Bariatric Medicine Institute Bariatric Center

From the first day that I met Dr. Richards I liked her. She is a very straight forward chick, just like me! I had surgery on Tuesday and she came in to chat with me before answer questions, etc. Surgery went well I was in and out in less than 5 hours. Stopped by to see her the next day before I headed home and she again answered my quesitons and reassured me that I was doing good. I look forward to going through the journey with her by my side.rnrnThanks,rnBrandie

Dr. Cottam seemed very quiet yet confident. I asked Dr. Cottam how many RNY he had performed and he told me over 1,000. My consult appointment lasted about 3 hours. I saw the dietician, the psychologist, the exercise physiologist, the insurance specialist, attended a short video question/answer session and then saw Dr. Cottam. The thing I liked least is I felt each phase of my consult appointments was very rushed so I was unable to absorb as much as I would have liked with regard to information regarding my surgery. Aftercare was never discussed, I hope it WILL be discussed at the time of my surgery? All Dr. Cottam's personnel are great EXCEPT for the office gals that answer the phone. They are rude, snippy and unhelpful, they put so much effort into NOT helping me when I call that they end up making their own jobs more difficult. As an example I made approximately 15 calls JUST trying to get a copy of my labs that ONLY went to Dr. Cottams office. His receptionist told me to contact the lab in Reno. The lab in Reno told me to contact my PCP in Elko, my PCP told me he didnt order the labs so he doesnt have a copy so I should contact Dr. Cottam in Salt Lake City. I again called Dr. Cottam's office and was told that the gal who had my labs was off that day. I called back the next day and she was out of the office. After a few days, I called again and they told me that they couldnt find my file so I should call my PCP. I told them I had already jumped through all those hoops and all I wanted was a copy of my labs, they told me they couldnt give me a copy of my labs (I even offerred to fax them a signed Release of Medical Records Form. Eventually, the best I could get out of them was to have their onstaff nurse read my cholesterol levels to me over the phone. I NEVER DID GET A COPY OF MY LABS!!! There are a couple of days during the week that certain people you may need to speak with are off. I havent figured out exactly what their schedules are but it is tricky trying to contact some of the staff. rnrnAfter surgery I have this to say...anyone who chooses doctor Cottam...I feel he knows his stuff BUT, if you have any questions of this man, you better grab onto his arm and not let loose until you are done because its very difficult to get this man to sit still for a couple of questions. He will literally walk out of the room while you are in mid sentence and not answer your questions. But I have to rationalize that his arrogance, is tolerable since, he is the guy who trains other doctors to perform gastric bypass and he is the goto guy for gastric bypasses that need to be redone.

I was given Dr. Medlin as my surgeon after having seen Dr. Pitt (and him taking some time off)..I first saw Dr. Medlin the previous January at the information session. I loved his calming persona...he joked around to make me at ease, all while remaining professionalrnrnI would rate him as a top notch surgeon, compassionate about his patients and excellent at his \"craft\". Unfortunatly St. Mary's hospital is losing him...but I will be forever thankful for his profound positive effect on the rest of my life. He is a truly compassionate and caring health care professional.

My first impression was: he is very personable & honest.rnrnThe office staff is very friendly & willing to help you meet the requirements needed to be approved for surgery.rnrnThe risks of surgery were discussed in length.rnrnDr. Medlin rates a 10.rnrnSurgical competence & bedside manner mean a great deal & both are great.

Dr. Richards is awesome. She was very open and made sure I understand potential complications. Her office staff is awesome. AFtercare is a big part of the practice. When I did have some problems arise, she was right on top of it. she is very personable. I am only 4 weeks out at this point. I'm sure I will have more to say as time goes by.

So far I love him. I chose him because he is nationally known for fixing botched surgeries. My good friend went to him for her RNY and has done great. Also, I had a lap band in Mexico that I need removed. No one else would touch me, but Dr. Cottma said that he had no problem with it. He treated me with respect and didn't criticise me for going to Mexico.rnrnI had my surgery on 3/16 and Dr. Cottam was great. He said my surgery was easy because of my liquid diet and so far I've done well. I'm not doing my follow up wqith him because I live 5 hours away so he's arranged for me to see someone else. That shows his flexibility. He has great bedside manner, really pushes aftercare and was insistent that I call him with any questions or concerns at any time.

My first impression of Dr. Cottam is that he is a really quiet man and I wondered about how is personality would play out in my care, as I am also a quiet and introspective person. However, I quickly began to feel comfortable with him as my physician and do feel that should I have any problems that arise in my journey I would be able to discuss them with him. Only recently did I receive approval for my surgery so I do not have a surgery date nor can I attest to anything pertaining the surgery itself. I can however say that Dr. Cottam and his staff are kind and professional. They have been a wealth of information on all aspects of this journey, the diet, the exercise, the surgery itself, and the dreaded insurance approval process. I look forward to working with them after my surgery.

Don't be put off by his quiet demeanor, his is a great physician.

I met Dr. Medlin June 11, 2008. Dr. Medlin and his staff are very thorough. I just want to say what a terrific doctor Dr. Medlin is. Great bedside manner, answers all questions he's just great! Thank you Dr. Medlin for this new tool you've given me.

Dr. Medlin was super nice and supportive
I went alone for my consultaion and the staff were great and so supportive of me being there alone.
I was nervous until I walked into open arms :D

I have complete trust in my surgeon he is the best in my book. He is well educated and knows his stuff. I am at ease with him. He makes me feel as I am the only patient he has when I have an appointment. If anyone is thinking about WLS and in utah go to Dr. Cottam you wont regret it. The only thing that isnt the best is the length of time it takes the office to return my calls.