Providence Saint Patrick Bariatric Program Bariatric Center

Dr. Pickhardt seemed very smart and also to have my best interest at heart.

Everyone that I have met so far are very nice. They all make me feel very comfortable and seem to be understanding.

I think Dr. Pickhardt is kind of tough. He wants you to know this is not easy and you have alot of work to do. He wants to make sure you understand about how your life will change and make sure you have a support system in place. He wants to talk to them to be sure they (my husband) are as committed as I am.

He will not do the surgery if you are not committed to the after care program. (I am thankful for this) Connie Hanson is the coordinator of the aftercare, and she has had the surgery herself. She is very committed in educating people that are having the surgry.

Dr. Pichardt did go over all of the risks of the surgery with me. I feel like I understand them and I am willing to take them.

I felt very at ease with Dr. Pichardt and felt like I was taking to a friend. He also made me feel like I was putting my life in the hands of a competent surgeon.

My first impression of Dr. Pickhardt was that he is very straight forward about the surgery and what is to be expected. He wants to make sure you are definitely ready for the journey you are about to begin. He is honest and almost blunt (in a kind way). I feel that he has taken great consideration into all aspects of this surgery and wants to make sure his patients have too. His office staff is kind, considerate, efficient and caring. Connie Hanson, Coordinator of the Surgical Treatment of Obesity at St. Pat's works very closely with Dr. Pickhardt and has a fabulous aftercare program. I feel that this is very important and was a factor in my decision to have the surgery.

March 31st. I met Dr. Pickhardt on Mon. and he is so very nice. We had a very good visit which also included my neice. He answered all of my questions honestly, he didn't try to sugarcoat anything about the surgery. He made sure that I understood this isn't going to make me a 135 pd. runway model. We went over the packet and the things he expects from me. I also have to mention that he is quite goodlooking(my neice agrees!) He is so nice too. I wasn't nervous around him like I'd thought I would be. I can't wait for surgery!!! The nurses and everyone in the office are so nice, they don't make you feel out of place or ashamed(yall know what I'm talking about). The infamous Connie wasn't there so I guess I will have to meet her next time. Bye for now.

I met with Dr. Pickhardt on Feb. 23 for an initial consultation. I was very pleased with him. He was very nice, answered all my questions, and was very informative. The staff was very nice and Connie Hanson is a HUGE help. He will not do the surgery if you do not have support and requires an aftercare program.

I haven't had my first consultation with him yet. His Nurse Co-ordinator is very nice and helpful.

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I had my consultation with Dr. Pickhardt and he is wonderful. Very warm, friendly, caring and informative. I loved it that he used the term "people of stature" and not morbidly obese or massive. I felt that even though he technically hasn't done a lot of surgeries, he has prepared himself and his staff to make the experience as good as possible with the best outcome as possible. I didn't feel embarrased or ashamed with either Dr. Pickhardt or his staff. He is very thorough about discussing the risks of surgery and complications that can happen. He has put together a great aftercare program (along with Connie, his nurse coordinator) and told me that we would be lifelong associates because that is how long we would follow-up together. Meeting him has only confirmed my decision that I need and want to have this surgery.