Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program Bariatric Center

I first saw Dr. Williams in the summer of 2002 on a news program with Wally Kennedy. He was speaking about one of his male patients who was also on the show. I had been dealing with another Bariatric Surgeon in New Jersey for 6 months and when I learned of Dr. Williams practicing at U of P, I quickly made an appointment for December 16, 2002. It was a very long 6 months to wait but the day did come and like so many others that have come before me, I waited like a kid for Santa to see Dr. Williams. I waited almost 3 hours to see the doctor and once seeing the Nutritionist, Internist and someone else, Dr. Williams entered my room. I told him he was the best Christmas present I could have. He was very warm, pleasant and had a sense of humor which made me feel very much at ease. He asked me a few questions, reviewed my chart, my ultrasound of my nasty gallbladder and then asked to see my belly. He then reviewed the procedure, the risks and most importantly was he intends to do to reduce or eliminate the risks to me during surgery. He and his associates had talked about the aftercare program and assured me that this was a process not an event. I know that there are people there that will be supporting me for the good times and the down times. I was so thrilled to meet Dr. Williams and his staff, and so confident after speaking with them that I was the "little train that could"- this was all I had hoped it would be. After almost 3 hours of waiting, I spent about 5 minutes with Dr. Williams but it was enough to tell me I had made the right choice. The office staff was all very professional and very pleasant. I realize that I was as a new patient all consumed by the experience and yet, they do this daily. I didn't feel like part of an assembly line and that it a real compliment in today's medical offices.

Dr. Kirkland was wonderful he took all the time in the world to explain everything from the beginning to the end of surgery. He really put me at ease. His staff was very pleasant and helpful. He does strictly open surgery but does have a partner that does selective labroscopic surgery.

I'm going to meet Dr. Kirkland at my Group Support meeting on Jan. 28th. I have a consultation on February 13th, (the Day before Valentines Day....my gift to myself)
I will keep you updated, but My girlfriends Dawn and Mary have gone to him and are very happy with him! I feel that I will be more than happy too. He comes recommended highly!

Dr. Kirkland was very knowledgeable and I felt very comfortable with him doing the surgey. He is very busy but anytime I had a problem, he saw me within days. The staff was great. They wrote my letter to the insurance company and in 3 weeks from my initial consultation, I had a surgery date. They scheduled all my preadmission testing, filled out disabiltiy forms and called in scripts. Please note that he has a very busy practice and may seem not to care but he is on top of your case. He sees you 2 weeks post-op and then at 6 months if all is well. There are support group meetings the last Tuesday of the month at Pennsylvania Hospital for those who are considering or have had the surgery. The only thing that was frustrating to me was that I didn't know what to do as far as diet goes when you reach 6/8weeks. Overall I give him a rating of 8 out of 10. Surgicial competence is more important to me.

Dr. Williams is overall an incredible man, Extremely experienced so the wait time is ridiculous, but worth it. His staff is knowlegable and friendly. I would rate him a 10 on a scale 1-10 with 10 being the highest. For future patients I recommend bring a book the wait time is unbeleivable, even if you have a appointment that is the only downside, but again you are getting the most experienced Lap doctor in the Phili area.

I spoke to his staff because I wanted to know before scheduling an appointment and waiting months whether or not he did revisions. They were very helpful and knowledgable.
I had my consultation 1/6/03. I really liked the doctor's personality and style. He was thorough making sure I understood everything he would have to do in my case drawing diagrams of each step and making sure I understood the risks of what he would be doing. His office was backed up at the time but he didn't rush me. He answered my questions with humor and wit and an adorable accent that I could have listened to all day.
I met a woman from my support group in the waiting room. She had called in friday with a problem and he fit her into an already full schedule(she was 5 weeks post-op). This made me feel good about my own aftercare. I know if I sould need to see him with a problem that I will be seen quickly.
The waiting room wait is always long. I was there for almost 4 hours. He had an emergency surgery that morning that threw him off and my friend was a add on. He also has the reputation of not rushing his patients, you won't leave with questions unanswered.

My decision to change surgeons was due to an uncertainty of whether or not the surgery would be performed. I was originally scheduled with Dr. Joseph Curci and due to the issues with malpractice insurance with has plagued PA, it became obvious that I had to look for another alternative.

I sent an email to Dr. Williams on a Sunday morning and explained my fears and concerns for the lack of perhaps not receiving this needed surgery. Also the concern I had with the original surgery going to be an Open procedure which was not what I really wanted and all along preferred the Lap procedure. I was totally delighted to receive a response from this man that afternoon instructing me to call his office the next day on Monday and have his a ssistant Susan schedule an appointment for me in the next couple of weeks. I never expected to ever have a doctor respond on a weekend to me and this already showed me that this is a man that truly cares about his patients and people in general.

I met with him on the 9th of December was was completely overwhelmed with this entire experience. His staff was exceptionally comforting and willing to help and make you feel as comfortable as possible. Susan was an absolute joy to meet. And then Dr. Williams himself took time to literally explain everything to me about his procedure and the prevention he takes to avoid the risks as well. When I left his office I felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders and was totally at ease with the entire experience.

In my books himself and his staff rate a perfect 10.

Sincerely,
Ken Wykoff

I have an appointment with Dr. Noel Willimas in October. I called last week and his office informed be that they were already scheduling into December. That would be the first available for my consultation. I was ofcourse upset that I had to wait so long. Well, I work in the healthcare industry and know that people cancel appointments everyday. I received my confirmation letter with a health history to complete. I decided to call back to his office in a few days. I called late in the afternoon and received a sweet woman. She told me that she would check the schedule. Praise the Lord!!! I was able to get an earlier appointment for October. That is great!! You know I am going to call back and see if I can get one for Sept. I know that will be pushing it, but I will try!!! After reading through the many succesful stories, I am encouraged. I have heard alot of good things about Dr. Williams and his concern for his patients. I forgot to tell you!!! My brother is scheduled for his surgery in Sept!!! He has not registered on this website. Dr. Williams will perform his surgery. I will know first hand how things turn out. He encouraged me to call.If I am able to get an earlier appointment for a consultation, I will let you know.

My first impresssion was great. Although he did not have a weight problem, he showed great empathly towards his patients. He has continued with this impression, and I have referred at least 5 patients who have had the procedure. His office staff is very busy, as they do other types of surgery as well, but this is typical of all medical officies these days. Although he follows up with patienrs, there is no aftercare concerning things such as blood work, or to monitor other medical conditions (I had diabetis, and high blood pressure) or to monitor b12, protein, iron ect. However, I feel most people are better off letting their own physician, take over in these areas right after the surgery. Most surgeons should not be monitoring my blood sugar or making decisions about medication changes. He simply does not know you that well, or have the experience in these areas. My main concern was finding a good surgeon, who did the procedure well. I was very happy with my personal physician, and he had no problem working with me right after the surgery. Dr. Schurichts bedside manner is great and so are his surgical skills. The only negative was a better network be available, other than the hospital nutrition personell.