The Better Weigh Center Bariatric Center

Added: October 21, 2004

Almost one year post-op and what a year it has been. To say life started again a year ago would be an under statement. As of now, I've lost a total of 118 pounds and finally have a BMI of 25.

Update on Dr. Stegemann: Totally awesome! How lucky I was to have chosen him. I have NEVER seen a person so dedicated on helping his patients (and others) succeed in the weight loss journey. The time he spends away from his family helping us is amazing. We are so fortunate to have someone of his caliber on our side. Jump on the band wagon, there is always room for more!!!

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My first impression of Dr. Stegemann was when I attended a weight loss seminar. He was the one doing the presentation that day. Dr. Stegemann was very knowledgeable and answered questions in a very concise manner. Very impressed with his thought process.

The office staff, very busy, somewhat short bordering on rude. For the longest time, you never talked with a person, just a machine. However, that has since changed and now when you call, an actual person answers the phone.

Dr. Stegemann and the San Antonio Surgical Consultants group does have a structured after care program. There are monthly STAPLEMATES Support Group on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.

Dr. Stegemann addressed all risks about the surgery on my first visit with him. He was very sensitive to the physical examination (which we all just love), taking into account my discomfort. Answered all my questions thoroughly.

I would not hesitate to recommend someone to Dr. Stegemann. He is very competent and very available to his patients, which is rare in a doctor these days. If there is one fault of his, is that his bedside manner needs work. He was very quick, didn't communicate with me at all, and I didn't know that there would be another doctor there for the weekend. It was disturbing having to deal with a doctor I had never seen before (and she was to be familiar with my case)? It made me feel as though I wasn't a patient, just a chart.

Right now, just being a month out, I would rate Dr. Stegemann either a 7 or 8 out of a possible 10.

I was very impressed with Dr. Stegemann. I first met him at a WLS seminar. To be honest with you I wanted to chose the most experienced dr in the group. But after speaking with Dr. Stegemann and listening to him at the seminar I felt very intrigued by the way he presented himself at this first meeting. About 1 month later I met with him to see if this surgery would work for me and I was really impressed, he wanted me to have several test done to make sure their was no problems during the surgery and after. He is very warm and caring and answered all my questions. The office staff is quite busy but very professional. Aftercare is very important, I was really surprised with how much he emphasizes on aftercare not only with him but with the nutritionist and even some help with a counselor for dealing with problems that will arise. Dr. Stegemann and his colleague of dr.s require you to fill out a will and a poa and you do know that this is death is definetely something that can happen and he also stresses how important it is to get up and walk right after surgery the same day. Overall at this time no surgery yet a ten would be correct out of a scale of 1-10. Surgical competence is the most important but you have to be able to communicate with your patients.

I like Dr. Stegeman's professional yet casual manner. He has a great sense of humor. He is very competent and explains everything very well.

After surgery care is as important to Dr. Stegeman as the surgery itself. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing this surgery.

I originally saw Dr. Stegeman months ago at a WL seminar. I thought he was well spoken, smart and approachable. Then I finally got to meet him and my first impression was accurate. He was patient with all my questions (and they weren't easy ones). He took it all in stride, did not rush me and answered honestly. I was very impressed. We even joked around. But mostely I am impressed with his record. Appx 200 GB and no mortalities. I like that!

He is a very kind and caring doctor. My first visit with his office was wonderful and the nurses and staff were great. He was patient and answered all my questions. I would recommend him!!

HE IS A GREAT DOCTOR AND PERSON. PERSONABLE AND FUNNY. THOROUGH AND ENCOURAGING. HIS STAFF IS EFFICIENT AND HE WILL ANSWER EMAILS ABOUT YOUR SITUATION PRE AND POST OP.

He is extremely understanding and empathetic. He looks me in the eye when talking with me and takes whatever time is necessary to ensure I understood what he was telling me. The office staff was friendly but are very busy. Aftercare in the practice is extremely important and structured with him, the clinic, and the nutritionist. ON a scale of 1 - 10 - he's definitely a 10.

My first impression was that he was young and very knowledgble. He made me feel very comfortble. His staff is good and very professional. I liked everything about my surgeon.He explain everything to you and the risks of having this surgery. I rate him a 8.

He's a very quiet, but thorough and meticulous doctor. I very much liked his bedside manner. Kind, but firm, and totally down to earth. He always answered every question honestly. He even came to see me on his only day off (my last day in the hospital) and that impressed the hell out of me. As I was going home that day, he really didn't need to see me at all, but wanted to check up and wish me luck.

The aftercare is what his practice emphasizes (spelling?) and he was very up front with what my part of the process was to be after surgery. The aftercare program is structured, but not in such a way as to make you feel like someone is breathing down your neck every second of the day.

By far, he gets a 20 out of 10 in both surgical competence and bedside manner. He also has a great sense of humor.

My only complaint might be that appointments are difficult to sometimes get at convenient times and the wait in the office can be a bit long. This is due to the fact that the practice is so VERY busy.

I had my presurgery consult with Dr Stegemann on 12/22/03. I find him to be a very caring, compassionate Doctor. Since my surgery will be over the New Years holiday I asked him if he would be "away". He said he has a hard time "letting go" so if anything unusual came up the other surgeons in the group knew to call him. I found this to be very comforting knowing he would be there if need be. As far as his skill is concerned...I have total confidence in him. He answered all my questions with straight answers. He and his group have a wonderful aftercare program and want to keep up with their patients on a long term basis. I feel I am very lucky to have been able to have my surgery with Dr Stegemann.