I had gastric bypass with Dr. Blackstone in 2003. After reading some reviews it seem she is exactly the same...when complications happen she says ..there is not a complication...its in the patients head or their fault. I had complications for the first 6 months...repeated strictures. She didn't believe I had any complications until tests proved her wrong. Technically I do think she is a good surgeon but her bedside manner is terrible.

How do I even being such a review. I had searched high and low for a surgeon. I wanted someone who would know what they were doing, have book smarts as well as good bedside manner. My first meeting with Dr Blackstone I finally felt like I met the perfect surgeon! She was smart, seemed compassionate and understood. I felt like she would do a great job! Little did I know I would have some complications and that thats when she will run. My surgery went smooth, but one week post op I had some abnormal things start to happen, when I was re admitted into the hospital Dr B basically told me that it was "all in my head". When my CT came back abnormal and I found out I needed another surgery it was not Dr B that came to apologize , she sent the resident in. I never saw her again until the morning of the second surgery in which she never apologized for telling me it was in my head. Again, recovery was rough, and yet she dissapeared. No support, no anything. I've later learned that unless you have a perfect case and perfect recovery this is common practice for her. If you get complicated she vanishes. I am beyond saddened that I entrusted my life with her, and she chose to run when it became hard. Thankfully another surgeon picked up her pieces and has helped fix her mess.

My daughter had suffered for many years when we thought we had found the answer to our prayers with Dr. Blackstone. She was very compassionate and optimistic. The surgery itself went fine but soon after the complications started and Dr. B became a totally different person. She became rude and insensitive which I can verify to first hand! It got to the point my daughter refused to see her anymore, My daughter had a horrible 5 months but finally with the help of other Drs she is getting better.

Dr. Blackstone is the best. She has always been upbeat w/ me as well as kind and considerate. I had several post-op complications. She and Melisa made sure that everything was addressed promptly. I often waited to see her. To me that is a non-issue as she spent as much time with me as needed. If patients need extra time, the others will just have to wait. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

with the most recent post about Blackstone quitting 5 days before surgery, what are you going to do now?

Dr. Blackstone quit her job 5 days before she was supposed to do my DS

I had my surgery in December 2011. Best decision EVER!!! Entire staff from receptionists to surgeons were patient, kind, empathetic, and knowledgeable. They pinpointed my problem, explained all options, and helped me choose the right surgery for ME. Someone was always available (or returned a call within 24 hours) if I had questions. I would recommend -- and have recommended -- this practice to others.

Dr. Blackstone is obviously a skilled surgeon....however, she has spread herself too thin! My pre-op appointments were not punctual at all. The receptionist is terrific, MOST of the diet/exercise people are terrific as is the psychologist. However the rest of them....should be replaced!! I have only seen Dr. B one time - the DAY OF surgery. The rest of the time, Dr. B's patients see the P.A. I'm really glad I had the surgery, however....I might advise others to shop around a bit to someone who can give more attention. I had no surgical complications and lost 60 lbs in my first 5 months. I'm happy with that! Scottsdale Healthcare Hospital was terrific.

I only got as far as paying for all my tests and doing the majority of the requirements that I was instructed to do. Heather dropped the ball. She does not get back to you and I have been waiting 18 months for surgery. There was always something else or she was out of the office. She did not always answer my questions. I contacted the administrator and was told last year that they would get my paperwork completed and to my insurance provider Arizona Foundation. I called my insurance provider multiple times and still nothing has been submitted. I gave up and now have to go through this process all over again with another surgical center. The very sad part is two of my friends have had surgery with Dr. Blackstone and recommended I go through her practice. I have yet to meet Dr. Blackstone. A complete and total waste of my time and money.

I am a health care professional and exercise physiologist with 30 years experience in the health care field. I underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2008 after considerable research into surgical outcomes, overall outcomes, and current state of practice. Dr. Blackstone is both an outstanding surgeon and compassionate professional. She has spearheaded the concepts of the centers of excellence for both pre-operative and post-operative care. Preparation for the surgery takes ~ 1 year if patients follow everything (pre-op psychological, physical, nutritional preparation) according to plan. I've never experienced more than a reasonable wait for office visits, return phone calls, or e-mail. Dr. Blackstone is committed to advancing bariatric medicine by establishing practice standards, conducting clinical research, and by caring for her patients. Choosing Dr. Blackstone and having the surgery has given me both my personal and professional life back. I would do it all over in a heartbeat.