Vanderbuilt Weight Loss Clinic-Nashville TN

Is there anyone out there going to Vanderbilt? I went for my first vist Dec. 8th. Then I got my approval letter on Jan 8th. Then Jan 10th I got a surgery date. I will meet Dr. William Richards for the first time on Jan. 17th. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me about thier experience with Vanderbilt. :-D Charlotte

I did a lot of research (including asking numerous physicians where THEY would go if it was their body), and almost universally, they told me Duke or Vanderbilt. With this info in mind, I ended up picking Vandy, and Dr. Richards is going to do a Lap RNY on me this next Monday (1/15/07). If you would like to talk about the experience, my wife and I will be in Nashville for most of that week, and would be glad to talk to you about our impressions of the procedure, etc. Send me a PM and I'll give you our cell numbers. My initial impression of VWLC is very positive - I attended a support group meeting on the Tuesday before my Wednesday morning clinic appointment, and was impressed with it (right before Christmas). Dr. Richards was wonderful, and I can tell he takes patient care seriously. The nurse practitioners (esp. Christian) have been great, and they seem to respond to e-mail inquiries quickly. Overall, I'm pretty excited. Woke up about 2 1/2 hours ago and watched the program on Gil Gerard's gastric bypass on Discovery Health. I'm excited, and looking forward to the new, improved me. Best regards, Brian

I went through Vanderbelt, I am almost 8 months out now, and have not had one single complication. My only complaint with Vandy was the poor care from the nurses after surgery, but as far as the doctors they are top notch! Good luck with everything. Hugs, Jacqueline

Hi Charlotte! I had Roux N Y at Vandy on 6/12. My doc was Torquati. I hear nothing but positive from Dr. Richards. Everyone I have spoken to that had him LOVE him. Vanderbilt has an excellent clinic. They excel at preparing you for the surgery. The post lacks a little. I like that CMC offers post therapist for life. Wish Vandy would do the same. The support groups didnt impress me, so I suggest you attend several. The night time group is supposedly better than the lunch time one. I had great aftercare, however my view is skewed because I am a nurse and I am very good at taking care of myself. Vanderbilt does not "coddle". They expect you to be moving and progressing. So if complications arise, then you have to work harder. But, unfortunately with healthcare the way it is, you get that everywhere. Be sure there is someone with you 24 hours to be your advocate at the bedside. Whereever you go. Like Jacqueline, I had NO complications at all. And I am doing Fabulous. You should try to come to the Saturday lunch and talk to folks. We would love to have you. Saturday at 1pm at Ruby Tuesday's (I think - look at the other posting by Susan Jones). I am hoping to make a late appearance. Good luck to you.

I had my surgery at Vandy but didnt use the weight loss clinic. I used Dr. Wright. Hes actually a liver transplant specialist but also does the open gastric bypass. He is a very intelligent man and wonderful surgeon. I have had any complications and got back to my normal self very quickly. My main complaint was with the nursing staff there. They didnt seem to have a good grasp on taking care of weight loss patients. I just dont think you can go wrong with using Vanderbilt though.

i went through vanderbilt and I had nothing but positive experiences. I have my 6 month check up on Monday and I am excited to see everyone again. Congrats on the quick approval time for surgery. Good luck on your surgery also. Marie