Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program Bariatric Center

Dr. Kirkland is awesome. He's an excellent surgeon and I would recommend him to anyone in the Philadelphia area who is considering gastric bypass surgery. I've always felt comfortable and safe in his care and he has always answered every question and addressed every concern. I'm very happy with my choice and look at Dr. Kirkland as the man who has saved my life.

Was a little skeptical at first site (but that's me). My impression changed quickly...he's very calming and explains everything into detail and even accomodated my time constraints for the day. He will answer any question or concern you may have. His staff was great. I look forward to working with him through the entire process. It's great when you can find surgical competence and bedside manner in one dr. Only complaint besides the 6 month wait (which is normal or below normal for this surgery), was that I didn't get the letter letting me know steps I could take before consultation that would allow for a quicker surgery date scheduled.

I met Dr Schuricht for the first time on May 7th. I really like him from the start. I found him to be charming, very infromative and quite to the point about the surgeries benefits and risks. He answered all questions asked of him fully and without reservation.

He operated on my son in March so I was slightly familiar with him before my first visit. Personally, I need somone with a bedside manner ans he seems to have that kind of personality. He does have a support group that meets once a month.

Ona a scale of 1-10 (before surgery) I would
rate him a 9.5.
Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or both great? Both are as important as far as I am concerned and I think he has both.

I was already a patient of Dr Kirklands, so I knew what to expect. He is a very caring person, and will take the time to listen and answer all your questions. The majority of his office staff are very nice, but the office if a very busy one. I would recommend him to anyone.

I met with Dr. Schuricht on June 19th. He gave a great orientation on the surgery and the after effects. I really liked him. He was smart, funny and serious all at the same time. He immediately put me at ease. I came to the appointment with my psych consult, cardiology consult and PCP letter and my surgery was scheduled immediately-- for August 11th.

He stressed aftercare treatment. The importance of making all of your follow up appointments and following the food regimine.

The office staff seems fine- I didn't have much contact with them.

Today 11/20/02 I got an approval with Dr. Noel Williams. I liked this man but he seemed really busy and although I didn't get to talk much with him I felt that he was good at what he does. Dr. Williams was right to the point in his explanations and left no doubt that he was in charge of your well being. He answered questions if you had any but don't expect to spend much time with him because he moves quickly. I have chosen to go with Dr Williams because I feel comfortable with his skill and they have a date of Jan 2nd set aside for me. Talk about bringing in the new year right :O)
Just think next year at this time I won't look like this......... My last winter as the "fat chick "!
1/15/03- I had my 2 week check up with Dr. Williams and he was so sweet,(even though he was running 45 mins late) he asked me if I had any problems or concerns ? I told him no and he said "keep up the good work and see you in 6-8 weeks". I told him as he turned to leave the office "Dr. Williams you saved my life " he became really humble an smiled as he said "thank you ". This man is the man to go with if you've decided to have this surgery. I never felt for one minute afraid in his skilled hands !

Dr. Williams is wonderful. He explained everything clearly and is very compassionate and understanding. His office was always there for support and answered all my questions. It was a long distance for me to travel, but well worth it.

My initial appointments were with his partner. Dr. Lisa Vellim. She has since left the practice. Dr. Kirkland did my surgery on February 5, 2003. I was a little upset that I did not meet him until 2 minutes before my surgery. However, I do believe he did a great job and is very competent. I would recommend him, and have to several people.

Dr. Williams and the Staff at University of Pennsylvania Hospital, (Philadelphia, PA) are very professional and have requirements that you must meet before they will even approve you to go through with the surgery. All patients must pass a psychological and nutrional test to make sure you are ready for the changes to come. They also require lots of pre-tests which I think is great. The require cardiac clearance, upper gi's, ultrasounds, and regular primary doctor clearance. They are wonderful. I have heard that my surgeon is phenomenol! He performs the gastric bypass RYN laparascopically with great success rates.

Dr. Schuricht is AWESOME! He is VERY upfront about what he wants for you with this surgery, the potential complications and the realistic results that we will expect, he isnt cut happy! Chrissy, is a baby doll! She answered ANYTHING and EVERYTHING I hit her with! I call her MORE then her husband I think...lol I was approved the first time that the paperwork was submitted a little late but hey it wasnt an effort at all! After the "group" meeting with Dr. Schuricht we met with a dietician as a group and then she met with each of us one on one. After that we met with Dr. Schuricht for a more detailed medical history. There is a support group meeting once per month which is VERY VERY good to attened! Overall I found Dr. Schuricht and his staff to be friendly, courteous, caring and extremely professional.
I would and have recomended people to him in a heartbeat!