William Roe, Jr. Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.
25 yr Experience
8 yr in Bariatrics
16 yr in Laparoscopic Surgery
7 yr in Laparoscopic Bariatrics
90% Practice is Bariatrics
Min Age of Patient is 18
Max Age of Patient is 66
25 yr Experience
8 yr in Bariatrics
16 yr in Laparoscopic Surgery
7 yr in Laparoscopic Bariatrics
90% Practice is Bariatrics
Min Age of Patient is 18
Max Age of Patient is 66
My first impression of Dr. Roe (who I first ought out for medical weight loss 3 years ago) was that he was as the kids these days say "way cool". He is relaxed, not hurried, pays attention to his patients and his staff follows his lead. I have never met a surgeon (and I know a few) who took time with their patients, but Dr. Roe does.
Dr. Roe explained the surgery in simple easy to explain terms and answered all questions put to him honestly.
I've never heard one of his patients say anything negative about Dr. Roe or his staff, and that says a lot!
I liked Dr Roe from the very first time I met him. He is confident yet understated -- it is sort of hard to describe. I just felt secure that he knows exactly what he is doing and more than that -- that he really wants to see obese people become healthier and live their lives to the fullest.
One thing that I especially like about him is his sense of humor. Maybe I am odd but I like some humor when discussing the re-routing of my innards.
My best friend just had her surgery with Dr Roe and he was great -- very thorough with pre-op instuctions and made sure she was well taken care of in the hospital. It seemed that all you had to say was that you are a patient of Dr Roe's and any issue would be resolved.
On first meeting I found Dr. Roe to not only be a personable fellow but also one who was able to get a great deal of valuable information across in a way that various types of people would all get the most benefit. His presentation was one of information and all around aspects of gastric surgery, its history, his surgical history, the benefits, the possible negative side effects and any other areas of information one could possibly think to ask. The most impressive point to me was that he doesn't come across as someone who pushs gastric bypass rather one who feels that, when you reach the point where its the only and best next step other than staying as is and dying young, the patient will have come to a self acceptance level and an even higher level of personal commitment (which is needed for all the after surgery lifestyle changes).
He was also somewhat irreverant and not a stuffed shirt type like some specialist doctors/surgeons can be. The ability to speak to a person and not at them was not lost on me. I'm an intelligent and educated woman who did alot of research before making the step to contact him and I felt that he treated everyone as if they were exactly that and so gave them more of what they wanted - good clear information.
The only downside was that my first scheduled presentation appointment was on a date that it snowed heavily enough in Baltimore to close most places and if I hadn't made the effort to call in for better directions I'd never have been informed the presentation was cancelled. The reschedule call came the day before the opening they wanted me to fill but being I've got a flexible work schedule that ended up being fine and now I am preparing for my one on one consult.
In general so far my experience has been definately a B+ if I was to give it a grade. After I've had more contact and gotten them to help me work on my insurnace claim paperwork I am certain I'll come back to update and give a new rating (from what I read it will most likely improve as I hear his staff are a great couple of ladies).
Doctor Roe reminded me of a character that should have been on the TV show Dallas. But he is so wonderful. I never felt uncomfortable with him or his staff. He know what he is doing and he saved my life. His staff is so nice and compassionate...you couldn't ask for more caring people. The only thing that concerned me at first was that I only saw him once while I waws in the hospital...but I guess that was a sign that I was doing just fine. He is very big on after care...don't even try to fool him about what you are eating...he will know if you are keeping up with your protein. His aftercare program is very structured which I need. I couldn't have asked for a better surgeon.
Doc Roe treated me like a human being rather than a big fat lump of flesh such as other un-named doctors have done. He took a great of time in explaining every single detail of the surgery, risks, and aftercare and he answered all of my questions perfectly. Personally I love him to pieces! His staff is FABULOUS! Joan and Dawn are two of the most wonderful people even when I called every day for 2 weeks they still treated me very kind. His competance as a surgeon and his bed side manner are both great. He made me feel as if I was the only person in the hospital when he came to see me the day after surgery.
He was very down to earth and explained everything to the group. This was the powerpoint presentation where he gives us alot of information and "homework". We have to write a letter explaining why we want to have surgery, and write other lists of diet plans, co morbidities, drug allergies, prior surgical procedures, etc... He was very point blank about things, showed pictures and charts explaining how he began in this field. I have my first private consult on 11/15/02 and will post again.....
11/15/02....I had my first private consultation with Dr. Roe today. I am very pleased with his urging me to question him on anything I need to ask and explaining the procedure. His staff was very personable and polite. I was extremely nervous about meeting with the surgeon but he eased my mind and said he would send my letter to my insurance company and that I can just sit and wait, this is the hardest part I think, just waiting for things to happen. I will see my pcp on 11/22/02 (next Friday) and she will write a letter to Dr. Roe giving her approval for this choice. I already had my psychological evaluation and my psychologist is extremely pleased with my choice and supports my decision 100%. When I have more info I will post again, till then, THINK ONLY HAPPY THOUGHTS!!!!!!!!!!