Robert Wetherille Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Haven't met him yet, but have heard good things!

I am now reconsidering WLS as of September 2005 because Dr. Jones performs Lap-Band surgery and because my insurance covers it at 100%. I hope to have a consult in the next month or two.


My previous experience with Dr. Jones was during a consult with him in January 2002. I wanted to discuss the option of having Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG). He was frank, full of information, advice, and gave me very honest views of the pros and cons of VBG. I was very appreciative of his time and his forthright nature. I chose not to pursue the surgery at that time.


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Please note: The following information is regarding my original WLS journey in 2001. My planned surgeon was Dr. Michael Schwartz at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN:

My surgical consult didn't get off to a good start as I was left to wait for 2 hours. I had a cursory physical exam by the doctor and then was allowed to dress and further discuss the surgery. I found Dr. Schwartz to be a pleasant man, but not one to make small talk. He is extremely experienced in this procedure (he and his partner Dr. Drew have performed over 3000 RNY's since the mid-80's and 300 laparoscopic procedures in the past few years...) and most likely has gotten just about every question there is about this surgery, and subsequently is a bit abrupt with his answers to anything but serious questions. I felt I got my most pressing questions answered in the hour-long consult I had with him. He referred me to his P.A. to answer any other questions I had. He did, however, provide a good overview of the procedure, the risks, the complications and the intended results. He is a strong supporter of this surgery and has seen a lot of success firsthand. I feel Dr. Schwartz is extremely capable, but had hoped for a more pleasant demeanor and compassionate bedside manner. I guess if I had to choose between the two options, I'd opt for experience over personality.

My husband and I met Dr Wetherille at my surgery consult. Although very busy (we got interrupted a few times) he took time to listen to my concerns and needs and we left feeling very comfortable with my choice. I saw him the morning of surgery and after. I was so glad I had it done through Park Nicollet!

Dr. Wetherille was great on my intial meeting. He was very straightforward and took time to answer my questions. He doesn't seem the type to coddle patients but he will pay attention to you!

The whole program at Park Nicollet has just been wonderful. I would have been happy with any of the surgeons they have on staff!

My very first impression of Dr. Weatherille was that he was a refined man of integrity. I was correct in my impression. Not only is he all of above, he is also a perfectionist in his work, very focused and yet open to explaining things to his patients satisfaction. As I write this, I am 3 months post op and have had two fills. I could not be happier with this surgeon. He also teaches other physicians how to place the lap band. My surgery and fills have gone off without a hitch. FANTASTIC !!

I met with Dr.Wetherille on June 20th my first impression of him was that he is genuine,caring,and very kind. He also seems very knowledgable and knew what he was talking about.

Dr Wetherille is the best. I had complications and him and his nurse Kurt were immediately there for me and helping me through. I feel I was given more than enough attention and they were all there for me when I needed them. They have always even 18 months out of surgery been there for me and promptly returned my calls if I needed answers. The follow up care is great and I never need to worry I am "bothering" them.

They offer a support group and have given me much information before and after surgery to deal with. Kurt is very knowledgable and able to explain things that I have had happen etc.

I got to see Dr Wetherille 11 months after surgery when my husband had his surgery done and Dr Wetherille was impressed with how I was looking etc.

Even with the complication I had, I would never want to turn back to the old fat Denise I was!!! I still have a way to go, but now have the tool to achieve what I need to. I just have to keep focused!!!

He and his staff and the nurses at the hospital are 10's!!!

I met Dr Wetherille at my pre op appoitment and I knew that I picked a great surgeon. Very informational and made me feel at ease about the surgery. Answered all of my questions and was very kind. He went over this risks of the surgery very well and made me well aware that I was have MAJOR surgery. On the day of surgery he came and see me in the pre op room and saw me which I thought was great. After surgery he came and saw me in my room and told me everything about the surgery. I just feel that he went out of his way to make me feel the most comfortable and pleasant with my surgery. If someone was going to have the surgery, I would say have Dr Wetherille.

Dr. Wetherille and I have been down a road together. He initially did my lapband surgery and then removed it to do my RNY. He is very good, takes the time to answer questions and explain all aspects of the surgery. He is calm, methodical and experienced. His nurse Kurt is also really good. The aftercare has been good, they are meeting with me regularly and checking my blood to ensure I am at the proper levels.

Dr. Wetherille was wonderful. Just had my surgeon's consult today (04/14/05). He was very knowledgeable and I feel very comfortable with him performing the surgery. Kurt (his nurse) was very helpful. They addressed the risks of surgery. Dr. Wetherille when over complications and deaths that have occurred at Methodist. He performs about 6 surgeries a week according to Kurt. I would rate them both a 10 out of 10.