Philip Schauer Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

I am impressed with the whole group down at UPMC in Pittsburgh. I have not met with Dr. Schauer personally yet but have talked with him in a group setting. I am confident with the team down there. They do something like 50 to 60 WLS per week. My doctor alone does between 6 and 9 I think. Robin has been very good to return my phone calls when I have a question. I'm just anzious to get going here.
I will have more to say as I go through the procedure. I hope I don't have a lot of negative things to say. I don't know what experences anyone else has had but so far mine has been positive.

Dr. Schauer is a warm and caring man. While he is very busy and in demand, he finds time to answer questions when need be.

It must be understood that if you want the BEST..be prepared to wait for IT! The office is so very busy and it is normal to wait at least 2 hrs. I have been there as long as 7 hrs..when surgical emergencies occur.

It is frustrating until I realize that Schauer is top in his field and many, many want him. I just feel lucky that he is MY surgeon and prepare for a long wait whenever I go.

Because Schauer's practice is based on research and teaching....much time is spent on aftercare, testings, etc. While it may be a bit invasive at times..if it results in additional beneficial knowledge..GO FOR IT!

Because of the teaching, many doctors pass thru the office for training in lap procedures. But anytime I was there and wished to see Dr Schauer personally...he did come to speak with me.

Overall, I LOVE MY DOCTOR!

I'm very excited about having Dr. Schauer as my surgeon. I've heard wonderful things about him. He spoke at my New Patient Workshop, and he appears very detailed.

During the workshop I attended Dr. Schauer spoke for about fifteen minutes. He seemed personable and was very positive and encouraging in all that he said. The rest of his staff was just as positive and encouraging. Dr. Schauer is very busy and may not be able to spend much time outside the operating room with any individual, but his knowledgable staff, will I think make up for that. Two of the other doctors in the office also introduced themselves. They seemed just as positive and encouraging as Dr. Schauer. After care is just as important as the surgery. If there is no commitment to the aftercare there is no surgery. Risks were explained several times, but always with the confidence that most risks can be lessened. Still surgery is always a risk.
So far I am just beginning the testing. It seemed to take forever to get started- seven weeks- but now that I have started at least I am not where I was seven weeks ago or 5 months ago when my primary care physician first suggest this as an option.

I met Dr.Schauer at the group workshop, over at Magee, on January 7. He is a very kind hearted person...that I could tell immediately. He has such sincere and pleasant eyes and a great sense of humor. I appreciate a sense of humor in people. It makes the Surgeon, more human and being at ease with the Surgeon is so important to me.
My husband and I attended the support group meeting in February and I found it to be so informative. I was in awe of the pictures and weight loss stories, that I had heard that day.
My preop appointment is tomorrow, March 19, and I will let you know how it went for me.. My appointment is with Dr.Schauer and I hope it goes smoothly. I trust that it will, as I have had so many preop tests already..lol
Only two more to go..and my surgery is now only, 22 days from today...Wow, I can't believe how fast the days are flying by for me..
Take care,
Judy

My first impression of Dr. Schauer was a very positive one. Dr. Schauer comes highly recommended to me and my mom who is also going to have surgery. He is very knowledgeable about the surgery and what kind of information I was looking for. He took the time to explain the procedure and answered my questions. I know He will be a good surgeon for me and anyone looking to find a good surgeon.

According to the staff at the Minimally Invasive Surgery Center in Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Ramanathan has joined Dr. Schauer's group as a new partner. I received my approval in late February of 2003, and won't meet my surgeon, Dr. Ramanathan until April 3, 2003.

Also, Dr. Ramanathan's name should be added to the forum of doctors listed on this site UPMC Surgical Weightloss Program

Dr. Schauer and his entire staff are just wonderful! He is the most sinceer and caring man I have ever met. He looks at you, he explains in detail, he supports and never once did he treat me like I was "second-class" because of my weight.

His before, during, and after follow up's are terrific. He or a member of his staff is available 24-7 for you. No question is left unanswered.

The only drawback I would have for his staff is that they are so, so busy with new patients and paperwork, that sometimes it does take them a day or two get back to you for simple questions. (i.e. insurance status,insurance approval info, billing etc...). However, on the flip-side, for any medical related question, you get immediate response.

I am so glad that when I was inquiring and researching for this surgery that I found Dr. Schauer. You know, god works in mysterious ways...I know that he sent me to Dr. Schauer...and I thank both of them for giving me my life back.

I have been treated good by my surgeon, and all of their staff. They are very busy, but i have not had any trouble with them.

Be very patient and very persistant. Ask a lot of questions and keep calling if they don't call you back. They have more patient than you can imagine, but they still do a good job.

He actually listened to what I wanted and did everything he could to accomodate me. Because of my previous colon resection, he spent half an hour with me in pre-op going over the doctor's surgery notes very thoroughly.
When I went into his lovely new offices in Magee Women's Hospital, one of the patients was another doctor who said Dr. Phil is who all the doctors go to for their surgery. A lot of doctors train with him too, before they go on to their own practices.