William Yates Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I met Dr. Yates at a seminar in Cape Girardeau. He seems to know his stuff and I can see he cares about those he treats. My first impression of him has been very positive. He really stressed the importance of after care which I think is good. It doesn't seem that he will do the surgery and say your on your own!

Dr.William Yates was very friendly. Prepare yourself for at least a 2 hour wait. He took his time with my hubby and I. He was quite knowledgable about insurances. He said his office people would send the 2nd appeal. (They didn't wouldn't, Karen his office manager personally told me it was up to me to do the appeal.) He won't do the surgery if you don't sign a promisary letter stating you will take your Vitamins, and that you will follow medical advice for life.
Don't be nervous when you go see him. He works hard, and long hours. March 3, 2001 and I'm waiting on the 2nd appeal approval. At this point I feel like his office has dropped me, the cold hard facts are there is someone right behind you waiting to have the surgery, so don't count your chickens, and don't make the easy mistake, in thinking you have made a bunch of new friends at Dr. Yates office. Untill your approved, your just another patient, who couldnt get insurance to pay.

Waiting to get an approval from insurance before making an appointment. 4 hour drive there. But the Program people seem great!
Very open & honest.

2/17/01 I had my 1st appt with Dr Yates today. He and his staff were very professional and caring. I know that I have made the right choice in choosing this office.

MY APPOINTMENT WAS WITH DR. YATES. IT WAS A LONG AND TRYING EXPERIENCE BECAUSE HE WAS 2HRS AWAY. ONCE I GOT THERE LATE, HE WAS THERE BUT INSTEAD OF HIM SEEING ME IMMEDIATELY I WAITED THERE FOR 3HRS MORE BECAUSE HE HAD TO GO TO SURGERY. I MUST SAY THIS WAS WORST EXPERIENCE WITH HIM OR HIS OFFICE. I NORMALLY QUITE IRRATIABLE, BUT THEY MADE ME FEEL COMFORTABLE. I REMEMBER WHEN BONNIE FIRST CALLED ME TO TELL ME I WAS APPROVED I KNOW I HAD TO SOUND SO UNEXCITED. BUT SHE CONTINUED WITH A PLEASANT HAPPY TONE NO MATTER WHAT. HIS SECRETARY ANDREA AND NURSE CATHY WERE NICE AND HELPFUL.
DR. YATES WAS VERY CONCERNED OF HOW THE HOSPITAL STAFF WAS TREATING ME, HOW I FELT AND IF I HAD AND CONCERNS. HE OFTEN GAVE YOU A CHOICE IN THE DECISIONS BEING MADE IF POSSIBLE AND I REALLY LIKED THAT. HE AND HIS NURSED CHECKED IN ON ME DAILY AND THEY WERE AVAILABLE ANYTIME IF I HAD QUESTIONS.

I met w/ Dr. Yates for the 1st time today and I liked him. I did have to wait (I arrived at 2:45 for a 3:00 appointment and didn't get in until about 4:10). I didn't get too upset though because I'd read (on this site) that this is common for Dr. Yates appointments. Once in the office with the Dr. I was glad that I waited. He was very nice and put me at ease almost immediately. He was very straightforward and answered all of my questions. I liked the fact that I didn't feel rushed or like my questions were ones that I KNOW he has probably answered hundreds of times. He has a lot of success stories to his credit and his personality is down-to-earth yet professional. I would say that if the wait doesn't bother you, he is well worth it. I'd rather wait awhile for a doctor that I feel like has time for me once I get in to see him. Anyway, I'm awaiting insurance approval now and I feel comfortable that, with approval, he will be the best surgeon for me.

I found him to be straight forward about the surgery,holding nothing back. Telling me both the pros and cons of this surgery. My impression of him did not change,he was very nice to both myself and my wife. His staff is very professional,especially Cathy. I know that a lot of people have complained about how long their office appointments have been,But my feeling is that I want to go to a doctor who everyone else wants to go to.I would hate to go to a doctor who doesn't appear to ever be busy.
I have been to a lot of doctors in my time (mostly orthopedic surgeons),I rate Dr.Yates
right at the top.He has given me my life back.

I know he is busy

I met Dr. Yates a a seminar. My first impression is that he is very confident. He took time to answer ALL questions.

I first met Dr. Yates at a seminar where he
was late .. and from what I understand that
is usual. But he was wonderful, took time to
answer questions and did not rush any of the
participants. I am anxious to have my first
meeting with him.
** 01/15/01- I had my first office meeting
with Dr. Yates. He was late, but I understand
that is usual because he is so busy. He and
Kathy both sat with my husband and I and took
time to explain things regarding the surgery,
the approval etc. I think he is great! He
and Kathy are both optimistic about my
approval. I highly recommend him to anyone
considering this surgery.