USA Health University Hospital Center for Weight Loss Surgery Hospital

I was extremely pleased with Dr. Richards and his staff and would and have recommended him to others. He's working very hard to make his program one of the best bariatric programs in the U.S.

Dr. Richards and his staff are wonderful. He has a very caring personality as does everyone on his staff. I received excellent care at Vanderbilt during my surgery and am glad (only 5 days out)I did it.

I was screened first by a Resident and then Dr. Richards came in to answer any additional questions. I was given a quick physical exam. He was very professional and I am comfortable he will take good care of me throughout this procedure. The resident, Dr. Richards and the anesthesia nurse emphasized the risks of this surgery and the seriousness of following the aftercare program.
During my appointment with the surgeon and the pre-op appointment, I was always treated with care and respect by everyone from the office staff, the nurses, the Resident and Dr. Richards.
I had read somewhere in a review that because Vanderbilt is a teaching hospital, their equipment is older or they may not have the most up-to-date medical equipment. During my exam, my blood pressure was taken four different times. The first time it was taken by using a manual pump with oversized cuff and it was a normal pressure reading. Next time it was taken by a machine and it was extremely high so another machine was brought in that would not work at all, Then my pressure was taken again manually with a too-small cuff which showed high again and finally I was taken to ER and my pressure registered normal on their "newer" machine. That did kind of concern me, I guess just because of what I had read about their obsolete equipment. Perhaps I am being over-sensitive as this may sometimes happen in any hospital or clinic.

Dr. Richards and the staff at the Vanderbilt Nutrition Clinic have all been wonderful in this journey. I would recommend them to anyone.

I find Dr. Richards to be a most knowledgeable and on-the-ball dr. He has published a zillion things which pleases me because I am an RN and I want to learn more every day. He is kind and very straight forward. I have Lupus and I am pleased with the care he is giving me. The staff is very nice and laid back. All the other associate drs that I have met and/or dealt with are good too. I like it when drs. tell me things straight-up instead of dancing around an issue. They all talk turkey with me!! The Vanderbilt Nutrition Center does a good job of handling aftercare and any questions about nutrition. I would recommend Dr. William Richards or any of his associate to any of you. They are competent, kind and answer my questions!!!!!

Dr. Richards and staff have been very helpful. I have not had any problems with my insurance ( Medicare and TennCare). Dr. Richards is very straight foward and to the point. I have relatives and friends who have used Dr. Richards and they have done very well and had no problems from the surgery.

Nice , informative, in a hurry but took time to answer all my questions. Staff very nice and friendly. You must attend 2 support meeting before surgery. He has a 100% success rate with WLS.

I met with Dr Richards on 4/6/04. I found him to be nice, concerned and very busy. He explained how he was going to perform the surgery and the risks involved. He was eager to answer any questions I had. His staff are wonderful and willing to help in any way they can.

i first met dr richards in a support group meeting. he seems very professional and experienced. the office staff have been great although they dont get in a hurry for anything.

My impression of Doctor Richards was that he was smart, busy and talented. At the time I didn't find him especially friendly, but now I realize that he cannot be everyone's best friend and I was looking for emotional support from a surgeon. His staff were wonderful and supportive. They got my paperwork to my insurance company quickly. It does take a while to get an appointment, but once your there things move more quickly.