"My first impression of Dr. Blackstone was that she was very confident in herself as well as her staff. From her pictures I had expected her to be on the quiet side, maybe a little soft spoken, but she was animated and energetic...very fun.
My impression hasn't changed, but at the same time I've only ever seen her twice. Once for my consult and then once on the day of surgery, each for about 10 minutes total...if that.
The staff at Scottsdale Bariatric is very nice and, overall, very coordinated. Only when one of the other surgeons left the practice for an emergancy did things become chaotic and frustrating. I've had multiple appointment re-schedules, but this is only because Dr. Blackstone had to absorb all of the other surgeon's patients. Before that, everything ran smoothly and I never had any problems at all. The staff is very friendly and helpful, no matter who you talk to. Melissa is direct, but wonderful.
The only thing I didn't love about Dr. Blackstone was how little I actually got to see her. I didn't even see her after my surgery in the hospital. I know she's busy busy busy, but it would be nice to hear from her once in a while.
I would tell future patients that if they want Dr. Blackstone as their surgeon, I am convinced that they probably won't find a better one in AZ, or a better staff to work with, but be prepared to be patient and wait a while to get in.
Aftercare is strongly emphasized, but not really practiced lately, again...because of the other surgeon leaving...I've had a couple problems getting in to get fills or having them re-scheduled for very far out.
There is a class that is required to go to before surgery that goes over all of the risks of surgery as well as every aspect of diet, nutrition, exercise, relaxation, etc...after surgery. Not all surgeon's do this, but I feel it's detrimental to one's knowledge about the surgery they are having done.
Overall I would rate Dr. Blackstone a 9. The only reason she wouldn't get a 10 is because you hardly ever see her and because of the current scheduling issues that are due to the other surgeon leaving (I'm trying to emphasize that so you know that this isn't their normal circumstances).
Well since I never saw her bedside manner, I'd say that her surgical competence is what sold me on her. She is the only female bariatric surgeon in the state and she has seriously made a name for herself. I felt absolutely comfortable with her doing my surgery, much more so than other AZ surgeons I met with."
