Surgical Weight Loss Center of Utah Bariatric Center

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 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.

I Liked him Right off the Bat. He is very helpfull and answered all of my questions about the procedure.rnI am very thankfull for all he had done for me He Helped me changed my life.rnHis Staff is the Best. They answer all your Questions Even after the Surgery. I am no longer his patient due to moving out of state I still call them now if I have a question and its been over 1 year since the surgeryrnI like everything about him, there is nothing I dont like.rnThat he is very caring and he is always there for you if you need him.rnHe is always there for you,ansers all your questions quickly as so does his staff.rnHe told me all the risks of the surgery and the % of his outcomes of all his surgeries of past patients.rnI would have to rate him out of 1-10 I would give him a 11.rnI find both surgical competence, bedside manner Important.

I absolutely LOVE her. I liked her in the beginning of this whole process and now I think she is awesome. Her surgical competence and bedside manner were great. She addressed every concern I had and even answered the concerns my mother had. I would recommend her highly to anyone who wants this surgery.

I was really impressed with Dr. Richards. She answered all my questions, and I found her and her staff to be incredibly helpful.rnrnI definately knew all the pros/cons of my surgery as well as potential risks of the surgery. However, I felt very confident in Dr. Richards abilities and knew I would be in excellent hands. My surgery went really well with no complications.rnrnI have had follow-up calls and emails from her staff, which I really appreciate. It's nice to know that Dr Richards and her staff are there whenever I may need them.rnrnThere is a support group that meets every month and I am looking forward to attending those meetings.rnrnDr. Richards is an excellent surgeon, and has a pleasant bedside manner. I would definately recommend her to anyone who is thinking about lap-band surgery.

My first impression was that she was very knowledgable and easy to talk to. I have continued to like her. Her staff is very helpful and friendly. I didn't dislike anything about her.She really cares about her patients. They do have a structured aftercare program. She was very upfront with all of the risks. I would rate her overall excellent. Both are great but I will take surgical competence over bedside manner any day.

My comments about Dr. Richards are twofold, after I was approved by my insurance I had gained some weight while on a cruise. Dr. Richards could have just taken the money, but she re-scheduled my surgery and made me lose that weight, showing she was not in it for the money.rnMy second comment is after having some complications after surgery, she was genuinely concerned about my well being, she took the time to explain everything to me in detail. She shows true compassion and how many Doctors would take the time and call you at home to make sure everything is alright, none that I’ve had before her.rnDr. Richards is the best.rnBret Stitzerrn

My first impression of him was, hmmm I like him. He is kind of quiet but really knows his stuff. My impression is still about the same I haven't had much dealing with him. The seminar and a 10 minute office visit, but I feel he is a good dr. The office staff has not been a good experience for me. The office manager is great but I cant really say the same for the rest, well 1 girl in particular that is not compationate at all, and she is the one that deals with all the insurance . She told me they would call me every 5 days for a update and she never did I had to call them. Then she told me my surgery was cancelled because of insurance.....it's a long story I just think she should check on things, before she tells a patient who has been working on this for what seems like forever that the surgery is cancelled oh and did I mention I got that call 6 days before surgery? The surgery is not cancelled and the date has not moved from the original schedule. I am writing this 2 days before surgery and I just cant waite to get it over with and to get on with my life. All the wondering and waiting for another bomb to drop is nerve racking enough.

I am a little biased since I work with Dr. Richards, but even if I didn't, I think she's awesome! She is not in this for the money unlike some other surgeons. She will tell you how it is straight up and I appreicate her honesty. She is truly willing to help her patients to succeed and she cares about each one of them!rn