Dude, I'm more than happy to entertain your questions. I never expected this thread to get so many views, nor did I ever expected anyone local to even stumble upon it, so to me this is great, I'm so happy I can help.
Yes, the Valium prescription was given by the doctor.
I want to add, when it comes to work, I think you need to tell at least one person in the upper management you can trust you will be having surgery. I'm not sure if you work for a franchise, or corporation...but I work for a small business...we have less than 20 employee's. I have a very close relationship with the owner, the general managers, and the other executive members. This also gives me huge flexibility, as they see me as an important asset. Still, I did not want my normal day to day co-workers, or even my managers knowing I was having surgery. We have a certain person who handles the schedule and also all the accounting and office work. I called her personally, and told her I was having a surgery and would need at least 8 days off. I told her it was a private, but not serious, and I did not want to discuss the details. She had no concern in knowing and was very understanding. I also told her I did not want anyone else in the company knowing and if anyone asked in regards to my absence she was to tell them I was on vacation. She had no disagreements with my request of confidentiality. I also told my General manager as well, as he works closely with the office manager. Had I tried to lie, this would have could have been a big problem, because by telling them gained the security with the big heads that if I did have a problem returning back to work on the 9th day, they would understand and I would not get in any trouble, opposed to them thinking I was really on vacation. This may not be an option for you though cause as I said my company is very small and more like a family. If I had to take a month off, I could, no problem. I've worked there for almost 5 years and have gained a high level of respect and seniority by the owner and all other high level staff. I had to lie and tell my co-workers I was going to visit family because I did not feel they were mature enough to understand. I got a call that Monday by my GM he asked when I was able to return to work, I told him this week, I just needed to take it slow so he gave me off until Wednesday so I started back the 11th and had no problems. So if you can, try to tell the the uppermost member you can, make it a personal behind doors conversation. Its essential that you can trust them to not run their mouth and spread rumors. It's better to have someone who has your back, then to jeopardize your healing or even losing your job because you are dishonest. Either that, or just be willing to have everyone you work with know you had gycomastia surgery..not something I wanted to do.
I'm not sure about a referral program, but you can mention my name if you'd like, I'll pm it to you. This whole thing has inspired my dad to get his broken nose fixed, maybe that would help him cause my dad and Dr Bitar seemed to like each other.
Knowledge: 8. He is of middle eastern decent, but is very well spoken. His consultations are quick and not too in depth and I did not have many questions, but he was willing to answer any I did have, and did well. If you have questions, have them ready before hand. He will basically inspect your chest, explain the procedure, show you some pictures, ask if you have any questions. The nurse talks you you afterwords. The nurse was much more detailed in explaining after procedure care, and asking me questions and explaining my concerns. She herself seemed very knowledgeable about it. They have a good team work system going.
Bedside Manner: 9. He was very enthusiastic and just put out very positive vibes. He didn't treat me like just any old patient, he really seemed to have an interest in helping me. He understood how gyne had affected me. The nurse too. They seemed like they were more excited about changing my life and seeing me be happy then they were about money. Like I could really hear the passion in they're vocal tones.
Office: 8 The Manassas office is just a normal office, its not old, but nothing impressive. It has some nice leather couches, haha. The prince william hospital it's self is a nice facility, I preferred the Manassas office just because it is only 20 minutes from where I live. However, the Fairfax office is new, and is very very impressive. He just recently opened it and it seems more customized to his liking, not just a suite in the hospital.
Staff: 9 As I said before, his staff works very closely with him as a team. The nurse was just has helpful, as the doctor when it came to explaining the procedure, and answering questions. I was very impressed. The other people who do the scheduling and stuff are also very friendly, and as I said before the whole practice just put out good, positive vibes.
In all fairness, I don't give out 10's. I don't have a huge degree of experience to compare their practice too, but the other doctors I did see were much worse in all aspects. This is just my personal opinion.