Steven Simon Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I met Dr. Newhoff at my group consultation. He seems quite the character, very down to earth. He tells you the facts (good or bad) like it is...and doesn't hold back. He shared with us his past experience, education, and commitment to helping his patients succeed. He stressed the importance that we all be dedicated to wanting to use this as a tool in our efforts to lose the weight and make a difference in our lives. He was very thorough in providing us the necessary information to make our decisions for this surgery. Because I have chosen the Lap surgery, I have decided on Dr. Simon. I will update you more when I meet him.

Finally met Dr. Simon, he was very sincere and concerned for my health. We discussed my situation and he put me at ease with my upcoming surgery. Dr. Simon answered all my questions, was very polite and professional.

Dr Simon knows his stuff and is very clear about communicating what needs to happen. He is also a brilliant surgeon which is the most important factor in choosing someone. I have had absolutely no problems since surgery and I am an older patient (55). So far I've followed Dr Simon's instructions to the letter and can't believe how well things are going. I hear from many others who have massive complications or can't get their energy back after surgery. None of that has been true for me. I would recommend Dr. Simon to anyone who is considering this surgery. He is the best of the best!

Chris Rau

Dr.Simon was very informative about the risk and complications associated with bariatric surgery. When you first meet him, he is straight to the point and informative and when he's done presenting is the time to ask questions. During the day of surgery he came into pre-op to answer any last minute questions you or your family may have before you go in for this life long change. He makes sure once again you understand the risks and complications that may arise during and after surgery. He kept my family very informed on my progress after surgery and allowed them to ask questions they may of thought of while I was in surgery.

His office staff is very friendly and knowledgable about bariatric patients and there need to succeed. They offer a variety of support groups pre and post op. They make sure you understand the proceedure for beginning to end and answer any questions you have. Along with his office offer support groups, Good Samaritan has support groups put into play to help accomidate if you can't make the one's at the doctors office.

If I had to refer a person to a surgeon to have bariatric surgery done, I would definitly have to say Dr. Simon or his partner Dr. Newhoff would be my first choice. They both have a creditable knowledge of the proceedures and they tell you up front if they think you would be a good canidate. They are not like some surgeons who are in it for the money. They make sure that your 100% a canidate, they do pre-op testing prior to getting insurance approval and make sure that your post op testing and support systems are in place.

I have not met him yet but I have a consult with him on 5-13-04!! So hopefully everything will work out!! Keep me in your prayers!!

I had originally thought I would go with Alan Newhoff, but decided to go with Dr. Simon (same office) because Dr. Newhoff does not yet do LAP- RNY (only open) and I think that is the surgery for me.

First impression was that he was all-business. Straight-foreward. No nonsense. They emphasize aftercare! Very informed of pros and cons. Overall, I would rate Dr. Simon as very good. The office staff was extremely busy, and getting thru on the phone is sometimes tough. They are generally helpful, but very, very busy. Marcia (the counselor) is outstanding! I really recommend this group - Dr. Simon AND Dr. Newhoff.

Very knowledgable, very attentive

Still the same

Some can be very cold over the phone but it can be expected with their call volume

nothing, sometimes overbearing :)

very up front, will not beat around the bush

very much so

yes

yes

1-10 10 being the highest about an 8

surgical competence

I met with Dr.Simon during the initial seminar, but haven't seen him since. He seems quite competant and makes you feel like you are dealing with a medical issue instead of what most people consider as just a "lack of willpower". The office staff have been good at times but aren't always the friendliest. I know they are busy, but they can sometimes be curt and I always feel as though I am putting them out whenever they have to talk to me. However, they were topnotch at getting the insurance approval and seem to be very efficient....and bottom line is, I am awaiting a date. I jumped through all the hoops with the mayo clinic last year....and in the end they denied me. I always felt like they had all the time in the world for me and that I was their only patient, but it didn't matter in the end because I never got what I went for. So, I will update more as I get further along. I am hoping to have my date before the end of April. Not bad when you consider I only went to the seminar 3 weeks ago!

At this point I have only met Dr Simon in a group meeting. He was informative and I was impressed with his credentials. He spent a good 4 hours answering questions and explaining in detail the surgery as he performs it.

Dr. Simon was very kind and put us at ease immediately. Very professional and confident. I didn't feel like a failure because I was so overweight. He gave me confidence that I could overcome obesity. His staff was wonderful and very supportive. They knew me by my first name by my second visit.
Aftercare was a priority to success. I attended all my appointments until I was released 2 yrs post-op. A little scary not having that accountability any more.
Risks of the surgery were addressed as normal with any surgery. I had very little co-morbidities so I was told I was an excellent canidate for success.
I felt he was top-notch.
Surgical competence is a little more important to me but when you are feeling yucky after surgery, a kind word makes you feel better.
Unfortunately for the program at Robert Packer Hospital, Dr. Simon is no longer in Sayre, PA he is now in Arizona.