Noel Williams Bariatric Surgeon MD, FRCSI, Director, Penn Metabolic & Bariatric

Questions from Obesity Help

What was your first impression of him/her?
Very Good first impression

How did your impression change over time?
He is still the best surgeon for this operation in my opinion

How would you describe his/her office staff?
I think his staff is over worked but excellent

What did you like least about him/her?
Before Surgery the OR Nurse said she would keep my family updated hourly and they weren't. To top it off Dr Williams never came out personally to speak with my family. He did not even take time to call until after many hours after my surgery was over. Even than my husband had to have him paged to know what was going on or he probably wouldn't have called.

What should future patients know about him/her?
That you are in the very best hands

How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
UOP has an excellent online support group and regular monthly meetings at the hospital

Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?
Very much so

How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
Every Surgery has risks.

How would you rate him/her overall?
Excellent Surgeon

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside
manner, or both great?
surgical competence

Additional comments:
Overall I feel that he is the best and most knowledgable surgeon for this operation

extremely nice-very compasionate
no at all
very courteous
nothing
he is very caring
extremely important
absolutely - support is in place
total explanation of the risks & benefits
150%
both great

My impression of Dr. Williams was a great one he has wonderful surgeon hands. He was very polite and understanding. Very knowledgeable. He came highly recommended and I loved him. His office is also very nice, I have talked with Susan in reguards to setting a date and after surgery questions about meds, and she was soo helpful. He has a very good aftercare program from The only problem was that I had to wait 21/2 hours for him he was running behind. But it was worth it. Rachel the nutritionlist is very good she answers all questions.

From the first time I met Dr. Williams I found him to be extremely patient, knowledgable and understanding. As time has gone on, my impression of him has improved as I have had other dealings with him. He explained everything to me in a clear and easy to understand manner. He was listed in Philadelphia Magazines listings of "TOP DOCS" for the year 2002. He always tries to do the WLS laproscopically if possible which cuts down on recovery time. His practice offers structured aftercare with a nutrionist and monthly support group meetings as well as an internet email group. I trust him implicitly.

9/26/02 - I've decided to see Dr. Williams referred to by my PCP. He operates out of University of Penn, I was surprisingly able to get an appointment for 9/30/02!!!

9/30/02 Well, I had my consult with Dr. Williams today, and I must say that I feel much better now that I have met him. He was friendly and informative, and I know that I am in good hands, he was so confident in his demeanor. He laughed with me and made me feel so comfortable about my decision, and he told me that I would be an excellent candidate for Lap RNY! He not only explained the risks, but also explained what he does to prevent them from happening, which is something that impressed me very much. Although the commute to U of P is a little bit of a hassle with traffic, the hospital seems very clean and professional, and worth it. My whole appt was 2 1/2 hrs, which is not bad considering a few that I have spoke with. By the time I left, his office was PACKED, which tells me that he is the right doc to go to, plus he does 12-13 surgeries a week.
10/11/02 I'm APPROVED! Susan at Dr. Williams' office is the best! She kept me updated through the whole process, and it only took a week! Hopefully soon I'll have a surgery date...

Well I had my consultation yesterday. 9/23/02 Dr. Williams was very polite. I waited about an hour and a half to see him, but I am glad I did,and I would do it again. The meeting was brief, but he explained exactly what he was going to do. He made a diagram and everything. Then he felt around on my stomach, asked if I have ever had surgery on my stomach before. I said no and I guess that meant that lap procedure was a thumbs up. He asked what my time frame was for surgery. I said the sooner the better! So upon approval, the surgery will be hopefully in early November. We will see! Good luck to everyone else!

I had my first consultation with Dr. Williams on 9/9/02. I was very impressed with him. He explained everything to me in detailed. He even drew me a diagram on the procedure. He answered all of my questions. He was very nice. The office staff was nice. Only problem I had is that it was a 2 1/2 hours wait. But it was worth it. I met with Rachel the nutritionist and she shedule a nutritional and psyc evaluation for 10/2. The psych and nutrition appointment will cost me $400. I do not think Atena will pay for this. But that is okay. I know they will pay for the surgery so I am not complaining. Rachel also stated thata packet will arrive in the mail before my appointment. Dr. Williams told me to just sit back and wait for the approval. He advise me not to do anything because his office will handle everything with Aetna.

Let me tell you.. Before the surgery, my opinion of him was he was a great surgeon. Now that I have went thru surgery, and I had complications, let me tell you. ANYONE WHO HAS Dr Williams AS YOUR SURGEON CAN REST THEIR MIND IN KNOWING THAT YOU HAVE ONE OF THE BEST. As my mom has said, when Dr Williams steps into the OR, know that you have an angel in the OR.

His Staff is excellent. While I was in, I saw his interns and residents. Everyone of them were professional, as well as caring.

His secretary is perhaps one of the best as well as busiest ladies I know.

I would recommend Dr. Williams in a heartbeat to anyone in the area as you really have a true professional, as well as a caring Dr.

I have had only my first consultation with him and found him to be very sensitive and informative. He explained everything in detail and drew a diagram for my husband and me. I felt he was very confident in his work, which made me feel very at eased. He took my fears away with having the total gastric bypass as opposed to just the band in which was what I was comfortable in having done since it is not as advasive. He is a surgeon in Europe and the United States and that made me feel more confidence in him for whatever reason I not sure. But that made the difference in picking him out of the group. Overall so far I am happy with him and the staff, guess time will tell the rest of the story as I go through my long journey.

First impression: Congenial, caring and trustworthy. Office staff and those connected to the program are extremely competent and a wealth of information. Pleasant and caring. Give every individual the utmost attention.

After care is structured and outlined in a class and covered thoroughly.

Risks of surgery made very clear as well as the precautions taken to prevent them.

I haven't had my surgery yet, however, so far I am extremely impressed and confident in my surgeon and his staff.