"2002 - Dr. Robinson was referred to me by two friends who have had recent, successful WLS. In all fairness, my first visit to his office did not start off well with parking issues, not being seen until almost 60 minutes after my scheduled time, and what I felt to be a dirty exam room.
The PA seemed very knowledgable, although rushed through everything so quickly that if I hadn't already known what she was talking about, I would have been lost.
I saw Dr. Robinson for probably a total of 5 minutes after the PA had briefed me on everything. I had hoped to spend much more time with him, but suppose I understand that he very busy and much of this surgery has now become routine.
All in all, I am happy with my choices with doctor and hospital. I've had personal experiance with Brigham and Women's hospital before, and always found them to be top-notch. Although as previously mentioned I would have liked to speak with Dr. Robinson at more length, the time I was with him I found him to be personable.
I live about 90 minutes from Boston (on Cape Cod), so plan to have all post op visits (after the staple removal) overseen by my personal physician here on the Cape.
3/28/03 - After waiting nearly a year and being within two weeks of my scheduled surgery date, I have switched hospitals and surgeons. I became uncomfortable with Dr. Robinson for a couple reasons.
He is not at this time a member of the ASBS, which I feel is an important commitment.
I did not find him to be personable, compassionate or even understanding of the complexities of obesity.
These feelings are a result of my own experiences and not based on any negative information I have heard from anyone else.
I met Dr. Thayer at Newton Wellesley for the first time last night at a support group meeting and was very impressed with both him and the gastric bypass progam.
Dr. Thayer is very approachable and seems to truly understand the psychological, physical and social aspects of being obese. He is very supportive and he stressed that he and his staff intend to stay involved in your post op care for life. I feel very comfortable with doctor Thayer and the program at Newton Wellesley."
