Northside Hospital of Atlanta Bariatric Center

Dr. Williams and his staff are excellent. I just can't say enough about how kind and personable him and his whole staff are. You are definately not just another surgery - you are treated as if you are the only patient they have. I was just amazed at how responsive they are. rnrnI have been through this process before (but was not able to complete surgery due to another medical issue). The surgeon in that case was a good however, the staff at Emory moved you through like cattle, the process took forever and they took forever to respond to any inquiries.rnrnI know that everyone's experiences are different but I'm just amazed at how much Dr. Williams and his whole staff really care about me. It makes me feel that I've made the right decisions...it's a big decision and you don't want to trust it to just anyone.

He seemed very quiet and reserved, and my first impression was correct, he is still the same way. The office staff is great, they are very kind and considerate. I don't think there is anything I don't like about him, he knows what he's doing, and thats all that really matters in the end. Just know that if you are the type of person with an outgoing attitude and personality, you will get along with him, but there is that certain spark missing. As for the aftercare portion, his office and program staff pretty much take care of all of it, he does not...but if you have any questions or concerns, he knows all of it, so feel free to ask him. He does cover all the risks of the surgery more than once, plus the bariatric program he is a part of really educates you before hand. He is an excellent surgeon, he really does care about you and the changes that you are going through. He gives each of his patients a teddy bear the morning after surgery as something to remember this lifechanging experience by...as if a major weight loss wasn't enough! If I had to choose between surgical competence or bedside manner, I would rather have someone who knows that their doing with a knife than someone who can carry on a meaningful conversation. However Dr Richard has both, but like I said before, he's just quiet and reserved, that doesn't make his bedside manner a negative experience.

He was very laid back. His office staff was very helpful. They work very hard to help get you qualified. I was amazed how quickly the process moved. You are given an entire packet with facts and plans to follow. rnrnI do have one suggestion. I asked for the packet to be mailed to me ahead of time. That was very helpful, otherwise if I would have received it on the day of PreOp, it would have been unsettling and I wouldn't have been able to prepare ahead for my return home. I would have had to study it and go out the same day and buy things to help me.rnI was able to draw up a table with 1/2 hr. increments so I could work in all my meds throughout the day.rnSurgical competence is MOST important, but having bedside manner also is a great plus, and I had both from Dr. Williams

rnWhen I first met Dr. Williams, I was throughly rnimpressed. His knowledge of bariatric surgery rnwas UNBELIEVABLE. Dr. Williams throughly explains the procedure. If you had any questions, he answered them in his informational session before you were able to ask. He covers ALL areas of this surgery. My impression of Dr. Williams has not changed. I would recommend him to anyone that Is considering having the surgery. The office staff was very nice, and pleasant. The atmosphere in the office was warm and very inviting. Their aren't any complaints that I have about Dr. Williams, He is the ideal doctor that you would want to complete your surgery. Dr. Williams constantly reiterated the importance of after care. It is very important that you follow the instructions of your physician because they have the most knowledge in this field. As with this surgery and all other surgeries, there are risk associated and death is a risk. Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being the least and 10 being the most, I would gladly give Dr. Williams a 10. Dr. Williams surgical competence and bedside manners were AWESOME, and I think both of these things are extremely important. rnrn

My first impression of him was just a confident, caring person who understood me.rnrnHis staff is wonderful and helpfulrnrnHe is an awesome choice, I live in Greenville SC and I am going all the way to see him in Atlanta GArnrnHas a very structured aftercare and lots of supportrnrnadressed the risks of surgery and was very patient explaining to my husband why it was important for mernrnI give him 5 of 5 starsrnrngreat bedside manner so far

FIRST APPOINTMENT 10/28/07

Fabulous technical surgeon. Not as well known as some others here in Atlanta but much lower complication rate. rnVery quiet but very personable. Staff very nice and helpful. rnHas a monthly support meeting and requires that you attend at least once preop.rnNot a hand holder type of fellow if thats what you need. Not a great booming presence of a surgeon just a very nice humble physician with terrific skill.

My first impression of Doctor Williams was wow he is a Doctor he just seemed to nice to be a doctor.rnrnHis staff and him are very caring people they treat you like family and they really care about you.rnrnHe is one of the best doctors i have ever been to and if i had to recommend anyone else for surgery i would send them to himrnrnDoctor Williams is awesome

Dr. Williams is great and I would recommend him

My first impression of Dr. Richard was good: he seems warm, caring, and knowledgeable.rnI knew as soon as I met him that I wanted him to do my surgery.rn So far, his staff is very nice, efficient, but always very busy.