Dekalb Medical Center Hospital

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!

Daytime staff is great, specially Peggy. I would recommend to have someone stay with you during the night.