Bariatric & Metabolic Institute Bariatric Center

More interested in his research than his patients. Cold and removed. I had Lap RNY surgery in 1998, lost around 60-70 pounds during the first six months and then the weight loss stopped. About a month after my surgery, I started having severe pain in my upper abdomen and couldn't keep food down. My surgeon had me get an upper GI test done and found that my stoma was trying to close up completely, so he had me go into my local hospital and have them 'stretch' it. My feelings of fullness were gone, I was hungry again soon after eating, and I started to be able to eat and drink more than I was told I should have been able to. My weight started to creep up again as a result of all this, plus my depression and hopelessness over the whole situation, and I am now at the same weight I was before the operation. I contacted my surgeon in 2001 about the problem and he said he probably should have bypassed more intestine (he had done a proximal bypass instead of the distal that I had requested) but I should try diet and exercise instead. Gee thanks! If that had worked in the past, I wouldn’t have had to have the surgery you idiot!

I haven't met Dr. Schauer yet but from everything I've read about him and patients comments, I have been thoroughly impressed. He appears to by the Doctors Doctor, in that other physicians struggling with weight loss have used him as their surgeon. I was originally referred to him by an OB/GYN who works at Johns Hopkins and used him instead of one of the bariatric surgeons at Hopkins. That spoke volumes to me, if you know what I mean.

Dr. Schauer's office staff seemm to be extremely well organized and knowledgeable. Their insurance person, Dana, has been absolutely wonderful to work with and very responsive.

Dr. Schauer's practice requires you to complete a very comprehensive application, afterwards send you a detailed handbook to read to help educate yourself and also require you to attend a 4 hr. workshop prior to scheduling consults & tests. Once you've completed all consults and been cleared by your PCP, they'll schedule a surgery date.

They have monthly support group meetings which are also posted on the internet as webcasts, if you are not able to get there locally. See http://www.upmc.edu/obesitysurgery/monthlySupportGroup.htm

8/19/04 - I met Dr. Schauer the first time at the workshop several months prior to my surgery and was so impressed with his compassion and clear explanation of the issues we each have to battle with and how the surgery can be a catalyst to beginning a new life. His bedside manner, care and concern are genuine. I had my surgery on 10/30/03 and I am now almost 10 months post surgery and I feel fantastic! I've lost 114 lbs so far and am still on my journey! I saw Dr. Schauer last month and he was so excited and encouraging about my weight loss. I've not had any complications from the surgery and have begun a regular daily exercise routine for the last 4-6 months. I actually enjoy exercise now and I NEVER thought I'd say that.

I have only met Dr. Schauer one time but my impression of him is that he is a very caring man. He explains everything to you and takes all the time you need to answer your questions. He stresses that this is a lifetime change and a lifetime association with his office. I was encouraged to call the office anytime with whatever question I had and it would be thoroughly answered.
I am now post op with Dr. Schauer and I can say that all the things that I have heard about him are definitely true. He IS the BEST surgeon in the country. I had seen him numerous times before and after surgery. He has made me feel that there is finally a doctor that CARES. His bedside manner and surgical competence is the best. I would definitely recommend him to anyone having this surgery.

Professioal and Caring

has not changed

extremley busy but very helpful and knowlegeable

very strong post op care plan

yes

very straight forward, makes sure patients are fully informed of pros and cons

excellent

both great

Starting on pre-op testing. Have attended intial workshop. Met with staff of my surgical team. Will meet with DR. ONCE EVERYTHING IS COMPLETE. The team is excellent!

Dr Schauer was personable, compassionate, gave the impression of great confidence and competence.

No

Most were excellent. A few seemed inable to keep track of the paper work.
N/A

Dr Schauer and associates are highly skilled, warm human beings who genuinely love their work.
Aftercare is considered to be a critical part of the weight loss regimen.

The risks are thoroughly explained.

Excellent

Both are great

I had my initial consultation in late February. Dr. Deol is charming, articulate and seems to be a very qualified surgeon. She is big on aftercare and has strict protocols for her patients. My psychologist was recommended by Dr. Deol and was excellent. I have been waiting to hear the status of my can candidacy for surgery for some time now and hope to hear positive news soon. I will update as my interaction with her progresses. So far I would highly recommend her.
9/12/2003. Just in time for an update on Dr. Deol. Her pre surgery routine is excellent. As usual she has great bedside manner and I am more confident than ever goin into surgery on Monday with her. Will post back after surgery.
Jan 17, 2004 I was recommended to Dr. Schauer after my failed banding with Dr. Deol. All I can say is that this guy is the holy grail of bariatric surgery. You can not be in a better set of hands. Great staff excellent facility and one hell of a doc! I will tell anyone that wants to hear it. Dr. Schauer and his staff are the best!

1/04/04
Dr. Schauer operates with a group at UPMC. At my initial orientation the group was divided into teams and I was informed that my surgeon will be Dr. Ramanathan. I haven't actually met with him yet but so far his staff has been extremely helpful, informative and kind. I was given the option to stay with Dr. Schauer but at the orientation I met with several of Dr. Ramanathan's patients and I have also contacted others throught this site and I feel very comfortable with Dr. Ramanathan as my surgeon.

I am impressed with the whole group down at UPMC in Pittsburgh. I have not met with Dr. Schauer personally yet but have talked with him in a group setting. I am confident with the team down there. They do something like 50 to 60 WLS per week. My doctor alone does between 6 and 9 I think. Robin has been very good to return my phone calls when I have a question. I'm just anzious to get going here.
I will have more to say as I go through the procedure. I hope I don't have a lot of negative things to say. I don't know what experences anyone else has had but so far mine has been positive.

Dr. Schauer is a warm and caring man. While he is very busy and in demand, he finds time to answer questions when need be.

It must be understood that if you want the BEST..be prepared to wait for IT! The office is so very busy and it is normal to wait at least 2 hrs. I have been there as long as 7 hrs..when surgical emergencies occur.

It is frustrating until I realize that Schauer is top in his field and many, many want him. I just feel lucky that he is MY surgeon and prepare for a long wait whenever I go.

Because Schauer's practice is based on research and teaching....much time is spent on aftercare, testings, etc. While it may be a bit invasive at times..if it results in additional beneficial knowledge..GO FOR IT!

Because of the teaching, many doctors pass thru the office for training in lap procedures. But anytime I was there and wished to see Dr Schauer personally...he did come to speak with me.

Overall, I LOVE MY DOCTOR!