Michael Schuhknecht Bariatric Surgeon MD
He is great. I think he really cares about his patients. He was very thorough and I trust him very much. He is funny and entertaining but was serious when needed. The office staff at Jackson's Cori Centers is outstanding. He really stressed aftercare and wants every person to succeed. He wants to look good. I don't blame him it is his reputation on the line with each surgery. I thought everything was handled in a professional manner.
I was super duper impressed from the first time I met Dr. S.
I first saw him at a CORI seminar in Lansing, MI. I then scheduled an appt. with him and I went to see him in Detroit. It was a long drive, but worth it. He gave a great presentation with several other perspective patients in the room. Then he saw each of us individually. I was able to ask some questions and he was willing and pleased to answer them.
I was not however pleased by his nurses. I was put through the ringer trying to get approved and I had to leave several messages and never had my phone calls returned. It was not until I was almost willing to find another surgeon that someone finally took my case seriously. I waited 8 months to get approved.
Once I was approved I was scheduled for surgery the following week. I did not receive any information in the mail on what to do or what to expect. So again I called and called and left messages.
Then 2 days before surgery I received a call from someone from the hospital insisting that I come in for pre-op testing. I thought that I could do that the day of surgery since I lived 2 hours away. But I was told I had to come. Then when I got home, someone else from the hospital called to schedule pre-op surgery for the day of surgery!! I was livid. The lady apologized for the confusion and gave me the instructions on what to do for surgery. I was pretty much prepared already since I had already made the drive and knew how to get to the hospital. So I guess that was a blessing in disguise. It helped me not to be so stressed the morning of surgery.
Anyway, Dr. S. did a faboulous job on my surgery. My scar is shorter than most and I was able to keep my belly button--which was a big deal to me. Also, at my follow up visit he was so polite and answered my long list of questions with humor and compassion. His nutritionist was also very helpful and gave me sound advise. In addition, his nurse there was sooooo sweet. She even gave me a hug when I told her I was wearing my wedding ring for the first time in over a year. I was very pleased with the staff on this visit and I look forward to meeting the staff at the office in Jackson in three weeks.
I met with Dr. Schuhknecht yesterday (3/10/04). He is great. He is so informative and takes all the time you need to answer questions. I immediately felt comfortable with him. The office staff was amazing and Cheryl will be getting a big surprise for all her help very soon!
He addresses everything from pre-op to aftercare to all the risks and how to prevent all of them. If you are considering WLS, Dr. Schuhknecht is the best you can find!
When I was scheduled for surgery on January 7th, 2004, Dr. James Sapala was suppose to be my surgeon. It turned out that he was not able to do it and because I did not want to post-pone my surgery I had Dr. Michael Schuhknecht do it. I met him for the first time in pre-op. I didn't really remember him because I was quite out of it with all the IV's in me. After the surgery I met him and I immediately liked him. He is very nice and had a great sense of humor (which I like.) He explained everything about my surgery and I was impressed because he took the time to sit down and talk to my Dad twice during the time I was in recovery. He made my Dad at ease about my surgery. When I was discharged I had to page him a few times for concerns and he ALWAYS got back to me immediately. I really like him. I have only been to his office in Warren once and I am extremely glad to be going to the Jackson office from now on. I had an extemly long wait of 2 1/2 hours the first time I saw him after surgery. First the drive was 2 1/2 hours long and then a 2 1/2 hour wait and then a 2 1/2 hour drive home. I was not a real happy camper. I was miserable. The Jackson office is only 1/2 hour from where I live so I pray that it will be better next time.
My first opinion of Dr S was that he was kind of cocky. I know that doesn't sound good but that was my "first impression". I later found he was very personable, caring, and knowledgeable. He took a great amount of time explaining things to us. His office staff seems pretty organized and helpful. I didn't do a thing and my insurance went thru easily!!! So far the only downside has been receiving my pre-op info just 2 business days pre-op.
My first impression of Dr S was "what a good looking man" But then again I have heard that from most of his female patients. I had complete confidence in him as my surgeon. I did alot of work researching and talking to alot of people who had the surgery. When I had my consult with Dr S I was so ready to have my surgery and couldnt get to the OR fast enough. I think Dr S may have sensed that. I think future patients should know that DR S uses alot of questionable language in his seminar, and should be prepared for that aspect. He goes through all of the risks of surgery. He does not sugar coat anything regarding the risks. I would like to see Dr S take a more active role in the aftercare of his patients, as far as seeing them at least once in the hospital. I would rate Dr S overall as a great surgeon. He knows his stuff. He has both a great surgical confidence and a great bedside manner. I want to personnally Thank Dr S for doing my surgery. I will live a healthier life from here on out. Also I would like to Thank CORI centers for a great office staff.
I first met my surgeon Dr. Michael Schuhknecht, at a seminar for Cori Center. He was very informative and took the time to explain every aspect of the surgeries available. I liked him from the start. When I went for the office consult, he had the same caring, informative manner.Fully addressed all the pros and cons of surgery in a group information session prior to seeing one on one in exam room. Was a little short on time when in exam room, but to the point. Did not like the office staff. Only one nurse, Cheryl, was so understanding and informative. Did not like Chucky. She is not very friendly or upbeat for the patients. The office staff overall, poor to average. Not much direction for aftercare except on paper. But the surgeon was always available by pager for post op period. Never needed to page him. I would rate the surgeon as very competent and well trained. Surgery took <30 minutes and I have had no complications. No problems. He is thorough in his assessment and uses all steps to ensure success. Very good bedside manner, but short and to the point. I researched for >year to find him and am most pleased with his competence, backround and experience. I love Dr. Schuhknecht. Without him, I would not have this second chance at life.
My first impression of Dr. Schuhknecht is that he was very interested in making sure you knew everything about the surgery and that you understood everything. He took the time to answer all my questions and he seemed to put the patients wellbeing first and foremost.
He and his staff have been wonderful. Very helpful and friendly. They have a great team!
Aftercare is very important to him. There are periodic follow-ups the first year and annual visits for life.
He was open and honest about the risks associated with this surgery but did everything to ensure things went well.
He is a very good surgeon - even the nurses at the hospital spoke very highly of him. His bedside manner is relaxed and caring.
I would recommend him to anyone. I have a great deal of respect for him as a surgeon and as a person.