Richard Stahl Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

My first impression of Dr. Stahl was how kind he was. He came into the room smiling and immediately introduced himself and shook hands with me and my mom. When he spoke to us, he was very straightforward about the risks and what I could expect. At the time, I was 180 pounds overweight. He said the he would consider the surgery a success if I lost at least half of the excess weight. I really liked the fact that he spoke directly to both me and my mom and allowed us as much time as we needed to ask any question either of us could think of. (note: write down every question that pops into your head, no matter how trivial. You'll be greatful for the notes.)

Over time, my impression of Dr. Stahl and his staff only got better. When I went back for my next visit, I'd lost nearly 27 pounds. I'd been trying to cut out all the sweets and things that I wouldn't be able to have after surgery, just so the change wouldn't be such a shock. I was worried that because I'd lost the weight, I wouldn't be approved for surgery because the insurance company would think I could lose it on my own. Dr. Stahl first told me how incredibley proud he was of me, because he knows how hard it is to lose weight. Then he put my fears to rest. He said that my weight loss would only show BCBS how determined I was to make this surgery work. I was finally able to breathe again, because I'd been trying for so long to have this surgery and I thought I'd just ruined my chances.

Dr. Stahl's office staff is incredible. When I went for my first appointment, I found out that I still had 1 month to go on my 1 year waiting period for pre-existing conditions. They told me that I could either see Dr. Stahl then or I could wait..that way I wouldn't have to pay anything. (The first visit isn't covered by my insurance because they don't know if they'll approve you for WLS or not) I decided I wanted to go ahead and see Dr. Stahl, and I'm so glad I did. As I leaving, they told me that I'd have to come back the following month when my insurance kicked in for a follow up visit. They were so nice, they only charged me a fraction of the cost for both visits. They were also right on top of the insurance. As soon as my waiting period was over, they sent in my paperwork and I was approved within two weeks (I called BCBS to check and started crying when I found out I was approved).

There is absolutely nothing that I didn't like about Dr. Stahl and his office staff. They are all so competent and nice. They didn't make me feel bad for being overweight like a lot of doctors have done. They are all such a wonderful group of people.

Future patients of Dr. Stahl should know that they must be willing to put a lot of effort into this surgery. If you're not willing to stay away from the sugar and change your eating habits, then he'll let you know that there's no point in having this procedure done. He is very realistic. He doesn't tell you that you're going to lose so much weight or that you'll lose it all (no matter how much we want to hear it). He tells you what would be considered a success (about half of the excess body weight) and he's also very honest (not everyone who has this surgery is successful).

Dr. Stahl emphasizes a healthy diet with smaller portions and exercise. He is extremely adamant that you get up a few hours after surgery and walk (if you don't walk, you can get bloodclots and die, so please!!! please!!! please!!! Get out of that bed and WALK!!!!).

As far as an aftercare program, Dr. Stahl gives you a list of foods that you can and can't eat. Things that will be good for you and such, and he stresses exercise. This surgery is a tool to help you lose weight, it is not a magical cure-all. You have to be willing to work for the weight loss, this just makes it easier, because there is no cheating on this diet. I don't know if Dr. Stahl has support groups. I am lucky enough to have extrememly supportive family and friends, so I never asked about an outside group.

As far as the risks of surgery go, Dr. Stahl and his staff are very clear about what they are. They do not sugarcoat anything. They want you to be extremely aware of everything so that you're making the best decision possible.

Overall, I would give Dr. Stahl the highest rating possible. He's truly the best doctor I've ever had and I am so greatful for him.

I believe that surgical competence is so much better than bedside manner, but I was lucky enough to have a doctor who has an abundance of both.

My first impression of Dr. Stahl was that he was a very friendly, professional man. You can always tell if a doctor is professional or not weather he has hot or cold hands, and Dr. Stahl's were very warm, lol. The office staff on my first visit was very nice and friendly. Dr. Stahl took all the time we wanted to answer his questions, without once looking at his watch or trying to rush out. He stresses that this surgery is not a magical trick that will make the pounds melt off, but only a good key to try and help you out along the way. He also stresses the risks of surgery. Nothing is sugar coated with him.

I found Dr. Stahl to be very proficient. He doesn't have the best bedside manner but I chose him for his expertise. I work at the hospital where his group does some of it's surgeries and liked the outcomes I saw with his patients. This practice doesn't really offer any structured aftercare other than the visits for B12. I guess the thing I didn't like is that when I questioned him about the problems I had the first week with elevated HR and BP he seemed to wave it off and tell me if I continued to have problems to see my PCP. I would definitely recommend him because he is good but realize that support after surgery is minimal.

Dr Stahl was very professional and pleasant. He explained everything very well including the risks and what I could expect from surgery but did not give me unrealistic expectations of what the surgery could and could not do for me. His office staff was very nice and have always answered my questions. Evelyn has been great about getting my appointment time moved up as soon as there was a cancellation. I have heard wonderful things about this group from the people I work with at the hospital and all my expecatations were met and exceeded. I would recomend this group to anyone considering bariatic surgery. To people like myself who thought there was no hope of loosing the large amount of weight I have to loose, it is great to know there are still options in bariatic surgery

Dr. Stahl was very professional. He answered all my questions and concerns thoroughly.
His office staff is great. They were always friendly and smiling. They also answered all my questions and concerns with patience and understanding.
Before surgery I was well aware of all the benefits and risks associated with this surgery. Dr. Stahl and his staff ensure this.
I also was pleased that he told me at any time I felt uneasy about the procedure we would reschedule it, even if I was lying on the table about to be put under anesthesia. He wanted me to be absolutely sure and ready.
Do realize after surgery you will see his assistant unless there is complications. That is fine also because she is very professional and nice as well.

I met with Dr. Stahl for my 1st consultant appointment on May 3, 2004. He was really nice and straight to the point.

I was very pleased when i met dr. stahl. he answered all of my questions and i was comfortable talking to him. he is a great surgeon. i also met his partners when i was in the hospital, all three are very nice and take the time to answer questions and are really concerned about with their patients. i would tell anyone to use them. the office staff is all very nice and very helpful.

I am really impressed with Dr. Stahl. He is very caring and takes a lot of time to explain the surgery. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a surgeon.

Dr. stahl seemed down to earth and that set me right at ease.

I have only met him once

I love his staff-nurse Rita is wonderful to deal with on the phone and that is not an easy deal.


He speaks to you like a real person.





He made sure I knew all the risks of the surgery and he told me I had a 60% chance of success.

All of the above when you are dealing with a family like mine who is a bit scared of all the slasher news stories out there. I hope the Dr. takes his time after surgery to let my family know everything is ok.

My first impression was that his tennis shoes were as grimy as my gym shoes. Somehow that appealed to me.

I have only talked with Dr. Stahl twice.

Dr. Stahl's office staff seem supremely competent.

Dr. Stahl is a highly competent surgeon who has strict standards for the initial qualification of his patients. After that, he is reasonable about his restrictions.

My only negative comment is that I don't feel that I know Dr. Stahl well at all (maybe that's not a requirement). I saw him at my initial appointment, waved as I went into surgery, and saw him at my post-op appointment. I am not to see him for a year following surgery unless a complication arises. That works OK for me, but I can imagine others may need more input.