Bariatric & Metabolic Institute Bariatric Center
I was very impressed with Dr. Schauer and his staff, ( by the way several of them had had the surgery and were great inspiration) They took the time to explain the basics and shared their experiences and let us ask questions before we actually saw the doctor.
The doctor was very open to questions and I was not uncomfortable asking. He and his staff did emphasize that this was a life changing surgery and it was not something that could be reversed if you changed your mind afterwards.
Surgical competence is always most important to me, but if I found the doctor to be unreasonable (arrogant, removed etc) I would probably look for another doctor. I have long gotten over the idea that Drs have a god-like status!
The only gripe I have had so far is the time I spent in his office for the first appt. They were extremely busy and I was there for half a day. But when it was my time in the office, they were not rushing ME out. So I will accept this and not complain (too much). Besides, while I was waiting, I made a really good friend that day! What more can you ask for?
I will comment further if the need arises and after the surgery.
Philip Schauer, Pittsburg, Pa.
He was very professional. His office was always so busy. I met with many people. But he lastly met with me for overall questions, etc. He was really serious about not drinking soda. When I first went there I had a mountain dew habit. He said he wouldn't consider doing surgery till I didn;t drink it anymore. So I had to come back a couple months later with the promise that I had quit drinking mountain dew. The office staff were always very nice. I felt a little sorry for them, it was always so busy and seemed stressful with so many patients. There was really no structered aftercare. I went back 1 week later to get the drain tube out of my side, and no one mentioned coming back. So I haven't been back. His surgical competence was excellent. I would highly recommend him. After surgery, you mostly see the other Doctor's that help him. He did come in once to see me, but the other doctors were talking to me, he kinda hung out in the background.
I met with Dr. Schauer 3/24/01. I was very impressed with him and his staff. They all took the time to answer my questions. They covered all risks with the surgery, explained all the aftercare procedures, and made me feel very comfortable with him and his staff.
I feel confident that I have chosen a very good doctor. Now the waiting begins for the insurance. Out insurance book states that it covers this surgery. I hope they respond quickly.
I met with Dr's Schauer and Ikramuddin on the 17th of January. They are two of the nicest men I have ever met! The office staff is wonderful, they are compassionate and some of them have gone through the same procedure. If you are considering using this group...DO IT! They are worth the wait to see them. (I waited 12 weeks for my initial appointment) When you become a patient, you are committing to be a life-long patient. They explained all aspects and risks of the procedure and as scary as it is...you get such a comfort knowing you are going to be in their hands!
Although the wait is VERY long with this office, it is worth the wait.
I just faxed in my evaluation forms on Tuesday (3/20/01) and received a call from Pam who works for Dr. Fernstrom ..... she'll be evaluating my application and once that is done they will tell me if I am a canidate and will set up an appointment. Hope to hear something soon and will have more to report.
Dr. Schauer seems to be a caring doctor, seems to answer my questions honestly and in detail (which is important to me.
My impression has not changed so far.
Office staff is composed of 2 nurses, both who have had the surgery. They are a wealth of imformation. Very nice and seem to interested in "you".
The sincerity you could feel in his presence.
I would recommend wholeheartedly.
Great emphasise on aftercare.
Sounds to me as the aftercare program will be adequate.
Rating would be - excellant!
Both.
It took me a long time just to get in to see
Dr. Schauer. My first appt with him was
supposed to be on March 24,2001, but I called
in one day, and they had a cancellation and
I went on Feb. 28, 2001. I thought there
would be more to it. Sure I have been researching
for 2 years and I really didnt have any questions left
but I only saw the Doctor for 10 minutes. The
other time was spent getting vitals and etc.
done with nurses. I was kinda disappointed
at my first impression. We will see. My
Pre-Cert is supposed to be sent soon.