"They really have everything done right as far as pre & post-op education, enthusiastic and supportive nursing staff, and accomadations that are designed for the obese patient."
"I first met Dr. Blackstone almost 4 years ago at one of her seminars. (I have since been to 2 more!) She is very warm and interested in each person she speaks with. Her seminar is very detailed, but is explained so that everyone can understand. She also takes all questions.rnrnAfter speaking with Dr. Blackstone, it quickly becomes obvious that she is doing Bariatric Surgery because she truly wants to change the lives of her patients. She is demanding about the quality of her surgery, the information given to her patients, and the office staff who she employs. Her program is structured and very comprehensive. Her patients receive a notebook at the pre-op visit detailing every step of the process, as well as mandatory classes, pre- and post-op.rnShe has Psychologists, Exercise Physiologists, a Licensed Dietician, and two Nurse Practitioners who work with her patients, as well as a Fellow in Bariatric Surgery who is training with her. Her program and the hospital program at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea is a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. rnrnI would tell any prospective patient to check out her program, and that she is one of the best!rnrnShe emphasizes after-care, and follows her patients regularly for a year, and annually thereafter. She has seminars in Scottsdale that are also on-line for patients from out of the area or state. There are support groups in Scottsdale, Tuscan and Albuquerque, as well as on-line support groups and a message board that is monitored by her Practice Administrator.rnrnDr. Blackstone is very detailed in addressing risks of surgery, as well as her patient statistics, and how they compare with the nation. Her complication rate is very low.rnrnI could not recommend a warmer, more competent surgeon, and have decided to pay for my own surgery just to have her do it!rnAnd, no, I am not employed by her or a member of her family!!! I just think there is no better person to be doing my surgery!rn"
