Our Lady Of the Lake Regional Medical Center Hospital
Dr. Schauer is kind, soft spoken and a good listener. Beams with self confidence without being grandiose. My first and number one priority was surgical competence when looking for a surgeon. I was wanting to have the Lap RNY but was afraid because of multiple surgeries that it would end up being open. But with his extensive talent and experience I got my wish. After my surgery was over he came out to speak with my husband and daughter.rnHe could have easily just picked up the phone. But that's not in his nature. We drove two hours to see him. And stayed at a Hotel on the campus of the Cleveland Clinic. Everyone went out of there way to be helpful in my journey.
Dr. Schauer was the first physician that didn't make me feel ashamed that I had failed at losing the weight. He was the first physician that gave me hope that I could achieve a better, healthier life. His manner is soft spoken, professional, allows for questions. He also doesn't \"gloss over\" anything. He is honest. The staff that works there is amazing. His office is in the Cleveland Clinic hospital. Wait for appts. is minimal. The staff is efficient and knowledgeable. Nutrition and psychology is located there. You can schedule all your appts. in one day if need be. The after program is very structured. I follow up with nutrition and psychology. I started with them pre-op. Psychology helped me identify issues that would have held me back postop. I feel more encouraged that I am continuing with their care. Dr. Schauer discussed thoroughly all risks and potential adverse outcomes. Cleveland Clinic being a teaching facility, many times a Fellow (Dr. in training) will see you first. I find this so helpful. They are very thorough. Also, the Cleveland Clinic utilizes an electronic chart. So, anywhere that I go within the system, they can access my full record. I would rate Dr. Schauer very highly. I am only 10 days postop, but everything so far has been wonderful. I think surgical competence is much better than bedside. If you can get both, then you are that much more lucky. I am an R.N., so competence to me should be chosen over bedside. But if you are looking for a surgeon with both, then Dr. Schauer is the one for you.
I have complete confidence that Dr. Schauer is the best. I've heard his patients and former patients talk, and they back up this thought. If I am nervous about anything about my surgery, I'm NOT nervous about Dr. Schauer's capabilities. He is kind, caring and very concerned with his patient's knowledge of the surgery and after-effects and also included my husband in our first visit.
Dr. Karl Leblanc is a comically person. He is such a happy person! My impression of him still is that of a compassionate person. His office is very beautiful with plenty og seating. He loves to take time with u. Not treated like cattle in his ofice. Time is not a issue in his office.He is very serious about the risks of any surgery. I would have to rate him 20.!
WOW !!!
What blue eyes he has....
Wonderful experience & very complete with all his information. He & his staff made me feel as if I was the only patient they had.
Dr. Schauer is now practicing at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. I met Dr. Schauer for the first time at the initial WLS Workshop geared for those who are considering the surgery. Dr. Schauer is a very kind, unassuming man with a quiet assurance which is very encouraging. His staff is very courteous. He heavily emphasizes aftercare as an extremely important part of one's general success in sustaining the weight loss after surgery. He and his staff were very thorough in addressing the risks of surgery.
I haven't yet had my surgery so I cannot comment on surgical competence or bedside manner, but one thing that has impressed me is the monthly group sessions Dr. Schauer and his staff hold for their patients on their own time. It speaks volumes to me of their dedication and willingness to support their patients in this monumental endeavor.
Update: I had my surgery on 11/18/05 (Lap RNY Proximal) and I am pleased to say that it was very successful. I would give Dr. Schauer an A+ in both surgical competence and bedside manner. Very warm and caring before my surgery, made sure that I was calm and comfortable even though he himself had had very little in the way of respite after a long day. Although the surgery itself was painful, the recovery was quick. Have not seen him since my surgery; initial post-op visit was with his nurse. I would very highly recommend Dr. Schauer to anyone who is faced with the decision to have this type of surgery.
I have swithched surgeons since a couple of years ago. My surgeon is now in Ohio at the Cleveland Clinic not pittsburg.
So far, I think he is great! I have had my first appointment with him and I liked him from the start. His staff (especially Nadine) is awesome! He has a fellow that is going to help him with the surgery. So far so good.
He is the best and now he is at the Cleveland Clinic!
I will update again after my surgery!
The doctor and all the staff are wonderful. The post op support group meetings really keep me on track and afford me the chance to network with other people who have had the same or similar surgery.
I would encourage anyone interested in having this surgery and live in or around the Baton Rouge area to certainly consider Dr. LeBlanc and his wonderful staff.
It has been wonderful working with a doctor who truly enjoys assisting his patients to a better lifestyle. He is at every support group meeting with several of his staff members.
He very carefully explained each aspect of the surgery, the risks, possibility of post op problems such as gallbladder removal.
He is very attentive during office visits. I do not feel rushed in and out as with other doctors.
I had my surgery in April 2004 with no complication. In June 2004 I had to have my
gallbladder removed. In September 2004 I had to have scope run due to scaring. If I had it to do all over I would!!!
I realize my info here is all positive but that has truly been my experience. Dr. Leblanc and his staff by the grace of God have given me a new lease on life and I am going to enjoy every minute and shout from the mountain tops what a wonderful experience I have had with his office.