William, Jr. Roll Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

I will meet with Dr. Roll on April 19, 2001. I originally met with Dr. Afram in DC, but then had to switch from a PPO to an HMO, so I'll have to see Dr. Roll instead. It's probably a good thing because Dr. Afram requires a $1000 deposit. My mother had surgery with him last year and she wants me to see him, too, but I think I'd feel more comfortable with Dr. Roll. He's had a lot of experience and his staff is supposed to be really good. I also don't know how comfortable I feel going to support group meetings with my mother because a lot of my weight issues are tied up with hers. Anyway, I'll update when I meet Dr. Roll. So far Barbara has been more than accommodating when I've called. She's rescheduled me more than once and always takes the time to answer questions even when she's really busy. I like her a lot.rnrn4/19/01: Dr. Roll is very friendly. He was somewhat abrupt and seemed to rush through his spiel, but he was more than happy to answer my questions afterwards. He explained the surgery in great detail and emphasized that this is a year-long commitment. He said he has never lost a patient and explained that most complications happen in the hospital, and even then he has a low rate of problems. I get the feeling that he hands a lot of the question answering to Sally, the dietician. I will meet with her twice next week and was able to get in to see the psychiatrist on April 30.

My first impression of Dr. Roll was that of an intelligent and compassionate person. My impression never changed. His staff was so nice, they began to feel like family members. Future patients should know that he is the best and will give you great care. Dr. Roll had a structured aftercare program. I failed in that regard to do a bad job and bad, cruel supervisor who made it know that if I continued taking time off work (even thought I was willing to stay late and make up the missed time) that I would be fired. He considered my surgery a vain cosmetic procedure. rnDr. Roll was very honest about the possible risks of the surgery and about the possible postive outcomes. Overall, on a scale of 1-10, I would give him a 20. Surgical competence and bedside manner are equal imporanct to me. Dr. Roll excelled at both.rnrnBecause of him my life is so much better, I feel better, I look better, I am a much happier person. I owe him so much.

Dr. Roll is remarkable in many ways. He is skilled, dedicated and intent on excellence. He is also retiring (today, June 24th 2005, I think). Any surgeon that has studied under his expertise should know they have received the ultimate in training.

I first met Dr. Roll in Oct. 2002 when my wife had her first consult. I was very impressed with his no-nonsense approach and the very factual way of reviewing all the information about RNY and its benefits and risks. When I had my first consult in Nov. 2004 I was very pleased that he remembered me, even though I had not seen him since my wife surgery and that he had not changed. He still went through all the information again just to make sure that I knew what to expect. His staff has been very helpful so far, Sue has been in contact with my insurance to get my case reviewed and keeps me up to date with any progress. Future patients need to be aware of his no-nonsense approach because this can appear to be cold but I believe that he cares deeply about all his patients' health and well-being. Dr. Roll has a structured aftercare program that lasts for at least 1 year and he likes to see his patients even after that, just to check up on them. Dr. Roll addresses the risks of surgery upfront and factually during he first consult. I would rate him highly because I have seen his surgical competence with my wife's surgery.
I believe that Dr. Roll’s surgical competence is better, although I do like no-nonsense and factual approach.

1-22-2005
Dr William Roll is a very kind but strict man, he let me know up front that this was a lifetime change and I would need to join the team that was now on my side to reduce my weight. He also said "its my way or the highway" and then handed me a very professional book with everything I needed to know and everything I needed to get done. Of course, he went over almost every page in the book which equates to about 100 pages.
I have to see a nutritionist that is part of the team and this nutritionist does not take insurance, I have to pay up front ($200.00) and then file a claim with my insurance, this does create a minor problem but it would be much better if this was taken care of. I am quite excited to get this done!!! More to come as things finalize.

Dr. Roll was right to the point didnt waste any time but was very informative. When i first met him i was kind of skeptical b/c i was in his office and out but i learned he does this so often he has a routine worked out for everyone as soon as you walk into his office. As the time went by and i had my pre-op and when he came to visit me in the hospital i found him to be very personable and polite but still to the point, he doesnt like to waste any time. The office staff was great. They are all so polite and helpfull. He really tries to stress to everyone that what he is doing for you is a tool to loose weight not the alternative. After the surgury you have to exercise, eat right, and take your supplements (as much as i hate them)He also went over the risks of surgery and his success as well. Very good overall i must say. I would rate Dr. Roll as a 9 just because i thought i am a more personable friendly person but he didnt want to get that too friendly but i know thats how some people are and i didnt hold that against him.

I met Dr. Roll on 11/16/04 and found that he and his staff were everything I hoped they would be. I've read other reviews about him and I was not disappointed. He is very knowledgable and emphasizes that this will be a team effort.

What was your first impression of him? Friendly, professional, but no nonsense. Has a process he expects you to follow.

How did your impression change over time? Has not changed

How would you describe his/her office staff? He and his staff are easy and pleasant to work with.

What did you like least about him? Nothing, everything has gone smoothly.

What should future patients know about him?Friendly, professional, but no nonsense. Has a process he expects you to follow.

How much does he emphasize aftercare? Heavily. Follow-up required for about 1 year.

Does he have a structured aftercare program? Yes.

How did he address the risks of surgery? Clear and up-front emphasis on potential risks; but did not over emphasize either. Laid it out plainly for me to decide the risk/benefit.

How would you rate him overall? Outstanding.

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner? Both great!

I would strongly recommend Dr. Roll to anyone for this surgery.

first impression: sweet grandfatherly, but a straight shooter, which I appreciate in a medical professional.
my impression didn't really change. This guy knows his stuff and I think was impressed with the amount of research I have done and what I know.
His office staff is absolutely wonderful!!!!!!!!!
What I liked least about him is that he only does open procedures, but I am sure he has his reasons for doing that and he has a very high success rate very low mortality rate.
Future patients should know that everyone there is very understanding and kind.
He has a very structured aftercare program and puts great emphasis on the fact that this is all a huge TEAM effort and the most important person on the team is you.
He does address the risks of surgery, but he made me feel much more at ease about the risks.
I believe surgical competence is much more important.
I rate this gentleman an 8 thus far.

Well I really liked his no nonsense approach. But overtime that same direct bluntess was not what I needed. Not that I needed to be coddled but after losing almost 200lbs to put half back on after having a baby and be told that it was my own fault. That was not helpful - he does not do revision surgery at all and does not take my current insurance. His office staff was wonderfull and very helpful during my initial procedure. He does have a structured aftercare where he sees you frequently for weigh-in's. As far as what risks were involved he told me what they were, and what the percentage resulted in death, but very confidently told me that in all his years of preforming this surgery he only had one person have a major complication. Overall he was a wonderful surgeon, a little rough around the edges in the bedside manner department though. And very rigid in his practices and treatment courses. Like I said, dont' screw up, because he doesnt do revisions.