Howard Lederer Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

I went through the entire approval process elsewhere, but the surgeons there were only comfortable performing a lap-band because of my previous gastro-intestinal medical history. My insurance won't cover lap-band. The nurse coordinator at this clinic suggested that I ask Dr. Lederer if he would be willing to do the surgery even with my background given that he has so much experience with more complicated cases. He was very accessible, open to my input and bottom line, he agreed to do the surgery. The approach at the HCMC program is very thorough and structured, both pre-op and post-op and one of the unique things about it is that everyone is very accessible. Special mention for Jen, who handles insurance approvals and other communications. She was very helpful. Dr. Lederer is really dedicated to helping people change their lives. His statistics are phenomenal in terms of very low complication rates. My surgery was extremely smooth, as was my recovery. I really felt like I had the best surgeon in the region. And he is very sincere, respectful and easy to talk with. The nutritionists and nurses are great, too, and there is a bariatric medicine internist in the group as well who makes sure you do everything you can to have a healthy post-op life.

MY FIRST INPRESSION WAS A VERY STRAIGHT TO THE POINT DR. JUST WHAT I WANTED. HE WAS GREAT TAKING TIME WITH ME AND EXPAINING EVERTHING THAT I NEEDED TO KNOW, AND ANSWERING ALL MY QUESTIONS THAT I HAD. HE TOLD ME TO TAKE 3 WEEKS OFF WORK AND LEARN HOW TO LIVE MY NEW LIFE. I LEFT HIS OFFICE ON SUCH AN EMOTIONAL HIGH I DIDN'T SLEEP FOR A WEEK. I AM SO GREATFUL I WENT TO HIS SEMINAR TO MEET AND CHOOSE HIM AS A DR.

I just want to let everyone know, that I think Dr. Lederer is awesome! He was incredible before and after my surgery, he really cares. Does tell you the risks and benefits of the surgery. Everyone was and continues to be wonderful when I am in his office.

I would HIGHLY recommend him.

Lisa Schindler

I met with Dr. Lederer today and found him very thorough, upbeat and positive. I really liked him. He went over the Lap RNY and Lap Band procedures, explaining the risks and complications of both. I've decided to go with the Lap Band option.

Very high enegy and positive ,yet tells it like it is. Doesn't gloss over the possible side effects and freely gives you his rates for complications. He is adament that this surgery is only a tool and that YOU determine how well it works for you. The only bad thing is he seemed so pressed for time that I felt he was a little rushed, yet in his defense, I was added on late. They keep very close tabs on you for the first 18 months and then you can choose how much support you need.I have worked for HP for years , but his office ALWAYS calls me back when they say they will and I get a real person on the phone when I call. I will update this after my surgery!

I have a lot to say about Howard Lederer. I first met with Howard (Dr. Lederer) back in February of '04 when I went with my boyfriend to HIS surgery consultation with him. So, I've known Howard for almost a year. I'm one of the more memorable people he's met because during the presentation he gives to his patients, I started to have a hypoglycemic reaction. He looked over and saw how pale I was and knew something was up and asked if I was okay and I told him no so he rushed me out of the room we were in and took me to 2 of his nurses who helped me out (that's the day I found out I had hypoglycemia, so I had no idea what was happening to me). Anyhow, from that day on I have been very fond of Howard and I had no worries about him, I knew he'd take good care of my boyfriend. And he did. Then my father had surgery last month in November with him and he rememberd me and also I was going through the process at the same time so by now everything was routine. When we my dad told my boyfriend and I that he was thinking about surgery we told him we would only let him go to Howard, there wasn't any other option, and the same went for me. It was a no-brainer. He is absolutely wonderful! Howards staff is just incredible too. Everyone is so helpfull and willing to go the extra mile for you. Everyone is very good at returning calls promptly too which was a huge plus because I hate putting my days on hold when waiting for a doctor to call back and they take forever. These people are so prompt, you'll usually hear back in an hour or two after leaving a message...sometime's sooner. Future patient's of Howard when they first meet him shouldn't let his size (he is shorter than me and I'm 5'4"!) be an indicator of his work and him in general. You'll soon find that out. He is straight forward with you, which I really like, and tells you like it is, no sugar coating. He has a very structured aftercare program. You see him 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, then a month, and so on, along with meeting with the dietician every so often also. He addresses all risks of surgery in his presentation and also gives you what his own statistics are as well as national statistics. I would have to rate Howard as a 5 star doctor. You're all gonna love him! I can't say enough good things about him!

I met with Dr. Lederer about 2 weeks ago. I attended the seminar others have written about. It was informative but also repetitive of the informational seminar that Dr. Hartley had presented.

The doctor seems passionate about his profession. I like his background and his reasons for performing bariatric surgeries. I think this helps make it believable that he cares. He did a very good, informative presentation. Another fact I like a lot is what another wrote - he will tell you the national stats but he also states his own stats, including the fact that he has had one patient die from a clot about 4 weeks after surgery.

I met with him individually after the presentation. There was some question about whether insurance would approve me due to BMI at 38.2 and not much in the was of "approved" co-morbilities except high LDL. Our meeting was fast, he felt my stomach and pretty much stated he would be willing to perform the surgery for me. Sometimes I feel like because I am a "small overweight" person I am not taken as serious as those with 100-200# to lose.

My surgery date is 12/21. I hope I will find him to be as compassionate as others have stated he is. What I do rate very high at this point is the program offered at HCMC and the nurses, Jen, Dr. Bartley who have all been tremendously helpful and showed patience.

Hes Great!!

Motivated, personable, busy guy! He's a big proponent of LAP-band surgery, which is what I had. He's part of the HCMC Bariatric surgery team, and their program is wonderful. Extremely supportive, knowledgeable and professional.

My experience with Dr. Lederer and Hennepin County Medical Center has been exceptional. They are all very friendly, treat you with dignity and are genuinely concerned about you. It's easy to get in touch with the anyone at anytime. Appointments are timely and very well structured. You always know what to expect.