King's Daughters Medical Center Surgical Weight Loss Program Bariatric Center

Dr. Wheeler did my RNY in 2004. I've known several people who have had the surgery since that time, performed by other surgeons. I have to say that I have done better than any of them. I recovered faster, I lost less hair, I've kept my weight off, I don't have that haggard look that many bariatric patients get...He is pretty strict about the protocol...no smoking, drink your protein, take your vitamins and follow up. When I've had problems, he has always had the support there to manage it..whether it's a dietitian I need, or a bone density scan. He has made it a priority to meet the needs of his bariatric patients. I think he and his staff are the best in the business. I wouldn't recommend anyone else!

What was your first impression of him? He is direct and to the point, wont take excuses.

How would you describe his office staff? Excellent people with a caring attitude.

What did you like least about him? He answers all my questions.

What should future patients know about him? If you serious hes the man for you, he is very direct and wont give you a load of crap. Doesnt preform surgery unless you follow the program to the t, and NO SMOKING..

How much does he emphasize aftercare? Alot, he is associated with a team of diet counslers, nurses and others that are there to help you.

Does she have a structured aftercare program? yes

How did he address the risks of surgery? YES

How would you rate him overall? ONE of the best, excellent.

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great? Both are great. I love him and his staff.

First impression he was a bit cocky but thats ok as long as he does a good job

My surgeon has been great all the way, he means what he says, you want to do as he tells you. His office staff are great,they have ongoing monthly support group meetings to attend if you like. I would rate Dr Wheeler as the best. He is a very good surgeon.

I have been seeing Dr. Wheeler for over a year now. He is a very caring Dr and I would highly recommend him. Just like one of the other reviews said, he doesn't sugar coat anything. He is right to the point. He lets you know before surgery exactly what you are facing and he doesn't tell you just what you want to hear. He gives you the facts. I think he is a highly trained and very smart individual that knows exactly what he is doing. He cares deeply about his patients. He always tells me that he is there for me anytime I need him. The staff there is awesome, so friendly and so caring. I think he must have the best aftercare program around. The girls next door in the aftercare part are just unremarkable. They give me that boost I need to keep moving in the right direction. Also I forgot to mention about their program that my insurance required me to go through before surgery. My insurance required 6 months medical weight loss and I had to see his office staff once a month for that. It was very informative and you learn at every appt. I just love them all there and would highly recommend them. I drive almost 3 hours one way just to get to them and I wouldn't have it any other way :)

I was impressed with Dr. Tompkins from the start, and still am impressed with him after 4 years. I would recommend him to anyone. He is an excellent doctor.

The first time I met him, I thought this is the surgeon that I want. He is very kind hearted. His office staff is incredible. I would recommend anyone to him.

My first impression was that he was rather aloof. I understood that Dr.'s need to be, to a degree, but it still worried me. I soon realized that he is a very nice guy and an excellent surgeon. I feel I could not have been in better hands. The only problem I had was with the office personnel in the medical weight loss center. There was a lot of confusion that is difficult to describe unless you are going through it, yourself. I often felt that one hand did not know what the other was doing in that office. An excellent surgeon like Dr. Tompkins deserves a more organized staff. I'm not slamming everyone, mind you. And I am not saying that they weren't friendly. I was just always fearful that someone was going to drop the ball and let me fall through the cracks in their program. Which DID happen, once or twice. Again....NOT the surgeons fault.

He is excellent (all is good) I would say there is none better and I am a nurse and picky! rnrnHis office staff when above and beyond -- we are raising a 11 year old autistic grandson, due to weather was going to be out of school the day of surgery -- they worked with the hospital staff to find us a private room where Ellis could go with papaw during the surgery. This eased my worries so much.

I've been trying for years to have the gastric bypass and have been shot down every possible way there is until now. I originally went to Georgetown Surgical Clinic and did everything down to the doctor consult with Randall Bolar and was impressed. After being told no over and over I gave up. After receive Medicare my wife begged me to try again and my cousin had the lap band done at King's Daughters. I visited one of their siminars in November and have been on cloud nine since. From the beginning, all doctors nurses, receptionists, have been wonderful. Dr. Tompkins has seen me for my consultation and was more thorough than anyone I've ever been with but moreover, explained everything he was having me tested for and told me his concerns because of my conditions. I'm being tested from toenails to hair seems like. I go to Dr. Ross tomorrow for my heart and get his ok, then a filter is to be installed in my leg for blood clotting, then the endoscopy and colonoscopy on the 23rd, and then RNY. This is the most awesome bunch of people I've ever dealt with in the medical field and believe me, I have a lot of experience there. At reception, the lady was wonderful, stopped what she was doing, closed her desk, and escorted me for my ultrasound because she found out I hadn't been there before and didn't know my way around. After directing me to my seating area she stopped to ask others there and myself if she could get us something to drink or make us more comfortable. Wow!!! Everyone you meet that works there are like this. They all go out of their way to make you feel at home and you know they truly love their jobs and the people they serve. I get periodic letters in the mail as did I receive a Christmas card from all the girls who helped me(nurse, receptionist, dietician, other staff) and not just one, but all of them signed each card and letter with little pick-me-up comments. I betcha none of the other support staff at the other places put that much time into helping their patients. At Tompkins' office I met people who were as far as 2 years out and nothing but praise did I hear. Every one of them said it doesn't stop with the surgery but the support staff are friends for life, and I can easily believe it from the treatment I've had so far. Better not forget his PA as well...She is absolutely a delight and is more thorough than any doctor I've ever visited. She talked to me for about a half hour and honestly acted like time was of no matter at all. If you are checking somewhere else I ask you to at least visit King's Daughters and Dr's Tompkins, Wheeler, and Smith...They are all three wonderful and I'll bet you'll go there if you visit everyone and do a thorough evaluation....