Richard Tillquist Bariatric Surgeon MD

I thought he was great and very supportive of my situation

Nothing has changed

For the most part they were pleasant

Do you mean the doctor or his staff?

He tends to run behind in his schedule

Good follow up

I think so, I'm kind of a unique case.

I didn't really let him discuss this

10

Both

Overall, I had a great experience. Of course, this is my own personal experience.

I met with Dr Tillquest yesterday and was very impressed he answered question I had and didn't have, lol. He really explained a lot to me I was really relieved when I left. Now they scheduled me for December 5th but of course that all depends on rather United Health Care approves the surgery. His office doesn't take UNC but I still with all the research I've done had rather go to him.

HE WAS WONDERFULL
MY IMPRESSION HAS NOT CHANGED
THE OFFICE STAFF HAS BEEN GREAT HE COULD OFFER MORE AFTER CARE
THAT HE IS GOOD
NOT MUCH
NO
HE EXPLAIND ALL THE RISKS
HE WAS VERY GOOD
BOTH

I met Dr. Halverson a year ago June 2000 for my consult. I drove to Utah from Colorado and had my appointment at 11:00. They have a very nice, new looking office in a hospital wing. I waited about 45 minutes before being taken back to have my height, weight, and blook pressure taken, etc. Then I was taken to another room to watch a video. It was a nice video, but with all the research I had done, it did not teach me anything new. I then went to another room and put on the lovely doctors office gown and waited for Dr. Halverson. Dr. Halverson was very confident and effecient. I thought he had a great sense of humor and we just sort of hung out and chatted and laughed for about 15 minutes. He did all the regular things - listened to my heart and lungs, did a breast exam, etc. It was a good visit and I did like him. I did choose him for my surgeon. He only did Lap procedures on patients with a BMI of 50 or less and did not do them at all on patients who have had prior abdominal surgeries. I do not know it that is still true. He has a support group, addressed all the risks, etc. I did have trouble with the office staff later on. They were a little rude and did not return my calls. When I finally lost my temper with them, they said I either did not leave a message or that they had returned my calls and that they documented on their computer every time they had called my. I don't know who they called, but it was not me! I know when I called and why and I was very put out by being told I was lying! Anyway, I just recently sent an e-mail to Dr Halverson and he did a very brief response to a question I had. That was nice.

9/10/01
Changed surgeons due to location and insurance requirements. I am now scheduled with Dr Tillquist in Denver, CO.

10/4/01
I drove to Denver and had my consult with Dr Tillquist today. I was a 4 hour drive! His office is at Swedish Medical Center. I got lost and Valeri was very heplfull directing me to the parking garage. I got there and they took my info. They seemed nice, but very busy. I waited awhile and then the nurse came and got my weight and blood pressure. Now I know they are busy, but she had no small talk to offer and seemed rude and pushy. I did not like that. She then told me to follow her to another room. I have broken my leg and am in a cast. She just took off and left me! It took her a bit to realize I was not with her and she came back. She then pointed to a room and said "Sit" then left. Not Cool! Then Dr Tillquist came in. He is a very small man, maybe 50ish. He was calm and polite. He went over my paperwork and explained the surgery, insurance guidelines and what to expect. He asked if I had any questions, etc... I have to attend a pre-op nurtrion class for 41/2 hours prior to surgery. I have no misgivings about the surgeon - I know 5 people personally who have used him and other than the occasional minor complaint - which I attest more to post-op frustrations than actual dissatifaction - all has been positive. He left and then I met with Gini who is the surgery coordinator. She was plesant, too. She gave me a date and said she would call with a confirmation the next day. Because I live out of the area, I will see the doctor for the physical exam on the 26th of Nov @ 3pm and then have surgery on the 27th. I then have to see him post op in a week, two weeks, then once a month for a year. Wow, that sure is alot of driving for me! 8 hours round trip over the mountains in winter! Yuck!!! Now, I just wait for insurance approval! I'm a hoping and a praying!
Dena

Dr.Tillquist is the best! No matter how silly my questions are, he don't mind answering them over and over again! He is a very respected surgeon. He also has a sence of humor. He knew how important it was for me and my sister to go through this struggle together. All of our appointments are the same day and our surgery date is the same day. We will be recovering together. Dr. Tillquist has a great staff. I feel very comfortable putting my trust in his hands.

When I walked into Dr. Tillquist's office expected a bustling and hectic atmosphere. To the contrary, the office was quiet and only had one person waiting. I arrived early and sent my husband and son to TOYRUS for a couple of hours since I thought he'd be running late, etc. Within 10 minutes I was in a room and in walked the Dr. He seemed small, gentle and softspoken. He let me ramble on for a while and then explained about the surgery, recovery, etc. Since I'm coming from Casper WY (about 5 hours away) we agreed that the preop testing can be done at home and results faxed. He'll also do the second appointment over the telephone and the physical the day of surgery. I thought he was most accomodating and talked about aftercare with my PCP in Casper. He took to heart my concern over pain meds (as some make me hallucinate)and was forthcoming about the hospital stay and recovery time. I'm very pleased. I guess I did expect more "stuff" going on at the appointment. What "stuff" I don't know. Maybe it was more of a let down that it was so easy and quiet when my nerves were so raw and I was so nervous. Heavens knows, I did travel all that way for a fifteen minute appointment. My insurance carrier AETNA Healthcare already denied my request for LAPBAND and wouldn't be upfront about if I was denied for the type of surgery and/or for my profile. I'm praying for a quick decision on this one....Next stop Denver in two weeks for a nutritional counseling session. A must have for Dr. Tillquist.

Dr. Tillquist performed my surgery on August 13, 2001. Because of my size, we didn't know until surgery if I was going to be able to have it done laproscopically or not. When I awoke, I was glad to see that he was able to do the lap.

Dr. Tillquist and staff have always treated me with the utmost respect and professionalism. His gentile touch and caring attitude were very much appreciated during my recovery. The staff at his office are very knowledgeable and take time out of their days to put your mind at rest. They are the best!

I had Thomas R Brown. He is NOT contracted with CIGNA!!! He is, but not for bariatric surgery. He has 2 tax IDs. They set me up for a 4 hour appt that I had to wait over 2 weeks for, and then told me he was not in network, and I would have to pay out of network price. BS!!!! I have sent a complaint to the medical board. These are MY experiences and opinions. Hopefully I am the only one to have gone through, or will have to go through this experience and I have no idea what others go through with this office. I did read great things about Dr. Brown, but never even got to meet him.

He was very shy or maybe just quiet. He took his time and asked me several times if I had any questions. It would be nice if he had a drawing or plastic model to show exactly what the surgery entailed. I had a bunch of questions written down and then forgot them. So be sure you are prepared.
His office staff was very friendly. I will tell you more when I meet him again and after surgery.

I have my consult on Aug. 23rd. The office told me they usually schedule surgery 4-6 weeks after your consult. (the time it takes to get a package form some companies, lol) I hope so--preferable 4 weeks, lol. I am looking forward to this. (strange wanting to have surgery huh?)