Erik Wilson Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

I have been quite happy with Dr. Wilson and his group. The surgery was easy, and the follow up care has been fantastic. His nurse, Connie, has always responded immediately to my pages, and been willing to handle any issues I have had (and I have had some!).

I was self-pay, so I did not have to deal with insurance.

I have no problems with Dr. Wilson's bedside manner or competence. He is extremely friendly and very knowledgable.

Did I mention that he is drop-dead gorgeous?

1. Very young and GOOD looking!

2. He is a very good surgeon but he needs to have an aftercare program for the lap banding patients.

3. The office staff is friendly but they are virtually non-supportive after the surgery and as I am four hours away they would not give me an appointment and it took two weeks for the nurse to return a call when I was having band problems including breathing problems.

4. I think he needs to tak a more pro-active rold with his laop band patients. He told a crowd we did not want to talk in front of his seminar due to our low weight loss. I am now down 73 pounds and was more than happy to talk.
5. Aftercare - no one even gave me an appointment after my post op visit. No after care. Risks are discussed in terms of gastric bypass with only about ten minutes covering the band in a two hour seminar. I would rate him very high on his surgical skills, LOOKS, and his bed side manner. He does listen and is very caring. Jackie

My first impression was that he is very young, and has not changed. He is very professional and takes every safeguard possible. I have never had so many medical tests! Because of that and the fact that he is associated with the University of Texas, I feel very confident in his ability. His office staff is very helpful. There was truly nothing I didn't like about him. He explains things very well, and also has other members of his staff available for questions. He is very emphatic about the importance of pre-surgical testing and a structured after care program. He was very blunt about the risks associated with surgery. Overall, I think he is great. Surgical competence is much more important to me than bedside manner.

My first impression of Dr. Wilson was plesant. He make you feel very comfortable and he plays devils advocate with you just to make sure you have done some research and know what you are wanting to get yourself into. Because this is a life change event and this surgery is a tool to help you not the miracle. So he wants you to be aware of all the complications, the ups and downs.The staff there is very helpful from the time you walk in to when you call them anxious to know if you've been accepted or what tests you need done. The only bad thing about the office is the office wait but they mention this from your first visit to the informational meeting, and not to call on Tuesdays, which are their busiest days. I think the Lord lead me to a good group for this life changing event.

He is a wonderful surgeon. My husband and I felt very comfortable with him. My sisters call my Dr. Cutie McHotie. LOL

Dr. Wilson is a kind, caring person. He is knowledgeable and continues to research the obesity situation. I had to wait 2 months to get an appt. with him. He is with a teaching institution and only sees patients 2 days a week. On my first appt. he received 3 cell phone calls as he looked over my file. This did not please me, as I had waited so long to see him I figured I'd get a few undivided minutes. However, he did apologize for it. This didn't happen in future visits. Over time I came to realize that it was the UTMB set up that made me feel uncomfortable. And realized that Dr. W. was a fine surgeon, had done multiple rny's and I felt secure in his abilities. He was adament about my knowledge of the procedure and complications. I felt he did all he could pre op to make sure there would be no suprises. Aftercare is a necessity. There is a support group offered. His Physician Assistant gives her cell # to post ops for any questions or problems. This is reassuring for me. I would advise anyone using the University of Texas Bariatric Surgical Group to ask about their office procedures. I'm in my 50's and used to the old, private doctors office. This is different and once I understood that, it helped. When I need surgery again yes, it will be Dr. Wilson. But NOT in Houston Memorial Herman Hospital. This is my own personal experience and other people may have different experiences.

Positive: I heard about Dr. Wilson from a friend. After much research, I decided that he was the surgeon of my choice. I went to an "information meeting" hosted by my surgeon. .He spoke in great detail about the surgery and the differences between the lapband and the ruin y. He stressed that his clinic is not one that will rush to approval. Even though I was excited and anxious about having my surgery and getting approved, it was reassuring to see how dedicated Dr. Wilson is to really learning everything he possibly can about my health prior to surgery. I have been to several appointments checking on my thyroid, gallstones, abdonimal, heart, lungs, sleep study, etc. I know that I am in good hands and feel confident and secure with my decision. Dr. Wilson gives his patients a take home test where he asks you to draw a diagram of the surgery and answer questions regarding the procedure, risks, signs of leaks, food intake, etc. He really makes sure that you have researched, considered all options, and are really ready for this life change. My surgery date is July 21. I am looking forward to the endless opportunities and changes that are soon to come!!!

Negative: Here is goes...it takes time to get approved. The agony of waiting can be stressful. In addition, I went to several appointments, checkups, and tests....which took a lot of time and money. I have probably spent at least $1000 thus far and been to a dozen plus appointments. It is tiring and stressful, but indeed necessary.

My first impression of Dr. Wilson was that he was very throughal and organized.

My impression never changed of Dr. Wilson at all except that it got better over time. When i went in for the scope test, before they put me out, he came in and asked if i was ready and i told him not really. He asked me why and i explained and he said that you would be alright. Then he said okay "Let's Roll" and that just made me ease into comfort knowing that he was right there by my side. The only time I was upset was when i found out he wasn't going to see me before my surgery. I wanted to hear the words that he says which is "Let's Roll." Those words make me feel that i am good hands with him.

Future patients should know that it does take time to make an appointment and to see him, but if you want to get it done earlier then six months, this is not the Dr. for you. Knowing that Dr. Wilson and his staff wanted the best for me and having all these tests run was little hard but after a while you realized that these tests were for a reason and good reason too. Knowing that they want the best should help in finding the right doctor. He wants to make sure everything is alright and there is nothing wrong with you before hand. I would rate Dr. Wilson a 10++++ for excellence surgical competence and bedside manner.

By the way he does admit that his surgery is better then his artistic skills.:0)

I met Dr. Wilson at the WLS seminar in January, 2003. I knew from the start that he was the surgeon I wanted. He was thorough and very up front. My first visit with him was in February, 2003, where he outlined all the steps in my journey. I finished all my pre-surgery testing at the beginning of June and submitted my insurance request shortly thereafter. I next met with Dr. Wilson in July of 2003, where we discussed my tests results and plotted our next move while waiting for the insurance company decision. Unfortunately, that decision came back negative...and I had another set back with DVT's, spending 14 days in the hospital. I almost gave up on the whole process at this point, but I remembered Dr. Wilson's words of encouragement and kept on pushing. In January of 2004, my employer changed insurance carriers and we reapplied through the new insurance carrier, Humana and we had approval in 48 hours. Dr. Wilson scheduled my IVC filter for March 17, 2004 and he was right there with me through the whole process. Now we have a surgery date of May 26, 2004. My next visit with Dr. Wilson is April 6, 2004, at which time we will discuss the final steps to my surgery. I know he will be as supportive and encouraging as he has been all along. In my opinion, Dr. Wilson is a major "10" among "10's"!

I had my consult with Dr. Erik Wilson on Feb. 17th, 2004 and I was very impressed with him. He is a very personable person and is willing to listen as well as educate. Although I am soooo ready to hurry up and get this done, I respect and greatly appreciate all the preliminary test I must go through for the surgery.