Meet Our Patients Support is a critical element throughout this process. Reading about the progress of others can bring comfort during trying times. Read what some of our patients have to say about their experiences. Elizabeth N. Burlington County, NJ 12/19/06 Personal Comments: October 10, 2006 WOOOHOOO I have a date! It feels so good to write those words, and terrifying at the same time. December 4th is the big day. Talk about an amazing Christmas present to oneself eh? :-) This, of course, is pending the appropriate outcome of the remaining clearance tests. I'm waiting for a report on my bone density scan, have my endoscopy and colonoscopy scheduled, and am working furiously on making the vena cava filter procedure happen. On the vena cava filter thing, I have the feeling at the moment that I'm being given the runaround by the "gate guards" at the hospital where I want to have the procedure done, as well as by one of my doctors' offices. I'd like to get this done at my local hospital, partly because I don't want to travel four hours each way for any more procedures than I can possibly avoid, but also because this hospital is where most of my doctors practice. So I feel safer there, knowing that the specialists who know me well can be brought in a... Click here to read more Comments About William S. Peters M.D.: Many others have written about Doc and Robbie's interesting office setup, so I won't go into those details....except to say that it spoke volumes to me about their priorities. I'm not impressed with fancy furniture or artwork or photos of the surgeon hobknobbing with famous people. If that's kind of surgeon you want, don't bother with Dr. Peters. If you want a surgeon you can look in the eye and see the real person, all present, right there in front of you, then you're in the right place. I prize honesty right up there with medical and surgical competence. Dr. Peters has them all, along with tremendous passion for what he does. In my first few days after surgery, I was particularly grateful that he gave me a good sense of what to expect each day. He described to me in some detail how I could expect to feel and when I could expect those things to start changing for the better. There's nothing quite like the voice of experience :-). If you're looking at traveling to have your surgical procedure done, add Dr. Peters to your list of surgeons to contact. The prices are competitive with the out of country prices for people who must self-pay, and the aftercare is fantastic. Carol D. Carbondale, PA 11/30/06 Personal Comments: I'm beginning the process of having surgery and am learning about the different types. Also am interested in learning about the post op life style changes. 3/18/06 - I think I've really decided to do this. Even with the complications that I've read about... including those who have passed from this. I definitely think the pros outweigh the cons at this point. My family so far is supportive, as well as my b/f. I am just really scared of leaving my children if that were to happen. I don't know how my daughter would take it. We're very close (she's 7 now). But for me to be able to be more active with her would be so great.... and to not be so tired anymore. But I'm going to keep reading and get more informed. I need to call Dr. Peters this week and go get some blood work for him. I really hope my insurance is cooperative with this... I know they cover it, but not the prerequisites yet. Will call on Monday. 4/14/06 - Well, almost a month since I've updated. Don't know ... Click here to read more Comments About William S. Peters M.D.: Well, what to say about Dr. Peters and Robbie.... words are not enough to describe them. My first impression was one of immediate comfort knowing I'm in Dr. Peters hands. While he's quick to point out the potential complications and how hard all this will be, he's also a wonderful human being who made me always feel so at ease in his presence. He explains EVERYTHING and every option available. He spends a lot of time going over things. I was there soooo long, I couldn't believe it. I left knowing I want my life in this man's hands. As the time went on, I became more and more attached to him and Robbie. She is an absolute dynamo and knows what she is talking about. She will fight to the death to get one of her patients approved. And Dr. Peters, well, when I first lost my job, I called him to cancel my EGD and he made me feel soooo much better about losing my job!! He's so upbeat and positive. Of course, I had the EGD to keep things moving, but without him I would have crumbled. He's not only a surgeon/physician, but a wonderful human being as well. I don't know about aftercare yet, but if pre-surgery is any indication, I'm sure it'll be great. Dr. Peters and his wife, Robbie, are the reasons I got approved for surgery. Robbie gets mad for you when you are getting screwed over. While I didn't talk to Dr. Peters as much during the course of this month, Robbie told me he himself had made about 5 calls to Highmark on my behalf. I would absolutely NOT let anyone else operate on me for this. I have complete faith in him and Robbie and while I know my life literally is in his hands - I have no fear because of who they are as people and professionals. Thank you both - words will never be enough. Michele S. Thornhurst, PA 08/22/06 Personal Comments: Hello All...I am just loving this website...there is so much information. I am 37, mother of 3 (13 yr old daughter, 11 year old daughter, 9 year old son) and as if they don't keep me busy enough, I have 3 dogs (1 mini dachshund, 1 mini poodle, and 1 Akita) and 3 horses and I work full time. I have been looking into WLS for close to 1 year and now I feel this is getting very close. I originally went to Barix clinics in Langhorn PA...nothing bad happened to send me another route. I have 2 friends that went there that are doing very well. I must state there was a huge difference with Dr. Peters though. Lets see....Barix Clinic...1 1/2hr drive from home...15 minutes consult with Dr. and 1 1/2hr drive back home....Dr. Peters....20 minutes from home...over 2 hr consult...20 minutes home. I love it....but that is not the reason for the switch. My reason to switch is simply that I believe in fate. You see, Barix lost my first information and I was never processed, so it took quite s... Click here to read more Comments About William S. Peters M.D.: Before I went to see Dr. Peter's I was already aware of how thorough he was from reading all the information his patients posted on his website. I already had talked with Robbie on the phone so I knew what to expect...I already liked her. I was prepared for some stern faced, never crack a smile kind of doc. I was completely wrong. I loved Doc, yes he was thorough with explaining everything, but he has a very warm personality to him. I was extemely comfortable. So for anyone who is a 1st timer with him, yes he will go over everything but he does smile. I like the fact that he wants to meet my husband on the second visit, he says "Husbands are the under the hood kind and ask questions a woman won't because we are a get it on the road type"!! He's right, I want everything yesterday. He takes great pride in his work and how people are after the surgery and likes his patients to keep updating him. Pa L. Baden, PA 08/21/05 Personal Comments: I am a 43 year old mother of 2 special needs adopted children, ages 14 and 11. I have been obese throughout childhood and morbidly obese throughout most of my adulthood. I come from an obese family and we're all diabetic. I am so tired of being disabled from this weight, not being able to move or keep up with the children, not being able to use my gifts and talents because I'm in pain or humiliated by my appearance. I know if I do nothing I will be dead before 50 and that would be a grave injustice for me to do to my children. 9/8/04 I have a consultation with Dr. Richard Oakley on 9/27/04. I feel that DS is the right surgery for me, anticipate BCBS PPO will not be cooperative (they will approve RNY or Lapband, not DS). I have an appointment with endocrinologist on 9/14 and will be given heck for another weight gain. I'm so tired of being treated like a weak-willed child. See my PCP 9/9 and will also advise her of my plan. I expect that she will be supportive, has alwa... Click here to read more Comments About William S. Peters M.D.: I liked Dr. Peters. He was a no nonsense guy and answered all of my questions. His friendly style and dry sense of humor put me at ease. Robbie is excellent and I felt like she'd go the extra mile to help me. Dr. Peters expects that you will have done your research and know what you want and what your expectations are. He expects you to be accountable and responsible for doing your part to make thius successful. I have recommended him to a few people in this area looking for the DS. Kelly M. PA 06/04/05 Personal Comments: Hi everyone, My name is Kelly and I am 29 years old. I have a wonderful husband and the most beautiful little girl of 4 years. Her name is Kayla. I guess I have been struggling with my weight for about 9 years now. After high school I just began to gain weight. Then my father died in 1995 due to medical negligence and I guess that is when I started turning to food for comfort. The situation has spiraled into binge eating and food addictions. I am having my surgery with Dr. William Peters in Pennsylvania on June 28th, 2005. I have been on too many diets and have exercised myself silly. It is time to get my life back under control and become the person that I know I truly am. I am so scared and nervous at the same time...but I cannot wait to get my life back. July 10th, 2005 Well here I am on the 12th post op day not counting the day of surgery. All is going good. I have lost approximately 17lbs so far. I cannot even believe it. I am eating some soft foods and wil... Click here to read more Comments About William S. Peters M.D.: I absolutely love Dr. Peters and his wife Robbie! I cannot say enough good things about them. My first impression of him was that he takes his work very seriously. I also felt that he truly cares about his patients and everything is not about the almighty dollar to him. He will turn patients away if he feels they are not committed or ready for this whereas other surgeons will operate on anybody. My feelings about him and his skills have only gotten stronger over time. Every day I am more and more thankful that I found him. I believe in him and his skills and that is important. Robbie is so wonderful and knowledgable and very encouraging. Dr. Peters tells it like it is and is very honest. I respect him more for that. Some people may not like how honest he is but it makes me respect him even more. He does continued aftercare and has a support group meeting once a month for his patients. He also has the nutritionist come to certain meetings. He puts much emphasis on how important aftercare and follow up care is after surgery. He is very thorough when he explains the different types of surgery and the different risks associated with them all including death. He basically tries to scare you and it usually works. He wants his patients to know this is not something to take lightly. I have researched him and I feel that could not have made a better choice for myself. Dawn H. Meshoppen, PA 11/09/04 Comments About William S. Peters M.D.: I have met with Dr. Peters twice now and feel he is a very competent surgeon. My first impression of him was that he was very thorough, explaining the different types of procedures, pros and cons of each procedure, the risks involved, etc. He makes sure you are making your decision for the right reason and won't even touch you until you have had nutritional consults with a registered dietician, a psych consult, have attended at least one support group meeting, and can prove to him that you understand the ins and outs of the entire process. That's impressive. He's not just out there to cut you open and take your money - he truly cares about his patients and their well-being. I must admit that I wasn't 100% sure after my first meeting with Dr. Peters. But now I understand that he's just a blatently honest guy that is only looking out for your best interest. By the second visit, I was convinced that he's a pretty cool guy and I am confident in selecting him as my surgeon. His record is outstanding and he appears to be a very confident, caring surgeon. Tammy W. Taylor, PA 08/30/04 Personal Comments: I would just like to say that bariatric surgery did wonders for my life. Not only do I feel 100% better, I look 100% better. I am now able to walk up stairs without being out of breath, I can't believe it. The day of my surgery I went in at 273lbs, a size 22 pants and 3X top, I am not 157 lbs, a size 8 pants and Large top. When people from my past see me they don't even know it is me. It's amazing how much I have changed. But the best part of the whole situation is that I feel so much better. Whenever I think about how I used to feel I start to cry. I was always tired, never wanted to go out in public, got out of breath very easily. Now I don't want to stop going. Before this surgery I had chronic back pain and high blood pressure that I took medication for, both are now gone!! It's now been 2 years and 7 months since my surgery and I am the happiest I have ever been!! Thank you Dr. Peters and Robbie for all of your help and support, you guys are the best! Not only am ... Click here to read more Comments About William S. Peters M.D.: My first impression of Dr. Peters was that he was an "Up Front" doctor. He told you what the surgeries entailed, what the risks/side effects could be and then asked if you could handle it. He didn't candy coat any part of the surgery, healing process, or life change. Each time I spoke with Dr. Peters I liked him more and more. He is a doctor who really cares about his patients and wants to see them succeed once their operation is complete. Not only is Dr. Peters a great person, his wife is awesome. Whenever you need a question answered or just have a concern Robbie is right there. They both make you feel like you are part of their family. I have the highest regard for Dr. Peters, he was there whenever I needed him. I admire him so much, that I refered a friend to him and she is also thrilled with him and her outcome so far. Everyday I think my lucky stars that I met Dr. Peters and Robbie, whether they want to believe it or not, they helped change my life. Nancy K. Linton, IN 07/27/04 Personal Comments: I am a 43 year old wife and mother of 2 girls. They are 24 and 21. I have been married for 26 years! Wow hard to believe that, lol. My family is my major support right now, hubby and girls are sooooo supportive, probably couldnt do this without them. So I have them, along with a couple of close friends. Have one friend that is only 112 lbs soaking wet but she is the best for me!....if you read this Sharon...I love ya, and thanks!!! My goal?? Be healthy and get off these meds!!! 8/3/04 Had my stress test, chest xray and blood work today. All ok as far as I was told. Now I just have to wait for my PC Dr to get the results to my surgeon. I know the day will come quick and I really appreciate all the support out there. Im keeping busy, going to work and when Im home, I have been doing a lot of cleaning so I wont have to do it afterwards so much. (thats pretty funny huh? not have to clean...right LOL) Anyway thanks again for all the support. "talk" soon. 8/6/04 Want to tha... Click here to read more Comments About William S. Peters M.D.: I met with Dr Peters for over an hour on our first consult. I found him to be very forth coming, which I personally really appreciate. I want to know what to expect, the good, the bad and the ugly! I especially like that he wants to meet the spouse or significant other, to make sure all are on board with this decision. Robbie who takes care of all the paperwork is a wonder. She is really on top of things and extrememly helpful. Since I have only met once and will be going again in a few days I dont have a lot of other information at this time. Daniel G. Carbondale, PA 06/10/04 Comments About William S. Peters M.D.: Doc. Peter I feel did a great job on my i lost a 160 pounds with no probles and I thank him and i will tell anyone to go to him Louise J. Gouldsboro, PA 06/05/04 Personal Comments: March 27, 2004 5'8,275 lbs,48 years old, tired of being fat, and inactive because of it. Well, I had my first appt with my PCP, and she is behind me all the way. Ive already had my first appt with the nutritionist, and I have appt's set up for a sleep study, to check fore sleep apnea. Also I was given my referral to my bariatric surgeon, Dr Richard Peter's! Woo hoo, I'm on my way!!!!! I have an appt with him at the end of april! I should be ready to have my surgery by the end of August, or the beginning of September. Please, Please, Please let my insurance company say yes!!!!!!!! OK, Ive met with my Doc three times now, and I love him to pieces! His personality is very down to earth, yet he's got tons of exp, so I'm very comfortable with him!!!! Ive had my sleep study and I do have sleep apnea, so back I go for a cpap study. Another night I get to sleep over at CMC. No biggie, and with the cpap machine, I should have much better sleep. I'm still seeing my nutritionist, Lori, at CMC,... Click here to read more Comments About William S. Peters M.D.: Ive met Doctor Peter's 3 times now,once at his office, and twice at support group meetings, and I'm impressed with how down to earth he is. You never feel like he's talking down to you, he just speaks his mind, very to the point, without using medical jargon to impress. His wife Robbie is really nice, and skinny! :) Great combination, Doc and his wife are! I trust the Doc with my life totally, and can't wait to be on the other side! I know once I have the surgery, they will always be there for me, as Ive seen it thru other patients experiences. He dosent sugar coat anything, just states the facts, which I like.