David L. Schumacher Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

I was comfortable with Dr. Schumacher from the beginning. I did quite a bit of research. Went to several weight loss surgery seminars in the area and compared notes. I interviewed 10 people personally who had the surgery to hear the best and the worst.
Dr. Schumacher's staff is great. I really like the fact that they have all aspects of this covered from nutrition before and after to exercise and counseling.
They do have a structured after care program and he stresses all of this. I knew the risks going in and was impressed with his answers to handling leaks and blood clots (my 2 worst fears that did not happen). I'd rate him a 10 out of 10. He has a great bedside manner and surgical competence. I've had NO complications. No hernias, nothing. I am feeling blessed.

I was thankful that i found Dr Schumacher! His office staff and him are wonderful! you can tell he loves his job!! He has the heart and calling for us!!!!! If you are looking for a surgeon,he is the one!! Dr Schumacher makes sure you are ready before and after surgery! His office staff does the same! He tells you up front what he thinks you should do and he will take it step by step! I know that if you were not ready for this life change he will tell you!! Thank goodness im not that one!!!! He made sure double sure that i knew the risks!!! For me to rate Dr Schmacher overall and his office staff,I would say that I am very blessed to have found Dr Schumacher!!!!!

First impression--personable, boyish, very straightforward. Quite business-like and quick, but I don't mind this. Seems friendly and open. I still haven't seen him the second time--even though I've been through all the tests/appointments and my letter has been submitted to insurance (I think). I do have lots of questions, yet. Staff seems fine--friendly and efficient. I have not yet seen anything to "like least". Aftercare is very highly accentuated, of course--I would suppose this is true of all bariatric surgeons, and Dr Schumacher does have a very structured aftercare program. My risks of surgery were very bluntly addressed (again, I appreciate this), this is a revision--much harder--and I am 55 years old. I laughed later at his description of how many drainage tubes I would have. I suspect it won't matter much to me if there's one or seven, but he said there would be LOTS. I still haven't become well-enough acquainted with him or his office to "rate" them yet...but I will certainly be able to do that after surgery! As to bedside manner vs surgical competence, you'd be a fool if you picked the first, IF there was only one choice. You want someone who is very good at this--but bedside manner IS very important, too. Nice if there's both...

What was your first impression of him? He has a good sense of humor.

How did your impression change over time? It hasn't yet.

How would you describe his office staff? They are all great.

What did you like least about him? Waiting; but that is in every doctor's office and I have very little patience.

What should future patients know about him? Pay attention and listen. He will give you all of the information you need. Don't be afraid to ask questions. This is your life you are discussing.

How much does he emphasize aftercare? Very strongly.

Does he have a structured aftercare program? Yes.

How did he address the risks of surgery? Every possible sceneairo was covered and explained. All questions were answered.

How would you rate him overall? So far... very high.

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or both are great? Both are great.

My first impression was that Dr Schumacher is caring and able. The office staff is very nice. He took the time to answer all my questions and address my concerns during the initial consultation. I feel very comfortable with him.

My first impression of Doctor Schumacher was that he seemed to know what he was talking about. I went to several seminars and came to realize that he has a strong passion for what he does. His office staff is very friendly. His future patients should know that he really cares for them, he is an extremely dedicated surgeon. I am only 1 week out so I am not sure of his aftercare program,but I am sure it will be taylored to fit my needs. He addressed the risks of the surgery numerous times. I would rate Dr. Schumacher a 9. I think having surgical competence is a must and a good bedside manner is a bonus. Dr Schumacher has both!!!

My first impression of Dr. Schumacher was that he was really into what he does. His staff has been very nice. Have only been post op for 1 week so I do not know much of his aftercare. He definately went over the risks of this surgery. I knew what could possible happen.I would rate him a 9+.

I was looking for someone with both a surgical compitence and a good bedside manner. Dr. Schumacher fits the bill!!!!

The first impression I had of Dr. Schumacher was very good. He is very understanding and takes time to listen. The office staff of Dr. Schumacher is also very understanding and very prompt to answer any questions. The only thing about Dr. Schumacher that I would say "I didn't like" would be that he pushes you to do a lot after surgery, where as I think you should re-coup a little bit before doing things. I think future patients of him should know that he is a really good person and he is down to earth. He emphasizes aftercare. Once a month he has a support group that meets at Aliquippa Hospital. I would rate Dr. Schumacher a nine out of a ten. He has great surgical competence and has a great bedside manner. You really couldn't ask for much more.

Dr. Schumacher is a great doc. He's honest and to the point. Kathy in the office is wonderful! She really helps me out and answers every question I ask.

Dr. Schumacher was incredibly patient in answering my many questions. He was more than willing to spend extra time with me, and I felt comfortable with him almost immediately. He has a caring attitude, which many doctors do not have towards obese people, and I appreciated the fact that I was made to feel so at ease.

His office staff were all very nice. They are trying to work with me to get my insurance approved and surgery scheduled during my summer "break" from nursing school. The staff also made me feel at ease, and I am thankful for their willingness to try to work around my school schedule.

6 months postop: What more can I say about this incredible surgeon??? Thank you Dr. S. for giving me my life back!!