Dr. Wataru Tamura, MD

Best gastro I've been to after having been through so much.

Dr. Tamura was very nice and caring and explained his eastern-medicine influenced philosophy thoroughly. My husband had gone to him so I decided to put my faith in him as well for my medical problems. He ordered a lot of tests; I had a colonoscopy, massive blood draw, ultrasound with dye and, finally, I went through the capsule camera procedure, having to take a whole day off work for the last one. It was all very interesting but not very helpful. I did not have Crohn's or Celiac Disease or anything close to it. Neither did my husband, as it turned out. Still haven't found the answers to all my GI problems (acid, GERD, diarrhea), but unfortunately Dr. Tamura's approach made me feel a bit like I was a science experiment guinea pig. Was he qualified to help me, or was he just selling a concept and trying to make money? I'm still not sure of the answer.

Following several trips to the emergency room for severe abdominal pains, I was referred to Dr. Tamura for follow-up and testing. After putting me through an lengthy, expensive series of tests, he diagnosed me with Crohn's Disease. He referred me to a nutritionist and told me to see only her. He said that if I followed her diet, I would be symptom-free and that a variety of other symptoms and ailments that I have had for many years would go away. The nutritionist put me on a regimental, expensive, difficult-to-follow diet. After following the diet strictly for a year, I consulted with a GI surgeon, who disputed the Crohn's diagnosis and said the problem was with my gall bladder. The surgeon's suspicions were confirmed by the head of GI at a major research hospital, who performed a double colonoscopy on me. He told me unequivocally that I did not have Crohn's. He added that there is no research indicating that diet is an effective treatment for Crohn's. So I had the surgeon remove my… gall bladder. He provided photos showing that my gall gladder was so far gone there was almost nothing left. The photos also indicated that my digestive system, from the outside, appeared normal. After the gall bladder surgery, my symptoms went away immediately, and I have been fine ever since. I understand that Dr. Tamura recently moved his practice out of Arizona. If he is in your area, beware.

Dr. Tamura correctly diagnosed me with gluten intolerance after three years of other gastroenterologists failing. He spends ample time with me every visit and always has insights into how I might even further improve my condition and lifestyle. I can honestly say that he has be3n a real life saver to me!

After one visit I never went back. Dr. Tamura was friendly and professional, answered all of my questions that i had at the moment, and treated me with respect. His medical assistant on the other hand was not respectful. I felt a condescending attitude from her. I felt like she was a very judgmental person. After the Dr. recommended a colonoscopy, the medical assistant gave me the instructions for preparing for the procedure, which included the line, "do not eat raw vegetables for one week prior..." With her pen she crossed out the word 'raw' before handing me the instructions. This was the last straw. I have spoken to many people who have had a colonoscopy, and none of them had ever been told that they couldn't eat well cooked vegetables for the week prior to the procedure. If it wasn't for the MA's confrontational and rude mannerisms, and the fact that she overstepped the Dr. by telling me to stop eating all vegetables, I probably would have gone with Dr. Tamura.

Dr. Tamura took time with me and I appreciate that alot. I didn't feel like "just a number" His medical assistant is courteous, professional and prompt at returning calls ( something that seems to be a problem at other offices) I would recommend this doctor to everyone I know who needs a great gastroenterologist!

Dr T is the best GI doc I ever saw. Sadly cant say the same for his MA professional yes, courteous no.

I was in for Deverticulitis and my 1st colonoscopy and I cant say enough good things about Doctor Tamura and his staff. He is very good at explaining the procedures and condition that I have and was able to get in for the colonoscopy within a week of my 1st visit with him. The procedure itself could not have gone smoother and he took the time to explain everything to me, I cant say enough good things about this doctor and his wonderful staff !!

Dr. Tamura takes the time necessary to answer all questions and explains his philosophy well. I learned so much and I feel so much better. I recommend him highly.