Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery Bariatric Center

Initially, on a personal level, I was struck by Dr. Weiner's obvious concern and kindness. I was a bit nervous, however, about the pre-op preparations because other than the inclusive booklet that I received, not much was covered in the first and only consult prior to checking into the hospital the day before surgery. Thankfully, I did my own research and talked to many others who had undergone the procedure. I was fearful of the upper endoscopy and was relieved, on the day before surgery during all the pre-testing, to discover that I would be sedated. I have no recollection of the procedure which is a blessing because I rolled off the table unto the hard tiled floor. I was bruised (hematosis) on the entire left side of my body and had a bump on my head the size of a small tomato. I hope patients in the future will be strapped down or have a bar on the side of the table to prevent this from happening again. My only other complaint is that the hospital did not have compressive stockings large enough for me so my legs were wrapped tightly in gauze bandages.
Dr. Weiner's staff was friendly and very helpful. There were a few communication snaffus with one of the night nurses, but, all in all, I would rate the doctor's and hospital's staffs and the hospital itself (Krankenhaus Sachsenhausen in Frankfurt, Germany) a 9 out of 10.
Dr. Weiner is compassionate, ALWAYS promptly responsive to questions, caring, and has a dry sense of humor with a twinkle in his eyes. I am so grateful to him for his unmatched surgical expertise and fatherly demeanor. He has given me the tool to change my life forever.
I would recommend Dr. Weiner, and I have, to anyone considering this surgery. He is one of the best in the field of bariatrics.

He is very knowlegdeable, and personable. Truely dedicates himself to his patients.
I am even more grateful to him now than when he did my surgery.
His staff is great! Very helpful and really put the patients at ease.
That I had to move bake to the US and away from him for my follow ups.
They should know that he is there for them, that he is there to save their lives and that they should take him very seriously when he gives them advise.
Very much so. Aftercare is the whole point to the surgery. The procedure alone cannot work if you do not implement the aftercare.
Since I had to leave 2 months after my surgery, he gave me a large packet of information to help with my transition and put me into contact with doctors in my new area to follow up with.
He was very honest about the risks, and he talked about the alternitaves, and really made me fell at ease with my decisions.
Well he has both and to me that is most important.

The only negitive statement I have is that I had the surgery while we were stationed in Germany, and I do not speak German. There was some communication barriers with some of the hospital staff

My first impression was of Dr Weiner was not the best. The reason is I was comparing him to the US physicians' bed-side manner, and not remembering I am in Germany--their way of doing medical business is very different. So, after the first consult was over I assured myself I would not be having the surgery done by him. He did not volunteer a lot of information so I would recommend anyone to talk to their referring physicians for types of questions to ask him. He did answer the list of questions I asked to include the risks of this type of surgey. He also gave me a complete booklet regarding his surgical procedures to include pictures, pre-op/post-op processes, and aftercare procedures. I was not too keen on the idea of "read this book, it will answer all your questions", instead of telling me about you services and then maybe giving me the information to read as a refresher if necessary. Again, I stress I was not remembering I am in Germany--their way of doing medical business is very different. A year later, I still had not lost the weight and my diabetes was progessing. I went back for a second visit. My impression changed because now I understand the mentally of german doctors--they are very precise and let their track records speak for their services they have to offer. I did my research prior to second visit, so I was not expecting this personable conversation this time. The office staff were good, however not the best because of language barriers. His staff was a little quiet, but carried out their duties trying to explain them to me the best they could. Post-surgery my entire impression of Dr Weiner really changed. I could really tell he cared about his patients and his work. His daily visits were reassuring. He manner was that of a father looking after his children. He would caress you face, shake you hand, or give you a little hug to say you are going to be just fine. Also, his home, office, or cell phone number is always available to call for questions or concerns. I feel future patients should know about him but understand his is a german physician. Hands-down his surgical competence is better than his bedside manner. Overall, I would rate him as a seven on a scale of 1 to 10 all because we (Americans) are truly spoiled by our american physicians and the stress of good customer service skills.

26 June 2004 - Had my 6 month post op check up and all went well. I still have to say that the staff at the hospital are friendly and I look forward to going for my 9 month checkup. Dr. Weiner is a great surgeon and has given my life back to me. Thank you so very much. I recommend him to everyone interested in having the surgery.

5 March 2004 - Post-op from Dec 8th 2003. All is going very well. Dr. Weiner did an excellent job. I go for my 3 month check-up on the 8th and cannot be happier. My life has changed so much and for the better. Thanks Dr. Weiner.

9/29/03 Well, it seems after all I may go to Dr. Weiner and have him perform the surgery. I thought that I would have to go to Wilford Hall MC in Texas, but not happening. Tricare informed me that once I meet the requriements that I have no choice, but to go local. I should be going to see Dr. Weiner soon.

I emailed Dr. Weiner to introduce myself before my appoinment on the 28th and he emailed me back the same day. First impression - good. I have been emailing a few of his american patients and have heard nothing but good things about him. I am very impressed by his information so far. When I called to make the appointment everyone I spoke with was friendly and helpful. I will update after appointment.

very nice and compassionet

only seen him once so far

very friendly and outgoing

the first visit was very short

he is easy to talk to

very much

yes

very lengthy in form a booklet and answering questions

good from my first impression

to me both is very important

My first impresson of Dr. Weiner was he knows what he is doing. My impression that has changed is that he doesn't communicate very well. I don't feel that I'm as informed as I should be. His office staff I really didn't deal with. Monica at the Wurzburg TriCare office made all my appointments. When you go to visit him it is in the Ambulance area of the hospital and some but not all of the staff speak English. They are very nice and try to help out as much as they can. Dr. Palmoff, who is one of the Doc's that help out Dr. Weiner is WONDERFUL!!! He helps out as much as possible. For me his was the one doc that gave the best info and was truely a blessing. My least favorite thing about Dr. Weiner is his lack of communication. I really wish there was a group meeting once a month or so. I have questions and don't know where to get the answers. His aftercare is emphasized a lot. They send you home with a booklet full of info but sometimes what is said contradicts what the books says. He asks if you have any questions about the risks but the book deals with thoughs issues quite will. I would rate him as an 8. His surgical competence is wonderful and his bedside manner is fine. Just the communication needs to get better.

Dr. Weiner was great. He is very soft spoken but very informative. I had a list of questions for him and he answered all of them plus more, making my husband and I feel more confident about the surgery. Before I left I said I would like to give him a hug, but thought maybe it was not appropriate, he came over and gave me a great big hug and said we are all family. What a great man!

My first impression of Dr. Weiner was good but it kind of changed a little over time. I understand he is a busy man but I got really ill after the surgery and tried calling several times and emailing him to speak to him directly and it took forever and a day for him to respond to the emails and then the answer wasnt even what I asked about. When I got ill he offered for me to come back to frankfurt to be watched over but I chose to stay with the military doctors. He has a very good bedside manner and his staff is very nice and caring.For the surgery risks he gives his patients a stack of papers to read, and goes over the risks involved and what you will need afterwords, and is good about filing your paperwork.

The were very nice and spoken english well. I have not learned german yet so it was nice to know we could still communicate.

He is nice and knows what he is doing.

Both competence and bedside manner is important.

Dr. Weiner is a friendly and informative doctor. I have respected his guidance and look forward to him doing my surgery. I will update more then!