Weight Management and Metabolic Center - Columbia Hospital

I think that he was the best dr i could have had. He cares and is there to answer any thing you have to ask. I am almost out now one year and every single time i have gone to the dr i have got to see him.
This man has saved my life and gave me a whole new life. THank you Dr Richardson.

I had several friends who had RNY 2 years ago. One of the friends is an LPN who did a lot of research in deciding on her surgeon. So as I was deciding on the surgery, I knew I would want Dr Richardson to do it. I attended 2 New Start seminars before my surgery and made sure that Dr Richardson would be leading both of them. He seemed very knowledgable and experienced, so I made my appointment. When I did go for my office visit, I was a little disappointed in his attitude. It did feel a little bit like I was just another statistic to him, but he wasn't rude or anything. I believe this is just so routine for him and I didn't present with anything unusual, so he didn't see me as anyone special. The New Start program puts a major emphasis on follow-up and education, but as I live 2 hours away, it will be very difficult for me to attend as much as I would like.

Dr. Richardson was very personable and professional. He answered all of my questions and concerns very thoroughly. He was patient and has a very good sense of humor. He did shock me with the 2 week liquid diet though, but he did make a joke that I would "hate him that first week." lol

My husband and I both were very impressed. As my husband states "he seems like an ok guy".
The receptionists were rude and unorganized.
I liked everything about Dr. Richardson, he emphasizes greatly on after care., with a very structured aftercare program.

Investigated several surgeons by going to New Start seminars. Also checked out WLS surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Dr. R answered some difficult questions with the enthusiasm of a person who not only knows what he is doing but also likes what he is doing. He has an easy way about himself and did not get defensive by challenging questions.
Don't be afraid to ask any questions.
I believe he leaves much of the aftercare to be structured through the New Start Program that is currently administered through St. Alexius Hospital. He is straightforward about the risks. So Far, So Good. Will know more later. I met him once before surgery and he checked on me after surgery. My first post-op appointment is next week in his St. Louis Office. RE: competence vs. bedside manner...You have to have both. Personally, I wouldn't let a jerk do surgery on me no matter how proficient they were.
11/2005: I'd do this again in a heartbeat! Have now lost 170lbs - very few problems. Dr. R removed my gallbladder this past July - again a good experience. The shared office staff & New Start have been very helpful in scheduing appts for me w/ Dr.
R. for problems that have come up (gall bladder/stricture) between quarterly sched visits.

If i get approved for surgery, my doctor will be Dr. Norbert Richardson of St. Louis. He is an excellent doctor and had recently decided to also specialize in Lap Band, even though hes been partnered doing Lap Band surgery for years. Hes a very informative man that tell the entire truth (pro's and con's) about each WLS. I have faith and trust in him because of this.

I have no problems with Dr. Richardson, he called me back afterhours right away and found out what I needed to know and Patty is the best thing that has happened to me since this whole thing began. How ever not impressed with New Start. I don't think that my experience is typical though....I had to have surgery at a different hospital due to St. Alexius lost their contract with my insurance. But now no one wants to help with my follow up dietary care. I guess it is because of the confusing insurance situation. But Patty is taking great care of me now. Dr. Richardson was very straight forward about the procedure and you know ahead of time what to expect. Overall, he and his office has been the best part of it all.

Dr. Richardson was very straight forward in the information meeting I attended. I liked his ability to take the time for each person and fully understand their question, his answers made sense even to us lay folk.
I appreciated he had so much sucess and experience with doing a lap proceedure
His office staff have been and still are wonderful.
I recently experienced a GI bleed not related to my WLS, Dr. Richardson took care of me and even personally followed up calling my home to check on how I was doing. Every person he has referred me to has been excellent.
I have no complaints what so ever, just praise.

The staff was nice and it was clean. I would go there again.

I felt safe, comfortable and all my needs were taken care of. The nursing staff was absolutely incredible!!