Roger Williams Medical Center Bariatrics Hospital

My first impression of Dr. Pohl was at one of his monthly seminars. He seemed straight and forthcoming with a sense of humor. My impression over time was the same but with more confidence in his abilities. I learned a lot about him through online research, as well as, questioning other bariatric patients of his. I knew he was the surgeon for me. His office staff is very patient. I called daily during the insurance approval waiting period and they were nothing but patient and kind to me. If you have chosen Dr. Pohl, be ready to have all your ducks in a row. Get all your recommended appointments done prior to your first visit with him. He will have more confidence in your ability to do well after the surgery if you show him you will be compliant with diet and determination. Dr. Pohl does not have a 'structured' after care program as some surgeons do. He leaves the structure to his patients. He highly recommends going to support groups (one is at Roger Williams) and he advocates ObesityHelp.com. Dr. Pohl let me know all the possible complications of the surgery. Still, I had complications (a twisted/obstructed bowel) five days after RNY. Dr. Pohl was immediately right by my side quickly and competently handling my situation. My second surgery was a success and I owe it all to Dr. Pohl. I RATE DR. POHL AMONGST THE HIGHEST!!! His surgical competence, bedside manner and caring heart are all the best ingredients to making an A1 Surgeon. I recommend him to anyone having either Bariatric OR general surgery! I have no regrets!

While they did cater to my size they were not attentive to all my needs.

Original message posted 2004rn(My last message was posted wrong)rnrnMy Doctor was great. He took time to talk to my family and me about the surgery. He cares about you and how you are doing. He is very positive about my results. He always has great advise on how to take care of yourself after surgery. He gave me my life back. rnI can never thank him enough for what he has given my family and me.rnHe has taught me to be my own caregiver. rnrn**************rn5/29/08rnrnMy first impression of Dr. Pohl?rnI was too scared to even think.rnHow did my impression change over time?rnAs I got to know him and attend his seminar I became more comfortable.rnHis office staff is extremely busy but they are very knowledge. rnWhat I liked least was the fact that I got myself to be there. I was not sure that he could help me. rnSpend the time with him. Ask all the questions you can ask.rnHe believes a great deal on the aftercare and it really is important for you to mentally believe and put yourself in the place where you can help yourself. The doctor does his job after it is you and only you that can maintain your life not him.rnI talked myself into doing my own aftercare that yes I listened and asked questions and asked for help when I needed it.rnHe was very honest with me about the risk of this surgery, which I appreciate.rnI will not apologize. I love him and he is great.rnrnI believe that surgical competence is more important then bedside manner but when a doctor has both it is wonderful.rn

Dr. Pohl is very straightforward and sincere. I should have listened to him last year and I could have saved myself a hospitalization this year due to severe gastric reflux. I'm now on a pre-op diet (planning a revision from VBG to RNY) and doing much better this time around than I did when I tried this liquid diet out last year. As an RN I fit the typical mold of nurses making the 2nd worst patients when it comes to compliance until now. Now, it feels like life or death. My impression with Dr. Pohl is the same as last year only better because he prescribed Carafate during my hospitalization which seems to have made all the difference in the world with my gastric reflux OR is it the fact that I am not eating solid food?? Either way, his way seems to be the right way. I have always been impressed with the friendliness, courteousness and professionalism of both he and his office staff. Last year when he went over my radiology films with me, Dr. Pohl pointed out every little detail but unfortunately I heard him but didn't listen like I should have. I feel confident knowing that when I've lost enough weight to have the revision done that Dr. Pohl will be the one performing the surgery and follow up care. I am looking forward to both my follow up appointment with him as well as joining the group sessions he has recommended.

I had to remain in recovery for many hours because there was no bed available, so my husband was stuck in the waiting room. The evening and night nurses were great, but my day nurse was insensitive and uninformed. Several times he told me, "I don't know anything about this bariatric stuff." When I was ready to go home he was insistent that the doctor had not been in even after I told him he had been in to see me. He told me there were no discharge orders, when in fact there were.

I chose Dr. Pohl because of his reputation. I was not looking for bedside manner or personality because those things are not as important to me, although Dr. Pohl is good in those areas too. The office staff is very friendly and helpful ALWAYS, although on a couple of occasions I have had to spend way too much time in the waiting room (over an hour one time and 1 1/2 hours another time). Just came from there this morning where I went right in, so it is not consistent. I liked all of the physicians he referred me to pre-op. He has a good rapport with the nutritionists, and they have been great. The information I received from Dr. Pohl both at the seminar and in writing were very helpful. I refer back to the packet often to refresh myself. I did not love Roger Williams Hospital, but it was just one night! I would make all of the same decisions again, and I would highly recommend Dr. Pohl. I just met his assistant, Jeremy, this morning and I liked him also.

Angell was the best aid i've ever had....he was there through the tears and laughs on Center 4.

I really think I've chosen the best surgeon I could have for my surgery. Dr. Pohl seems to be very committed to the idea that people make an informed choice and have the best possible outcome. So far, I can honestly say that the worst problem I've encountered is that, due to him being so busy, it is hard to get appointments in a faster time frame.

My discharge nurse didn't really explain to me what to expect when I got home, and the next weeks. My room mate also had visitors well past the time of visiting hours. The CNA Kerri was great!!

This hospital's bariactric wing is the best!
Dr.Pohl and Roger Williams Hospital are a center of excellence for this type of surgery. The staff are unbelievably caring and competant.
I don't know where I could have been in better hands.