Bridges Center for Surgical Weight Management Bariatric Center

Dr. Schuster is the BEST! I can see why he's so busy, he is devoted to helping his patients and has the best bedside manner. His whole staff, including Bridges is an awesome experience. I have never had a coordinator help with the insurance process and appointment scheduling for any of my other needs. (Thanks, Alexa!) Let alone the hospital staff is devoted to helping with every phase before/after surgery.
I was so relaxed and comfortable from the time I started working with the Doctor and his staff, that I was very excited to start the process to getting the weight off after all the years I've spent battling it.
It's a little over a month and I have NOT had any trouble by following the instructions given to you in detail.
It's all mind over matter and believe me, THIS matters! And, it is working!
Thank you Dr. Schuster for everything, including all the staff and support personnel!!!!

I would not use this surgeon again.

My personal experience was the BGMC Bariatric Program and my surgeon was good. The staff is well rounded. Dr. Schuster ha a great bedside manner and is very knowledgeable. He can give off "the I'm in a hurry" vibe - but does take the time to thoroughly answer any questions asked. I would recommend coming to your visits with him prepared with your questions - it helped keep the conversation clear and concise.

In all I only saw Dr. Schuster 4 times - pre-program visit, pre-op visit, the day of surgery and the day after.

My interaction was mostly with the staff. The office staff at Banner Gateway Bariatric is very supportive and also very knowledgeable. In general, wait times at office visits was good and the staff is very efficient. Every visit I was weighed, had my vitals taken and then saw the nutritionalist, the Nurse Practitioner and occasionally the exercise specialist.

Hats of to Eileen who facilitates the insurance coordination. She is always pleasant and seems to know the insurance biz – including the requirements for every insurance plan out there. She welcomed all my questions and was warm and supportive - even after my 500th question. And she's so efficient with her process it's nearly transparent to the patient.

Before and after care is a major focus. The Clinic strongly recommends the ongoing attendance at their group support meetings. The support meetings are held three times - free and open to any WLS patient - not just those from their office.

The office staff is also supportive of receiving questions on an ongoing basis and communicates if you would like to schedule check-ins beyond the standard they are more than happy to accommodate. They say "come in any time".

I would absolutely recommend him and the BGMC Bariatric Program!!

Originally, I was seeing Dr. David Podkameni in the same office, but after his decision to move back East, I was referred to Dr. Schuster by other patients and health care individuals. I am a nurse in the Banner Healthcare System so I have many people I can ask for advice and true opinions of physicians who work in the Banner system. Upon first meeting Dr Schuster, it was apparent that he was well versed and confident in his and Dr. Pod's recommendation for me to have a revision and removal of my LapBand. I felt as if he was thorough in his explanation, allowed time for me to ask questions and did not feel rushed at all. I have heard from staff that work on the bariatric floor at BGMC that he has in the past been overly-professional, as if to have lost the personal touch/connection with his patients. But I did not find him to be that way at all. I found him to be personable, friendly and welcoming. I am excited to have him perform my surgery and am confident in the care he provides!

First impression was of a busy man, but more than happy to fully explain all options for wls and answer any questions. Very polite and engaging.

Later impressions pretty much showed him to be all I needed. Super supportive, always interested in how you feel and happy to talk about any concerns. At one point my weight was getting up a little more and he did say "don't gain any more weight." It was enough to make me take control, but in no way did it give me a negative impression of him. In fact it showed he wanted me to be in the best condition possible for the surgery.

Office staff are great.

I'm only 1 week post op so I cannot review after care at the moment. I do know I can call at any point of my recovery for advice from the Dr. or dietitian (Donna) . I know the hospital has a pre/post support group.

Dr. Schuster covered all possible risks and chances of leaks in the pre op chat. He covered exactly what he would be doing in surgery and what to expect even as I enter surgery room. I have to say I had no nerves going to surgery as I knew I was in good hand. I knew exactly what to expect at all phases.

I would rate Dr. Schuster and his staff at 10/10 at the moment. I feel Dr. Schuster is a very, very skilled surgeon, he cares about his patients, is respectful and polite, but if he needs you to do something, he will tell you to do it. That's how I like it.

As for the question - Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great?

Surgical competence has to be the most important, but bedside manner shows the connection and respect of a Dr.. Dr. Schuster has both.

I first met Dr. Schuster at an WLS orientation presentation. I liked his approach to WLS in the beginning.
I enjoy the Center everyone is very friendly and helpful. I made up my mind to go ahead with him as my Surgeon after my first office visit, he took time to discuss options with me and explain his reasoning and expectations. I like the structured program that is offered and the availability of his office staff.
We discussed surgical risks and benefits in detail and I feel he is very competent.
More after my Surgery:::

he is wonderful! I had a robotic surgery and no complications or drainage tubes :) he was very informative. I didnt care for most of the nurses, but the hospital was clean and I had an amazing room and view. he's a 9.5

I absolutely loved Dr. Schuster from the time he walked into exam room. He made me feel so at ease. Very down to earth. He agreed that the Realize Band was the right fit for me. He knows from experience how difficult the 2 week pre-op clear liquid diet is. He went on it himself so he would know exactly how his patients were feeling. What a guy!!! I knew I was in good hands.rnrnHis office manner, bedside manner, surgical competence; everything about him is terrific. And the staff at the bariatric center is simply the best. They have a very structured program and help you with your journey EVERY step of the way.rnrnDuring surgery, Dr. Schuster found a hiatal hernia and repaired it. I won't have to worry about that in the future now. Didn't even know I had it, but had been experiencing some recent acid reflux.rnrnA1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My first impressions of Dr. Schuster was wonderful. I meet him at an information session and set a meeting with him on 7/7. rnHis staff seems lovely and very helpful. They emphasized going to group before and after surgery so I've attended some already. Dr. Schuster addressed the benefits and risks of surgery in an easy mannner without trivializing the risks.

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Schuster. I interviewed four surgeons before I finally met him. He was the only one who I instantly felt comfortable with. He's a very friendly guy, but very honest and upfront at the same time. The perfect combination of extensive knowledge and great bedside manner. rnrnHis office staff is also phenomenal... specifically Donna, Deborah, and Janice. They have been so helpful throughout the entire process. I was on a bit of a time crunch, as I lose my insurance coverage when I turn 23 and get kicked off my parent's plan. But they helped me get everything in ASAP... and helped me fight until I finally got approved. They are FANTASTIC!!!rnrnI am now four days post-op... and I can honestly say, I was in more pain after having my wisdom teeth out. My incisions are tiny... and already healing up extremely well. rnrnOverall, I could not be more pleased with my decision to go with Dr. Schuster. He's an exceptional surgeon, with an amazing support staff. rnrnI'm actually looking forward to my post-op appointments... I don't think I've ever looked forward to ANY doctor appointment! :)