Robin P. Blackstone Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

I will meet Dr Blackstone on Feb 20 for my consult. My insurance has a provision for wls and has already agreed to cover it. I have only spoken with Cindy in the billing office but so far she has been very nice. She talks to you on the phone like she has known you forever.

Dr. Blackstone and her staff have made the whole process so much easier than I anticipated. From the insurance approval process to my first weeks of recovery, they've been there every step of the way. Dr. Blackstone answered all of my questions thoroughly (even the weird ones, such as "What do you do in the morning to get ready for my surgery?") and treated me with respect and sensitivity. She even took the time to call me back three times when I faxed a question to her office. She seems like a talented, caring lady, and she explained the surgery and the risks much better than other local doctors whose seminars I've attended. I got the feeling that it was really important to her to give patients individual attention (although I think it's getting harder and harder with the increasing number of patients), and that safety was her top priority. Both of the nurse practitioners she's hired to help her out seem top-notch. One of the NP's, Melissa, has been so understanding about my post-op stress. I would not recommend anybody else.

When I first met Dr. Blackstone, she struck me as a warm, and very compassionate person. That first impression has only strengthened over time. She is my hero. She saved my life.

Office staff!!! She has people who work for her who are guardian angels. Noreen, the office manager, is the glue that holds the office together. She is the one who makes it happen. Melissa, she is helpful, compassionate, friendly. I could go on and on.

There is nothing I don't like about Dr. Blackstone. She makes time for her patients. She was in my room every day at least five times. She cares, she is concerned, and she never makes you feel like you are bothering her.

Future patients should know that she is in your corner, there for you, and her life is helping people. I, and others, believe she would do this for free if she could.

100% emphasis on aftercare, 100%. They devote entire days to educational lectures and I have filled a notebook with literature. They stress exercise, give meal plans, and have a website for support, in addition to a monthly support group that meets at the hospital.

Dr. Blackstone gives you the risks of surgery in the most upfront, totally honest terms. She tells it like it is, and works with you to get beyond whatever problems may arise.

Rate her? How high can I go? 1000? 10000? She is tops in her field, she is a human being of extraordinary gifts, and her surgical skills are beyond belief.

I can say it again. Surgical competence and bedside manner are both beyond belief.

Your comment that a 100% rating is suspect in some way, and not informative. There are other surgeons in the Phoenix Metro area who do this surgery. Without saying anything negative about them, I can only say that Dr. Blackstone shines above the rest like a beacon. Anyone wants to email me, I would be happy to talk about my journey to this place, with Dr. Blackstone holding my hand the whole way. She devotes so much time to education, getting you ready for the surgery, and a year of aftercare, it's simply amazing.

My first impression was how young she was. Getting through that, I was very impressed with her professionalism. The one thing that REALLY impressed me was she knew every one of her patients by their first and last name. Impressed, because I have NEVER been able to remember names. Dr. Blackstones' staff impressed me as being very outgoing and friendly. Noreen seems overworked, but learned they were planning on hiring more staff. The office was clean. Something I really look at, having worked in doctors' offices before. The exam was very through and I liked the fact I felt comfortable with the exam gown - it was big enough to fit me!

My first impression of Dr. Blackstone was, "YES!!!, FINALLY SOMEONE UNDERSTANDS!" My impression has not changed ... Dr. Blackstone is very personable, her staff are awesome. They will call to follow-up that you are making other appointments for pre-op. Dr. Blackstone asked personal questions in a non-threatening manner. She was very patient, answering all kinds of questions, even though there were other patients waiting to be seen.

I really sensed that she is very caring and understood how hard it was for me to give up Pasta. I know this might sound funny, but she made me realized that it was very much apart of my culture, but I will have to make changes. Her suggestions were very positive, meaning, she recognized your feelings, but wanted to make sure you understood what was happening as well as what to do to assist with the surgery, like doing relaxation and exercise, getting back into hobbies, being more aware of myself, etc. There was a balance of expectations.. Overall rating...Excellent.

I attended Dr. Blackstone's seminar on June 6, 2002 and I was so well educated about the procedure. She went into detail and answered every question asked. She even explained what Cigna expects from us before getting approved through them. She explained the risks of surgery and has a wonderful aftercare program.

I have decided to go with Dr. Blackstone. I have turned in all my paperwork so I just need to wait to hear from her office for my consult date.

Dr Blackstone seemed very confident and VERY patient with me and my huge list of questions.

I'm still very impressed.

Excellent. Noreen is worth her weight in gold.
She yells at me !! (even if I do deserve it)
And she make we walk a LOT.
She is so confident that it rubs off on you.

A LOT!

Yes, support groups (live and online).

In detail for the most part. Left no doubt what the risks were.

Very Good.

Both are very good. She is very busy, but has always called me back right away if I had a problem at home.

Dr. Blackstone is great. She is so caring. I have never had a physician spen so much time with me as Dr. Blackstone did in my consult today. Even though the apointments were running behind I didn't feel rushed at all. I am very comfortable to be having surgery with Dr. Blackstone.

Dr. B is the best and her office staff are far above the rest. I've considered 4 different surgeons for this procedure and am fully confident that I have chosen the right one for me.

Dr. Blackstone is awesome. She is straight forward and down to earth.
It hasn't yet.

Noreen, the one that schedules everything, ROCKS!
She makes me think about things that are hard to think about, but important.
She trained with the surgeon that did Carney Wilson.
Completely. I must attend agree to support groups or she won't continue with me.
Yes, biweekly groups that meet on the internet and in person.
As a real concern that must be looked at before a decision is made.
AWESOME.. On a scale of 1-10, a 100

Can't tell yet, but so far I'm pleased with both.