Richard Tillquist Bariatric Surgeon MD

Update: I'm 2-years post-op and can say I would recommend Dr. Tillquist to anyone considering this surgery. I have lost over 150lbs and am incredibly glad to have my life back. Dr. T and the staff were fantastic before during and after surgery. I like their availability and the fact that they return phone calls usually on the same day and even answer the phone sometimes. rnrnSurgery went well, but I had one small complication upon returning home. On my 2nd day after surgery I started having uncontrollable diarhea but Dr. T was out of town. When I reached the on call Doctor he tried to tell me I had caught the stomach flu while in the hospital (HA). By Monday, my third day of literally uncontrollable diarrhea I got to talk to someone in the office. By this point I was HYSTERICAL but CJ called in something to stop the diarrhea and some valium to stop hysteria. Both worked wonders!! Beyond that I have never had any complications at all. rnrnI've never felt particularly \"bonded\" with anyone in the office but I just come and go as needed and wasn't really looking to make friends. If you are looking into WLS my first advice is \"Go for it. Get your life back\" My second advice is \"Go to dr. Tillquist.\". I don't hang out on this board too often but if anyone looking for further information can always send me a message and I'll be happy to respond.

Well I am very excited to get my bypass done. I met Dr T yesterday and very much enjoyed talking with him and his staff. They are all very knowledgeable and made me feel right at home the moment I walked in the door. I have been trying for four years now to get a bypass here in the Springs. Yes, to no avail. My high weight as well as having Celiac Disease has made the local Dr's nervous to do the procedure on me. They have made excuses and put me off for quiet a while now. As well as they did not have much knowledge of having Celiac Disease in a bypass. Dr T has put my worries at ease on this subject. His knowledge, experience and confidence is very appreciated here. He asked me if I had any other questions and I only had one. If he could do my surgery tomorrow (jokingly) I have been waiting for over 4 years now. The only request I did have was to have something ready to calm me down when I do get to the hospital for the procedure. I had my gallbladder removed a little over a year ago (in the Springs and not by Dr T) and the anesthesiologist made a mistake and almost killed me. I still get flash backs in bits and peaces. I am 100% sure for 4 years now I want this surgery but I know I will be more than nervous when I see the OR door coming. Dr T was great at relieving my concerns. rnI am 5'3 and 453 pounds. Yes, a little more than most. I have my nutrition class scheduled for tomorrow and the phone call to the Psychiatrist office to type up the release letter went out yesterday 5 min after I left Dr T's office. The only thing left is a Cardio assessment. I have a few surgeries under my belt and know what that entails and have passed every one I have had with colors. So now the only thing to do is wait for that appointment which I do not have yet. I anticipated all the other releases I would need and all ready had the appointments weeks ago. I brought the paperwork with me yesterday to Dr T's Office. My GP, my Rheumatologist and my Pulmonologist . All the releases filled out with the t's crossed, i's dotted and tests complete. rnrnAnyway, I just wanted to post a little of my thoughts here since not many has been posted lately. I will add more later as things happen. I hope those that read this later will find some comfort on what they will be going through. It is kinda scary but I also know it will change my life as well as extend it. But I am just plumb old excited right now.rnrnKathleenrn

Dr. Bell is no longer a provider under my plan, nor are any of the other local doctors. rnrnI'm going to start the process again with Dr. Tillquist.rnrnrnPREVIOUS posts are from 2004. . . . . . rnrnrn1/5- I called to Dr. Bell's office. First things first-- his office verifies WLS is a plan benefit prior to consultation. Good idea-- saves a lot of time, I bet. Everything they asked for, I faxed this afternoon. I even faxed a copy of my plan benefit book which shows gastroplasty is a benefit.

I just want to say that anyone that has Dr. Tillquist do their surgery is in good hands. Every person that I came across in the hospital asked who was doing my surgery. When I told them, the response was always the same, \"He is such a nice man, I have Never seen him angry or annoyed.\"rnHis office staff was really nice to work with and very serious about your care. If I had to do it all over again, I would definately go with Dr. Tillquist!

Great first impression - awsome bedside manner. He is very well informed, and always willing to answer all of my questions. rnrnAlso, his staff is nice and well informed.rnrnStructured aftercare program - monthly visits the first year with weigh-ins and routine checks on my vitamin levels.rnrnI would rate Dr. Tilquist a 10 out of 10rnrnBoth his bedside manner and surgical competence were important factors in chosing him as a surgeon. rnrn

Dr Tillquist was great from the moment I met him through surgery. He is quite soft spoken, but made me feel very comfortable. He answered my huge list of questions without batting an eye. He has one post op visit 7-10 days out and then does monthly appointments for a year. Dr Tillquist was very upfront with what both the surgeries that I was considering could do for me, gave me the pros and cons of both and realistically told me what my end of the bargain was. I could not have picked a better surgeon for me. Both my mom and aunt had surgery with him also.rnrnEilleen worked wonders for me with getting my insurance approval.rnrnCJ, the NP is wonderful. She gives very straight and upfront answers. Everytime I call or see her, she is genuine and supportive. What a great asset to this office!

Dr. Tillquist lit up the room when he walked in!rnMy impression didn't change, he's a sweet heart!rnThe staff is very helpful and on the ball!rnI can't think of anything I disliked about Dr. Tillquist.rnI have lots of aftercare support.rn

I really like Dr. Tillquist's personality and compassion. I still have the same impression. He is a very caring and genuine individual. Awesome. The staff has been very supportive and are just as caring as Dr. Tillquist. Nothing, I like everything about him. He's just very awesome. The whole staff emphasizes aftercare. I have called a couple of times and my calls have always been answered immediately. Yes, check-ups every month for the first year, then yearly afterwards. Yes, they addressed the risks, even took the time to assure my 15 year old son what would happen and answered my family questions. I was very happy with Dr. Tillquist. I had seen two other doctor's and he was definetely my favorite. Both are great, it makes you feel better going into surgery and assures you afterward. I have nothing negative to say. This shouldn't be taken as suspect either. I have seen some crappy doctors and when a good one comes along, I appreciate them.

Dr. Tillquist and I go way back. He was my surgeon when I had some abdominal adhesions removed about 4 years ago. (This was before he started his WLS program) Then and now he is wonderful! So kind...so understanding. I don't think I could find a better surgeon if I tried! And his office staff, as always, has been amazing. I highly recommend him. And he does have his own website if you want to check it out. :)

My first impression of Dr. Tillquist was that he is a very competent surgeon. He was willing to answer any and all of my questions. CJ is very helpful as is Eileen. Aftercare is very important with Dr. Tillquist and I appreciate the time everyone puts into making sure I am successful with this surgery.