UVAHealth Bariatrics Hospital

I had my initial visit with Dr. Schirmer on 2/26/01. The office staff was great, the resident was very thorough. Dr. Schirmer was very knowledgable and caring. He wasn't in any big hurry (even though his waiting room was packed and it was early in the morning). He asked alot of questions and answered all of mine. He explained the whole process and said I was the perfect canidate for the surgery. He addressed the need for my dedication to the aftercare and went over the risks of surgery. He even dictated the letter for the insurance while I was there. He gave me the low down on the rest of the days activities, a visit to the nutritionalist, and a visit to the lab for blood work. He asked me on several occassions if I had any more questions. I assured him that I would probably have plenty more questions, as soon as I left. He ended by saying he would see me for my endoscopy and just to call if I had any more questions or concerns.

I have been in touch with both Dr. Schirmer's secretary and his nurse, and have been pleased with everyone on his staff. They have been helpful and caring.

I would rate Dr. Schirmer and his staff very highly.

Dr. Schirmer is a very kind, dedicated surgeon. When I was getting ready for surgery, Dr. Shirmer came into my room and explained that he was not feeling well and If he ran into any complications in the OR that he would go ahead and do the open procedure instead of the LAP. This, of course scared me to death, knowing that he was'nt feeling well. I told him to go ahead with the open, since it was 2 hours quicker,
He did the lap anyway, and I am very happy with that decision. In my opinion, Dr. Shirmer is one of the most competent and caring Dr.s that I have met.

I first heard of Dr. Schirmer several years ago. My father had a fairly new stomach surgery. He was all around impressed with Dr.Schirmer. So when I met him everything my Dad told me was correct. So far the staff in his office has been really great. I kinda got a run around with getting them to send papers to my insurance for approval. From my psychological evaluation till my papers for approval were faxed to my insurance it was a 3 month span.

At first I really thought he was a very nice surgeon and I still do. However I believe he is extremely busy and he does not have alot of time to spend with his patients. He is the only doctor at UVA that does this surgery. He needs more staff to work in this area of expertise. When I have called in to ask a question it takes all day or even the next day before I get a call back. Sometimes I never get called back. Very busy clinic. The aftercare really needs to be worked on. Also while in the hospital they need to make sure there patients are well informed before they release them.

My health was not the best, I was in a car accident on December 23, 1991, my whole world changed on that morning, I was in a coma for 5 days and when I woke up my whole right side was paralized and I couldn't speak, I still have no memory of the car accident. I had a closed head injury and it caused stroke like symtoms. The Dr's said I would never have any movement on my right side again. I put on alot of weight because my balance is unstable and I couldn't get much exercise. In 1992 I started to have seizures, in 1993 I became a diebetic, I have astima, COPD, arthritus, disc disease, and cronic fatigue syndrom. When I told my primary care doctor I wanted to have this surgery he thought it was a good idea but it would be up to Dr. Schirmer to say weather or not it was to risky. Dr. Schirmer and his staff were wonderful. He said it could do me more help than anything and all my medications could be given in liguid forms if needed. I was so excited but my husband and 2 grown children were totaly against it. My 27yr. old daughter had the same surgery in Febuary 2000, and they were all convinced I would not pull through it. Well guess what, I proved them all wrong. I never would have had this surgery if I thought it was going to do more harm. Dr. Schirmer stressed that this is a life changing surgery. I had to go through several interviews with his interns and labs before he would agree to do the surgery. He said that their was risk during and after the surgery. He emphasized aftercare and to be sure I ate properly. My overall impression of Dr. Schirmer, his nurse, Anna, and his interns is excellent !!! I think his surgical competence and bedside manner are both wonderful.

My first impression of Dr. Shirmer was that he was a kind and caring individual who was genuinly concerned about obese people, and that opinion has never changed. His staff is exceptional. They make you feel as if you are part of a family. I was very impressed by the fact that although I was extremely overweight, nobody there ever made me feel fat. Dr. Shirmer is very concerned about aftercare and has a program that he expects you to follow. There are meetings with the dietician and a psych evaluation that , in retrospect, I think is one of the best things he did for me. His bedside manner is as great as his surgical competence. He is the kind of surgeon who sits on the side of your bed and holds your hand and treats you like a person who he cares very much about. He explains everything in detail before the procedure and does everything in his power to make sure you understand it all. I would recommend Dr. Shirmer highly to anyone who is interested in this surgery, and already have. Two of my friends already have appointments. As for the UVA Hospital, it was wonderful. What a fantastic group of people there. My care couldn't have been better. All I can say is God bless Dr. Shirmer and his staff and UVA.

Dr. Shirmer was great.. The office staff was great.. They are always available to answer any questions that I may have.. Everything was explained to me -- any questions were addressed right away..

Dr.Schirmer seems to be a caring doctor. He takes the time to help you feel comfortable and is very willing to answer questions.

I met with Dr.Schirmer in June of 99.He came highly recommended to me by two other physicians.I didn't know exactly what to expect so I was prepared for anything...I was very surprised at his quiet demeanor and he was very personable.He never made me feel like I was asking stupid questions and he took the time to explain everything in great detail.Most of all he didn't make me feel like a second class citizen for being overweight.His staff made me feel at ease also never tried to hurry me through any of the pre-tests.I am still pre-opt as of March,23 but am scheduled to have my surgery in April will update after.

I met Dr. Schirmer at one of his group support meeting. I was impressed with the way he paid attention to what his former patients had to say and even came up with some solutions. I have not changed my opinion since then. He seems to really care about what he can do for you and that you understand what this surgery is all about. He was truthful in relation to my insurance and that it would be a fight. But, one he thought was worth fighting. His staff was very polite to me, but I have heard some unfavorable remarks from some of his other patients. After the surgery Dr. Schirmer has a very detailed follow up schedule, and you will be a patient for the rest of your life, or at least once a year. I have only met him twice, so I don't feel that I can pass judgement on him overall. I am interested in what happens if the insurance denies me. How much help will he be at that stage? It would appear that Dr. Schirmer is blessed with surgical competence and bedside manner.: Well the surgery is done. He managed to do my lap and in 5 hours which I understand is very good time.. Any time the surgeon can lessen the time spent under the strain of aneth. is super for his patients. Now, I can honestly say I wish he worked anywhere other then the University of Virginia Hospital. My experience with them was best referred to as the days of living hades. The time on the surgical unit were exceptable. But, due to an dortor in training I ended up being mistaken for a heart attack. I don't think I would ever go to anyother "teaching" hospital again. Not without someone who can be with you 24 hours a day.Dr. Schirmer continued to keep track and visit with me even though the hospital had taken me away from his "official care" I know this wil sound like surgeon worship but he gave me the strength to control what the cardiac care unit was trying to do to me. things like invasive cardiac catherzation, No way Boys non invasive tests first. It turned out the heart was and is just fine. Poor pain management was the culprit. Don't be a hero and don't let anyone try and make you act like one.
The after care starts in about 1 week. now I just follow the diet directions, (very explicite), and rest.