USA Health University Hospital Center for Weight Loss Surgery Hospital

I had my surgeon consult on Jan. 27 04 and my first impression of Dr Richards was he was a calm, sincere man. He made me fill so comfortable and at ease with the choice I had made. Although I have spent nearly a year researching the surgery I was starting to get scared at how fast it was becoming a reality; but I was so calmed by Dr. Richards all my fears are gone. On a scale from 1-10, I would rate Dr. Richards and his staff a 15. You couldn't ask for a better group of proffesions.

Dr. Richards is the person that saved my life. He is very straight forward and answered any and all of the questions I had. I feel he is a wonderful and gifted surgeon. His office staff were very helpful and respectful of me and my feelings. He told me of all the risks of having the surgery and what to expect when I came out of surgery. On a scale of 1-10, I give him an 11!! His surgical competence and bedside manner were both GREAT! It is truly a blessing to have him on this earth. I thank God on a daily basis for putting Dr. Richards on this earth. Like I said before, he saved my life!!

Dr. Richards was great! He makes sure that you are well aware of what you are about to do. He takes the time with you to answer questions and concerns and really listens. I could not have asked for a better surgeon. My experince was a good one!

I don't have any thing to say but good things about Dr. Richards. He held my hand as I prayed before the surgery. He came by or sent someone everyday to the hospital.

3/7/03 Ok. Once again switched surgeons. I met with Dr. Lapry today (she screens for Dr. Richards). WONDERFUL LADY!!!! Very kind, very well spoken. She was generally very open and explained all the risks to me and made sure I understood exactly what WLS entailed. The office staff was great too. The receptionist was so helpful and patient with me (as I was very excited). The nurse who sat down to schedule all my next appointments and answered my questions about support groups and money etc...was just great. She explained things without hesitation and didn't mind repeating herself when I asked. She even walked me out the waiting room to double check that I had everything I needed. She chated with my husband too. The only bad thing about the entire experience was the horrible construction going on in the building and the streets outside. But hey, that's life!!! I can only assume Dr. Richards is equally as wonderful as his staff.

5/14/03 Met Dr. Richard's yesterday along with his surgerical assistant. They were both very direct and covered all the bases. I asked some questions and feel that they were answered very well.

11/19/03 Dr. Richard's surgical preformance and care after wards is exceptional. Though the hosptial itself was a literal nightmare, Dr. Richard's was great. Granted I felt that a second surgery was un-nessessary, in the long run it was for the best.

My first consult with Dr. Richards was on August 12, 2003. I first saw his intern, an Italian doctor by the name of Torquolatti. They were both wonderful and very patient with me, especially since I had 2 pages of questions. Dr Richards seemed to be very serious and knowledgeable. I feel comfortable knowing he is my surgeon.



My surgery was a success! I was very blessed to have 2 wonderful surgeons.
Thank you Dr. Richards and Dr. Torquatti!

My first impression of Dr. Richards was that he is very straight to the point. He did a great job of explaining the surgery again the morning of my surgery for my husband's benefit and I did appreciate that. He is not warm and fuzzy, but to his credit my surgery could not have gone more smoothly. Overall, I am very pleased with Dr. Richards and his staff.

My first visit with him is 7/15/03. I met today with the dietition and the intern Dr. Lapre. They were great and very encouraging. There was no beating around the bush. Very professional. They let you know the bad as well as the good. Nothing sugar coated. Vanderbilt seems to have a good screening program. The dietition told me, "that is why their death rate is so so low." The process is long and drawn out but hey, whatever it takes. They gave me an abundant amount of paper work to read. Good info. 7-16-03~I met with Dr. Richards yesterday. That man has a very sweet spirit about him. He was also friendly but was to the point. He was very informative about the surgical process and the risk involved. He put up with my nerves and all my questions were answered in detail. I felt he was very detailed and descriptive about it all. I am very satisfied with him but hate the wait. I am sure I am not alone with that one. ;)

VERY GOOD AND CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE SURGERY!!!

I'm not certain the Vanderbilt Center for Human Nutrition is as good with follow up care after surgery as they were pre-op. I've had a few questions/problems post-op and when I call, can only leave a message. The times I have received a return call, I am always referred to my PCP stating (that's not surgery related) while I feel stomach and intestinal issues are surgery related. While I know this isn't related directly to Dr. Richards, these are the people he has directed to monitor post-op progress.