Cahaba Valley Surgical Group, PC Bariatric Center

I first went to see Dr. Stahl in June, 2001. He was very professional, but also had a good personality. He readily answered all of my questions and made me feel more at ease about the surgery. His staff were great. The only problems that I had were: the long wait - but it was worth it, and
the waiting room was small - some people had to stand, until people were called to see the doctor. But, overall I would do it again even if I had to stand the whole amount of time.

5/26/01 Okay, well I had my consult with Dr. Sherer. I really like him! He was realistic and honest, which goes a long way with me. Most importantly, he was knowledgeable and answered all questions to my satisfaction.

8/3/01 I had my surgery on 7/19, with no complications so far. Dr. Sherer has a great bed-side manner and my family felt at ease with him. I would recommend Dr. Sherer in a heartbeat.

08/02/01 -- I met with Dr. Sherer for the first time today. I was thoroughly impressed and very happy with my choice. After spending the last two and half months in limbo trying to decide whether to have surgery, what type of surgery and what doctor to use -- I knew immediately that I had finally made the right choice by going to him. He spent over an hour with my mother and myself answering all our questions. He asked his staff about my insurance and they confirmed that my insurance was no longer doing predeterminations -- so he scheduled my surgery while I stood there! My mother was also very impressed with him and noted that he treated me with respect! I don't think that I could have made a better choice if I had spent the last year looking!

With my contact being just over the phone so far, the office staff has been wonderful. Also, Dr. Sherer is now doing LAPs starting August 1, 2001.

Dr. Sherer is a very honest and pleasant man speak to, very soft spoken. A family man, who wishes to have more time with his family (he has a beautiful daughter who looks like him). His staff is very professional and friendly. The waiting room is small. All the chairs have arms on them except one bench seat. My overall rating of Dr. Sherer is very high. He took his time with me and my husband. I didn't feel rushed at all. He didn't play it off that this was a very risky surgery. He made sure that I knew exactly just how risky this surgery was... I was VERY impressed with his honesty and personality. I believe him to be a wonderful professional. I will trust him with MY LIFE.

I first met Dr. Stahl when my friend went for her consultation. Then I decided this was what I wanted also and I picked Dr. Stahl because he was very informative and answered all our questions honestly. I felt he would give me the best care and after my consultation I felt this even more. Because I am almost 60 he was very concerned for me and I really liked the fact that he didn't just say he would take my case without a lot of thought and checking on my over all health. He really does care about his patients.

Today was my first appt. with Dr. Stahl he was great. very open about it all. i thought if he is honest enough to tell me the bad with the good then he is very honest. he let me know right quick this was not a CURE at all. and all the risk that are involved he even told me of the one's who had passed away after surgery!! but we know that is a risk. i was very pleased with him and his staff!!! now we are waiting on approval everyone keep your fingers crossed and me in your prayers. God Bless!!!

Dr.Stahl was very nice. Very professional. His office staff didn't seem to thrilled to be there, but don't let them bother you. However, Dr.Stahl didn't spend much time with me. I sat in the waiting room for 1 1/2 hours after my scheduled time and was able to speak with him for only 15 minutes. As I understood it he had an emergency come up that caused him to get behind. Maybe I was just there on a bad day for them. I can't quite comment on his surgical competence just yet. I don't think it would be fair to comment one way or the other until I'm post op. Will update more then.

5-25-01 - My first appointment with Dr. Stahl. I was so nervous and excited at the same time. After waiting about an hour, I finally got to go back. His nurse was super nice - she didn't make me feel bad about being so heavy and she was very nice and helpful. Dr. Stahl came in shortly and did a brief examination and we began talking. He was very patient, caring and professional. He took the time to explain the surgery and answer all my questions - which I had plenty! He felt that I would be a good candidate for the surgery and now would begin to try and get insurance approval. This could take as much as 6-8 weeks!
Dr. Stahl's office staff were all very friendly, and helpful. They also gave me a sheet with names of people who had previously had the surgery to contact. I thought this was very helpful.
The only down side to my experience so far is in the chairs in Dr. Stahl's office. They have arms on them (with the exception of one loveseat) and for a larger person, this can be uncomfortable. There were other larger people in the office however, so you don't feel as if you're the only one!

7-21-01 - I had to go back today for my pre-op tests, and I felt I needed to update here with my experiences of this day - it could be of help to others. First of all, I met my good friend Debbie there, who is having surgery the day after I am. We are going through this together. When we got there, there was no one there to answer our questions, and of course, after your first consultation, you go home and think of 100 other things you forgot to ask. We had to go back after lunch. At that time, the room was so crowded, we could hardly get a seat. Then we ended up waiting and waiting. We were there for 2 hours, just waiting to talk to Diane - Dr. Stahl's nurse. We finally did get to and she answered our questions in between going in and out.
Also, something else I have to say here that concerns me. Not at any time during my visits at the doctors office or the hospital has my blood pressure been taken. They just ask if you have high blood pressure or diabetes or any of the weight-related problems. I finally broke down and went to a medical doctor in March of this year and had all that checked. But, as many obese people know - sometimes you don't even have a doctor because of fear of going to one. So, if you decide to have this surgery and go to the doctor not having seen a medical doctor - you really don't know if you have these problems or not. I think they should at least take your blood pressure during your visits. This really surprised me.

Dr. Stahl was very informative, understanding and helpful at my first visit. His staff was friendly and efficient also. Dr. Stahl re-emphasized the risks and benefits of the surgery. On my surgery day, everything ran smooth and on-time, Dr. Stahl was prompt and very curtious. I had little to zero pain afterwards and zero problems with my incisions. Dr. Stahl did a wonderful job.

7/8/01 Had my surgery on July 5. All went well and Dr. Stahl was as good as I thought he would be. Hospital care was excellent.

5/25/01 Met Dr. Stahl today. I liked him very much. He was very personable, likable, and thorough. I faith in his ability. He was up front about his experience with lap surgery and I respect his surgical knowledge. Everyone in his office was very, very nice. I was assured that the letter and supporting information would be sent to the insurance company on Tuesday (after the Memorial holiday weekend). So I will start bugging Blue Cross soon.

6/15/01 Dr. Stahl's office staff has been very helpful. I have contacted the office a couple of times to check on progress and to ask about a specific surgery date before I received approval. Although the date could not be confirmed until approval was received, I was encouraged that the date I wished for was certainly possible, and the day that the approval letter was received, I was called and they worked with me to arrange pre-op testing at my convenience as I would be coming from out of town. Everyone in the office was pleasant, courteous, and "just plain sweet" to me.