dr. H is easy on the eyes.

Susan Davis
Granbury, TX

I first met Dr. Hargroder in a group interview/education session prior to surgery and after extensive testing. I found him to be honest, up front, and knowledgeable about the procedure. He was conservative in his treatment approach and answered questions readily. He would like to see his patient's back in 4-6 weeks, but most travel from out of state and that's a hardship on the patients. He addressed the risks and benefits of surgery and adequately addressed lifestyle changes that would have to occur. I would rate him as a good surgeon with a pleasant bedside manner. His office person Kristi also met with the group and would be the main contact with the patient post op. She seemed to know her stuff.

MARY BLADE
Pineville, LA

DR. HARGRODER IS A FINE SURGEON AND HIS OFFICE STAFF WAS GREAT. DR. HARGRODER TALKED TO US AS A GROUP, BUT HE ALSO LET EACH OF US KNOW THAT JUST BECAUSE WE WERE AT THE HOSPITAL DID NOT MEAN THAT YOU HAD TO GO THROUGH WITH THE SURGERY. HE SAID IF IN DOUBT,ANYONE COULD LEAVE AFTER THE ASSESSMENT. HE TALKED ABOUT THE RISK OF SURGERY AND EXPLAINED THE RISK TO ALL THE PATIENTS. I WOULD RATE DR. HARGRODER ON A SCALE 1-10 WITH 10 BEING THE HIGH AS A 10. HE HAD AN EXCELLENT BEDSIDE MANNER AND IS VERY COMPETENT. I KNOW THIS SOUNDS ROSY, MAYBE I'M STILL IN HONEYMOON STAGE, BUT THE SURGERY WENT WELL AND I CAME HOME IN GOOD SPIRIT. AFTER GETTING HOME, IT TAKES SOME TIME TO LEARN TO EAT CORRECTLY AND PAYING ATTENTION TO MY STOMACH AND NOTING THE FULL SENSATION.

Bruce Joubert
Lafayette, LA

I can't say enough good about Dr. Hargroder. He is one of the most skilled LAP surgeons in the country. As the others have mentioned, he cares immensely about his patients. In all my visits with him, I never felt rushed or that he was rushed to get on with it. He answered all questions in terms even I could understand. Rating Dr. Hargroder's surgical competence and bedside manner...Both 12's on a scale of 1 to 10.

Tina Rittel
Des Moines, IA

My first impression of Dr. Hargroder is that he takes what he does very seriously. After talking with him through the course of my stay, I also found he has a great sense of humor and is just a great doctor. His staff was great. They made sure all of my questions were answered. I can't think of anything I didn't like about either the staff or Dr. Hargroder. Dr Hargroder told me that he doesn't "require" monthly doctor visits but it would be a good idea to go to my regular doctor about every three months to have my blood work checked. He wanted to see me again 6-8 weeks after surgery. I would say that future patients should rest assured that they have a great doctor. Aftercare is addressed in a packet of information that is sent home with you. Dr Hargroder and the nursing staff also go over everything with you a few times before you leave just to be sure that if there are questions, they get answered. Before surgery, Dr Hargroder sat down and went over all of the risks even the most minor ones and answered all of our questions. Overall, I would have to say that Dr. Hargroder is a really great doctor. I think that surgical competence is probably most important in a doctor but bedside manner is important as well. Dr Hargroder has both!

Cathy Titus
Henrietta, TX

Meeting Dr. Hargroder diminished any and all fears I had prior to having the surgery. He walked into the room with green scrubs and a pair of cowboy boots on. And I remember thinking to myself, "now there's a down to earth kind of guy." He offered answers to any questions I had. He was very friendly and professional as well as personable at the same time. I got the impression that he really cares about his patients. As far as his office staff, I only met one, which was his nurse, Kristy. She was very friendly and had much faith in him as well. There was absolutely nothing that I did not like about this surgeon or his staff. If anyone is thinking of having this surgery, this is definitely the place to go.

Julie Romero
New Iberia, LA

Dr. Andrew Hargroder is a wonderful person and a great surgeon. He treated me with much dignity, respect and honest caring. He emphasizes that WLS is merely a tool. His surgical care, bedside manners, and personality were wonderful. I highly recommend him and his staff.

Tina Palazzo
Tampa, FL

Dr. Hargroder was the most caring, concerned MD that I have ever dealt with. Because he has only been doing this type of surgery for a few months he is very involved and dedicated to discussing your progress with you. He came to check on all his patients daily (even over the weekends). He was very honest with all of us, and was accessible, unlike many surgeons I have dealt with. He spoke in terms we could understand, and explained every part of the surgery to us. He also told us what to expect afterwards.

Cindy McFarland
Sulphur, LA

Dr. Hargroder walks on water. He is awesome and so nice. I could tell right off the bat that he wanted me to feel comfortable. He was very detailed and gave me plenty of time to ask questions. I do not have any bad comments at all about him. If you are going to be a patient of Dr. Hargroder's, you are very lucky. Trust me, you are in the best hands ever. He is a great surgeon. He has a good bedside manner. Overall I would give him a 20 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Rebecca Jones
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

He was a pleasant wonderful man. My impression has only gotten better. The program that he is associated with took care of my whole situation. They are wonderful. There is nothing I don't like about Dr. Hargroder. Everyone should know how great he is. He personally explained the risks and gave me an idea of how likely each risk is. I would rate him - Awesome - overall. He is such a delightful person you can't help but smile thinking about him. His surgical competence speaks for itself.

Mary B

Dr. Hargroder is very relaxed and confident. He says that bariatric surgery is the most rewarding thing he has ever done. After my lap RNY, I was pleasantly surprised to find six very small incisions. They have nearly disappeared as they have healed. He is a very skilled laparoscopic surgeon and has done many major surgeries. His nurse, Kristy, is very caring. He has both a good bedside manor and a great deal of competence. Personally I would prefer competence over bedside manner if I had to choose. Overall I would rate him highly.

TAMMY BJORNI
Eureka, CA

MY IMPRESSION OF DR. HARGRODER IS WONDERFUL. I COULDN'T OF PICKED A BETTER SURGEON. HE IS UP TO DATE, UNDERSTANDING, CARING, OPEN AND VERY HONEST. HE CHECKED ON ME EVERYDAY AND OPEN TO ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS. NEVER WAS IN A RUSH.

Keith Hoffmann
Columbia, MO

I went through the program online and found Dr. Hargroder. Dr. Hargroder was great. He explained everything and checked up on me everyday post-op. The program was perfect. I had a lot of pain the first two days after surgery but it was managed. The airplane trip was a little rough but no pain, just mainly dizziness. I am now 9 days post-op and I am home with absolutely no pain. I get a little weak and lightheaded when I walk but I still don't have all my strength back yet. I have lost 25 lbs so far. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Heather Williamson
Greenville, SC

I had my surgery on March 6th, 2002. Dr Hargroder was WONDERFUL. His staff and the hospital staff rave about him and he treated me with the utmost care and respect. He encourages me to call at any hour for anything. Not only is he a fantastic surgeon but he is a good man as well. I cannot say enough good about Dr. Hargroder and the staff.