Joaquin Rodriguez, M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center

I just met my surgeon yesterday at Pre-op. He seemed to be a very nice guy. He went over what was going to happen and made sure that I did not have any questions. He complemented me on my current weight loss and my attitude about everything. His staff was nice. His admin person always tried to find out the answer for me, her name was Penny. She was very polite and no matter what questions I had she would try to get the answer and call me back or make sure someone called me. Also Ms. Paulette is straight to the point. She said this is not time to play games but she also is nice especailly if you do what is suppose to be done and show that you are serious. She gives it to you straight. The business office was a little slow but I finally got everything done and I made sure i kept track of everything.

very professional, concerned for patients care, office staff friendly and deicated to job, there is a structured follow up plan, very good care

During my interview with my surgeon last week concerning my RYN on January 15, 2008, he revealed to me that he was the one who performed my gallbladder removal surgery back in 2000. To tell you the truth, I really had no idea back then who did it, but I do know that the operation was a complete success with no complications whatsoever. Therefore, I was elated to know that the same surgeon was going to do my RYN. It has definitely given me a whole new world of confidence. And I know that it will go successfully \"without a hitch\"!

I finally met Dr. Rodriguez after a couple of visits with the nurse practioner and going to 2 seminars and support meetings. Dr. Rodriguez is very busy but very friendly. He will answer all of your questions and concerns without making you feel foolish for asking them. I know he could tell that I did not like being examined and being looked at so he was very nice about it. He was honest about the complications and risks. He knew that I heard the "obese" and how unhealthy it is to be obese a hundred times so he just spoke about the surgery and history. He is very easy to talk to if you have many concerns. I am confident in him and his skills as a surgeon to perform this operation on me. :)

Dr Rodriquez is a great surgeon who really cares about his patients....I am 3 1/2 yrs post op and had to go in to see him last week and it felt as if i was visiting family.....

1-13-05
I went to the wls seminar at Scott & White tonight and it was great! Dr. Rodriguez is very warm and personable. I really enjoyed his staff. I was very impressed that he had even performed the RNY procedure on one of his nurses and had her to meet, greet and talk with those of us about her experiences before and after. This gave me a lot of confidence in his abilities. I liked that the seminar was quite informal. The practice has a great aftercare program and makes no excuses or holds back on what they expect from you once their end is fulfilled.
I appreciated the doctors willingness to discuss the risks of the surgery, but I found it a little comical the way he spoke of the deaths being one in @200. It was said like so matter of factly. I don't know, that's not a small number to me anyway!
I would overall rate my first face to face with Dr. Rodriguez as an 8(1-10).
I would much rather a doc. with high surgical competence than good beside manner but if I'm able to get both, I'm taking it!!!!

My first impression about Dr. Rodriquez was that he is very concerned and is honest and straight to the point. He stresses to you how this is a tremendous life change and that it will take alot of will power and positive surroundings. He also stresses how important excercise and eating healthy will be for the rest of your life.

I am now getting close to my 6-month anniversary date since my surgery. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Rod and his staff. They have been wonderful throughout everything.
When I initially met with Dr. Rod, he told me a normal surgery would be 2-3hours. Well I was not so fortunate. Since I weighed in at 396lbs before surgery, it took a little bit longer. My surgery lasted 5 hours. My family and friends waiting outside were beside themselves. They did not know what to think. My Mom had been to all the meetings with me so she knew the expected time frame for the surgery. Once Dr. Rod finished, he went out and re-assured them and told them it took lots longer for him because of all the excess fat getting through to do the surgery. Mom said Dr. Rod looked completely drained and he still had 1 more surgery to do after me. Dr. Rod explained everything to my family and for that I will never forget him. That means more to me than words can explain. He took the extra time to comfort them and to tell them all the little details. The staff has been very supportive since my surgery. If I had any questions, all I did was email or call and they answered them. I would have to agree with one lady that came to our Diet classes before surgery. She told us the first 3 months would be hard. They are!! It has gotten a lot easier now. I have lost 110lbs so far and can do things I haven't been able to do in a LONG time!! :) You that have already had the surgery know what I am talking about. I still have a ways to go but I know I am going to make it. I go back for my 6-month visit on the 28th and I can't wait. I look forward to the visits each time. More to come!

I was immediately impressed with Dr. Rodriguez. He is extremely knowledgeable and trated me with dignity and respect, not as a gross, morbidly obese fat girl. Over time, my respect and admiration for Dr. Rodriguz only deepened and became more solidified. The office staff was extremely helpful, polite and knowledgeable...as long as you were following the rules that we outlined at the beginning of your journey. I followed the rules and was exceptionally happy with their demeanor and helpfullness. The only thing I can think of that I don't particularly care for about my surgeon is that you don't see him personally at your follow-up visits after surgery. You see his NP, Paulette Whitfield. She is great and I have no complaints about her, it's just that I would have liked to see Dr. Rodriguez again to let him know how appreciative I was for everything. Future patients should know to follow the rules as outlined and your surgery process should go very smoothly. Thre is a emphasized aftercare program that is very structured...all for your own benefits. If you follow it, the weight will literally fall off of you! The risks of the surgery were explicitely outlined at each visit with Dr. Rodriguez. He thoroughly answered any and all questions, no matter how long it took. I NEVEr felt rushed or hurried at any appointment. Overall, I would rate Dr. Rodriguez and his staff a 10+++++ on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being superior. Both competence and bedside manner are top priority and superior with Dr. Rodriguez! The only negative comment I have to say would be that what I thought would be a simple 6 month process turned into a 9 month process of waiting. The six months prepare you mentally and physically for the surgery, but then you have to wait and wait to get appointments with psychology, the NP, and finally Dr. Rodriguez. It was a very frustrating time, but now I know it was definitely worth the wait! Again, this was my personal experience and opinion with S& W and Dr. Rodriguez and you personal experience may vary as well as your results and opinions. I am trying in no way to influence anyone with my opinions.