Scott Steinberg Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I had been researching this procedure for about 1 and 1/2 years before making the decision to have this procedure. My mind was made up when I finally talked to my mom's friend Bell told my of Dr. Appel and the new doctor he had on his team, Dr. Scott Steinburg. My first initial fear was that he was so young. My fear was squashed after he spoke at the first meeting.

I could not have asked for a better staff. They always got back with you on a timely basis and made sure the insurance company was in line if problems arose.

Future patients should know that If I ever had to go through this again, Dr. Steinberg would be my first choice. Dr. Appel who is the best would only select the best.

Aftercare was a part of the pre-op program which was done a dietician and informative from point A-Z with paperwork for you to read and follow. It entailed menus for your daily regiment.

All of the risks of surgery were given with no punches held back. All questions no matter what they were, were answered in their entirety.

I would rate Dr. Steinberg an 11 on a scale of 1-10.

Both surgical competence, bedside manner were great, but keep in mind I am more concerned with surgical competence


There was nothing I disliked about Dr. Steinberg. He was honest and confident in his abililty. He was always willing to answer any questions I had.


He was extremely knowledgeable about the laproscopic Roux En-Y. I finally had my surgery after being approved the first try. My surgery was done this past Monday, February 24, 2003. I feel wonderful and was up and walking the same day I came out of surgery.

My husband is the most supportive and amazing man any woman could ever have. He was at my side from beginning to end. He makes sure I am doing what I am supposed to do even when I do not want to. I love him unconditionally.

My daughter who is almost 5 is truly looking out for me with my breathing and rubbing my back.

I have my week post-op appointment on Wednesday, March 4, 2003. I will keep you posted.

My first impression of Dr. Steinberg was that he sure was young. He seemed nice and knowledgable. I have a much better understanding of him now, after surgery. I had laproscopic y-roux. It took him 8 hours when he went expecting 2. He knew how much it meant to me not to be opened. I had so much scar tissue from 2 other surgeries, it took him a long time to clean that out. Plus, my liver was so enlarged that it took him 2 hours to move it. He persisted to do it laproscopic instead of open because he knew it was important to me. Another surgeon would have said to heck with it and opened me regardless. I have the upmost respect for Dr. Steinberg. I had surgery Friday and came home Sunday morning. My healing is going well. I would recommend Dr. Steinberg to anyone. Also, his bedside manner was excellent. He came to see me each day and personally saw to it I had what I needed and wanted. I would rate him a 10+.

My first impression was that he was TOO darn young to do MY surgery. However, he was quite confident in his own ability and answered the most difficult of my questions with ease and without hesitation. He mentioned that he worked as a resident at Downstate Hospital in Brooklyn, NY and knowing a few doctors there, I inquired about him. I was pleased with what was said about his work ethic and character. That let me know I was in good hands.

His assistant, Sheryl, IS WONDERFUL!!! Understand that when I say she's an angel on earth, it's a GROSS understatement! Two days before I was scheduled to have surgery (12/16/02), Humana HMO notified the hospital (Emory Northlake)that they would not pay for the procedure to be done there because as a HMO memeber, I had no out of network coverage. Dekalb Medical Center had not yet approved Dr. Steinberg to perform laproscopic surgery there and that was the only hospital that Humana would pay for. Sheryl worked and not only got everything set up with the hospital board of directors but got Humana HMO to pay for the Lap Band ($2900.00) AND the procedure (required by Dekalb Med Center for surgical approval). Now, all of this had to be done by 12/31/02 because my insurance changed to United Healthcare PPO, which had an exclusion for any WLS written in. I was notified 12/27/02 to report to the hospital for pre-op testing and I had surgery on 12/30/02. I'd almost given up hope but the whole time, Sheryl and Dr. Steinberg made me feel as though it would all work out (which it did.)

The doctor's bedside manner is okay...he's not a real chatty kind of guy. He is, however, kind, professional and wants to answer all questions of concerns you may have. He stresses the risks and the benefits of the surgery, as well as the importance of following the post-op diet/exercise plan and continuing with aftercare.

Overall, for what he and his staff did for me as a patient, I'd rate him a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. They went above and beyond to make sure my procedure went through. With all of the patients he has lined up, he could have easily walked away, stating he didn't have time for all of those (my) insurance issues. As a surgeon, I'd rate him 8 on the 1 to 10 scale only because he's a bit cool in his bedside manner (but then most surgeons don't give patients a hug after surgery anyway...lol). If I had to do the same procedure all over again, however, he'd be my choice, he a wonderful doctor!