Cleveland Center for Bariatric Surgery St Vincents Bariatric Center

I found that Dr. Sonpal puts you at ease on the onset of your visit with him. Although jokingly, he does let you know what is going on and what could be your future without some life altering change like this procedure as well as possibilities that may arise from the procedure.
I found the staff to be quite helpful. Sherry was "is" a blessing from God!!

You should know the questions you want to ask beforehand. You may be overwhelmed when you are seen and forget to ask pertinent questions. In hindsight there may have been a few more things that he could have, but I didn't think until later some questions that might have been quite relevant that neither he nor I broached.

I only spoke with him once,but he was very personable.


Office staff is wonderful, informative, and willing to be there when needed.

Very gentle man, listened to me, was very honest and to the point.

I've only met him once, at my initial personal consult.

Office staff has been very encouraging, concerned and genuine.

Addressed risks very openly, made sure I understood them.

Discussed insurance right away, gave me good pointers, that would help speed approval.

I would rate him a 10.

Both great...

Dr. Schreiber is very professional and genuine. He demonstrates concern about all aspects of the surgery--physical and emotional. His office has a comprehensive program including a dietician and aftercare. St. Vincent's Charity Hospital has a bariatric unit with private rooms and specialized bariatric beds. Dr. Schreiber and Dr. Sonpal complete all surgeries together, therefore reducing surgery time and allowing them to be familiar with all cases. Dr. Schreiber expressed the risks of surgery at the initial appointment. The pre-op testing is very comprehensive (bloodwork, respiratory tests, complete medical history, chest x-ray, ultrasounds of various organs, etc). After the pre-op testing is completed you meet with office staff including the nurse, dietician, and pulmonary doctor. There are numerous forms to sign and also a written "test" to determine your knowledge of the surgery and aftercare needs. The most frustrating part has been the long wait to have the surgery and dealing with the receptionist, Sondra. She has not been friendly to me by phone or in person. Everyone else is wonderful, including the pre-op testing staff. Sherry completes the insurance investigations and she is very prompt to return calls. Sherry goes above and beyond to assist people who have difficulty obtaining approval. The program offers a clothing exchange, a group for new post op patients, and an ongoing support group.

He was very informative, straightforward and polite. He was up-front about the risks of the surgery and not following the rules afterward in regard to supplements, etc., and the problems not doing things properly could cause but also very encouraging. I left his office feeling very hopeful.
My impression has not changed over time because I have only met him the one time. His office staff was very friendly, efficient and helpful. Future patiensts should know that he cares about each and every one of them, I think. He addressed the risks of surgeyr. I would rate him as a 10. As far as surgical competence, I have not had my surgery yet, but have read great things about both Drs. Sonpal and Schreiber.

i was very impressed with the quality of the doctors and the office staff even if i thought it was a stuid question they din't and they helped me.the hole staff were great starting from thesec. all the way to the hosp.stay.I've reffered the CCBS. to all i know and see that are over weight. i knew there was gonna be good time and bad with any surgery you have but if you listen to what they tell you and follow the care plan you will do fine. im looking forward to each and every day that i have been out of the hospital. when i went in i was big getting bigger every day now im 39 pounds lighter nad feeling great about myself.Thank you Dr. Sonpalfor giving me back my life!!!

12-12-00 I had my surgery on 12-2-00. I was the first patient to ever have surgery scheduled on a saturday. The staff was excellent! They explained everything I was about to go thru and they kept my family informed. The only problem I had was the iv was hard to put in. I have a massive egg shaped thing where the needle was. Fortunately I was numbed so I didn't feel her digging! Surgery went smoothly. I was aware afterwards. I was impressed with the staff. My surgeon was Dr. Screiber. He did come to visit everyday, but not a talkative man. He would only ask any problems? and walk away. He didn't comment on how he thought I was doing, or anything. Thank God he has a great staff, cuz I would be totally lost if it were just up to him. He needs a better bed side manner. Otherwise, he was fine.
12-22-00--I just needed to update everyone on how much I appreciated Dr. Screiber emailing me to address my concerns. If he didn't care about his patients, he certainly wouldn't have taken the time out of his busy day to email me. I think he saves lives everyday by giving obese people a chance to have a fairly normal life. I haven't had my aftercare appt yet, but that's scheduled for the 29th. I'll let you all know more then.

Dr. Schreiber is not only a nice person
but also a great surgeon. I was very pleased
with his skills. He visited me every day
during Post-Op in the hospital. I have had
no complications and am feeling great. His
office staff always returns calls and is
very helpfull. They also are competent and
friendly.

I really liked my surgeon, he seemed upfront and honest. He didn't have alot of concerns since I don't have any health problems other than my annoying foot. The staff are efficient and helpful, they got the request for approval out quickly and I was quite satisfied with their level of expertise. I was impressed with Dr. Schrieber's after-care program. The fee's for the follow-ups are included in the entire cost, so I won't have to come up with a separate fee everytime I visit him.

My first impression of Dr. Schreiber was that he was very straight forward and informative. Did not make this out to be a cure all. He stated that the effort is 60% surgery and the other 40% would be my doing. He was quiet and straight to the point. Office staff was very occomadating and friendly. I was informed by many other physicians that he is one of the best surgeons in the country regarding this particular procedure. I just had my 3 week follow up and am due back in another 5 months unless I feel that I need something in between. There is an exercise program I can attend at the hospital after 6 weeks post op. The rest of the staff was great also. Never felt barred from asking questions. Nutritionist was very informative and accomodating, as well. Was told to call Dr. Schreiber at any time, day or night, if I had any problem what-so-ever. All risks were told to me up front. He is a little quiet, not animated, but I much prefer someone with a vast knowledge of the surgery than someone who is willing to hold my hand throughout it.