Dr. Appel

I am doing research on surgeons who are in-network for my insurance, and Dr. Appel is one of the few I've found so far. I was originally leaning towards Dr. Champion, but he's not in-network. Can anyone give me some reviews on Dr. Appel? I've read that he can rub some people the wrong way, but I'm not really concerned about that, I would rather be assured that he's competent. Thanks in advance for any input! Stacy

Stacy, He my name is Katie. Iam with Dr. Appel and he is a very good surgon. He did two of my surgeries. He does have a bed side matter problem but he islike that because I think he is just leeting you know he means business. It seems to be said after surgery he lightens up. He likes to tell me jokes from time to time. He is the best I believe I would tell every one to us him. Dr. Champion I was going to us him, but before Iknown about Dr. Appel. Dr. Champion said he would not do surgery on me because I have an eating disoder. I thought that was the dumpest thing I hard. Almost everyone I know has an eating disoder. I am showing him he is wrong every day and If I saw him today Iwould tell him tohis face. I had surgery in July 2004 and I have lost 135 and still losing. call me and we can talk more. Call anytime. 404-299-6990home Cell404-296-6996

Doctor Appel is a wonderful surgeon and has been performing this surgery for about 18 years. As for his bedside manner, he is very business-like and I am sure it is so you understand the seriousness of the journey you are about to take. After surgery he does lighten up a little, but he is a very serious professional. BTW, before my surgery I heard that he was a little tough, but I am not looking for a new friend, I was looking for someone competent and capable to perform my surgery.....and I did. His practice also has an awesome support group. It is led by a psychologist who works with bariatric patients. The folks are great there! Patti

I am going to meet him at a introduction meeting tomorrow (24th.) in Atl. I have heard nothing but good things about him. A friend just had surgery a month ago and he was the doctor. She is very happy with him. I will let you know what I think after I get back. Good luck, Ken

Dr. Appel was my surgeon and I would highly recommend him to ANYONE doing this surgery. He has been doing this for years and knows his stuff! I had complications with my surgery and it was only due to his skill that they were able to complete it lap instead of switching to open. I am STILL gratefull for that!

I thought that Steinberg did the laps and Appel did the opens?

This is how Dr. Appel described it to me He said that normally they work as a team - on both the lap and the open, but I know that Dr. Appel can do the open by himself; he told me he was doing the lap but that he would not schedule it unless Dr. Steinberg was there to work with him. (I know the bill went to Dr. Appel). I was origionally scheduled for an open surgery, but it was changed to lap when I was given the choice once Tricare started approving the Lap RNY's. You could very well be correct, I do know that both surgeons helped on my surgery - and both visited me during my recovery; just at different times

I am one of those people that could not deal with Dr. Appel's personality. Actually I could have dealt with his lack of humor, it was making 9am appts and him not even showing up in the office until 10am I could not tolerate. I am very thankful that he was my surgeon. I feel completely comfortable with him on that level. However, as a working adult I could no longer make appts that should have been an hour affair at the most, and end up sitting there three hours at a time. I see Dr. Steinberg for my follow up care and I find him to be a little more my speed. All that being said, as a SURGEON I would highly recommend Dr. Appel. Kelle

Dear Stacy, I worked with Dr. Appel's office for 15 months through 2 denials, one appeal, one change of insurance and another denial, a reversal and they were 100% with me. He and Dr. S did my surgery nine days ago lap and I have not had complications thus far. He took an interest in me and my Mom + Dad, visited me regularly, saw me twice at my leak test and has been great to work with. He is a complete straight shooter and has the respect of the nurses and doctor's at DMC and that was all I cared about. In my opinion he has been kind and attentive, and he has all the ppl and tools right there, cardiologist, pulminologist, nutritionists and they worked as a team in the hospital also. They all had to sign off on my release, it was a comfort to know they were steps away. Good Luck with your journey, Barbara Nine dayspost op-16 #'s