Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program Bariatric Center

I first met Dr. Williams on January 10, 2004
what a very "well pressed" gentleman, he was very friendly he made me feel that we've known each other, made me feel very comfortable. He explained every step of the surgery in full detail, there were no questions left for me to ask.
His support team at HUP are all wonderful, they welcomed you with open arms, it was amazing to me how well the worked as a team, every person on the staff that I came in contact with was extremely friendly, the gave alot of information, they covered every possible angle.With the support that they all have I know that I am in good hands.

I find Dr Wernsing very freindly and approachable. His office staff is helpful and respectful. Both his surgical competence and bedside manner are great.
He thoroughly covers the entire gamut of the procedure, who qualifies and possible complications.

Dr Matt Kirkland made my consultation go as smooth as silk!

I originally thought that I wouldn't like the fact that he didn't do a one-on-one consult. But after the group talk it felt like he was talking directly to me. He answered all questions I had written down and even some I didn't think to ask.

He addressed all risks and benefits of surgery and his office staff in A#1. His emphasis on aftercare is truly great.

If anyone has the opportunity to consult with him, I advise it strongly. It will be well worth the months I had to wait for an appointment.

HINT: if you want to be on the 'cancellation list' (to be notified in case of cancellation) keep calling every few days.

He was wonderful, very informative and let
me ask alot of question.

His office staff was very nice.

I am hoping I am approved, because I am
very confident with this Dr.

I met with Dr. Kirkland on 2/17/04 and he was terrific and his office staff was great.

Dr. Kirkland described the surgery and answered questions.

Dr. Kirkland discussed the risks of surgery and spent time on the topic of pulmonary emboli (I'm an RN and I wanted to know more about the precautions he takes to prevent this complication). He fully explained everything (Short time on OR table, TED Stockings, Compression boots, SQ Heparin and OOB.

I waited 10 months for my appt with Dr. Kirkland and during that time spoke to Physician friends about him and received positive information and felt comfortable knowing that he has 16 years of experience and after meeting with him it confirmed that the 10 months was worth the wait.

Dr. Wernsing works with Dr. Kirkland at Pa hospital. I found him utterly delightful. I researched every doctor annd i waited 7 months just to get a consultation with Dr Wernsing. I am so glad i waited. he's funny, easygoing and down to earth. he listens to all you have to say and answers every question with a complete answer. he told me all of the negative and positive things about the surgery, he also explained why he thought a different type of surgery than the one i wanted would be easier on me. one thing he does seem to like is the fact that i had talked to other wls patients and had researched the surgery for so long before i jumped into it. i think he likes people who know exactly what wls takes. i would have to rate him a 10!!!! he was well worth my wait!!!

When I first met Dr. Williams, he was a very serious person concered about me. And that was to me important that he was to the point and very imforative about the surgery. I thank him for saving my life and now I can enjoy things in life that I could not have done 388lbs ago. He's the best and cares alot. I recommend him to everyone I come in contact with.

My first impression of Dr. Schuricht was very favorable. I liked how he talked to us (group consult) and he has a great sense of humor and sarcasm... much like me. His office staff was WONDERFUL!!!!!!!! In addition to being a great person to talk to... he really knows what he's talking about. I know that post-op I will have no problems coming to him and discussing things with him. He also is very strict and will put his "size 12 up our butts" if we don't meet the goals that he sets for us... and that's exactly what I need. Post-op I will definitely update with everything else that happens.

I met with Dr. Kirkland this past week. It was so amazing to hear someone in a physicians setting actually saying that he believed that the amount of food and calories eaten doesn't always have anything to do with weight. It was like someone lifted a weight off my shoulders when I heard him say this. His office staff was efficient and nice. His main administrative person who works on approvals, etc, was very clear and understanding about nerves and waiting for approval.
Dr. Kirkland was very knowledgeable and thorough about the informaiton, pre op, during op and post op expectaitons.

8/18/03 Update - Dr. Kirkland's office is great. I had some issues with my insurance changing..and they worked with me to ensure that I could have the surgery before my insurance change. God Bless Denise! She's great at her job!

1/17/04 Although I believe Kirkland is an excellent surgeon, I have not seen him since the OR. Most people who have had wls see their surgeons on an ongoing basis for at least the first few months, I saw him at one week post op, then was told to come back in 6 months unless I had problems. This follow up makes me uncomfortable.

He was very direct but in a very humanistic way. He is sensitive, but doesn't pull any punches. He is absolute in attempting to be certain that you are prepared for what to expect and he does it all in a very charismatic way. Great sense of humor.

Office staff have been very helpful and professional.

He is big on aftercare and schedules appointments accordingly. He spent about 3+ hours with me on our first meeting in a small group and individually. I then heard him address a support group for over an hour and I would say he was very upfront with the risks on all levels.

Overall, I am impressed with him although I am still pre-op. I will update after surgery, but I have very positive expectations!

Okay - I'm post op and still impressed with my surgeon!! He's been great and I'm happy with all areas of his care and competence!