"I first heard of Dr. Steiner through a friend who had the surgery. She had nothing but positive things to say about him. I first met Dr. Steiner during the first RNY Seminar. He seemed like a very professional and caring doctor. He immediately put me at ease with his deep understanding and insights about the surgery.
As I got to know Dr. Steiner better, I could not have been happier I chose him to do my surgery. He made sure he took plenty of time to speak with me and my family about the operation. He answered all questions honestly and fully. My mom is an OR Nurse Manager and we had some very detailed questions about what instruments and methods are used. Dr. Steiner had no problem answering these questions. I never felt once that he was rushed or had to be anywhere else.
The office staff was very courteous and helpful for the most part. I only felt belittled and brushed off by one individual there very early in my process. She spoke down to me on the phone and almost made me change my mind about the surgery. Perhaps she was having a bad day, because since then I have had no problems with her. All dealings with her since have been very helpful and courteous. Other than that one little incident, the staff has been amazing to work with.
Try as I might, I have not been able to think of a quality I least liked about Dr. Steiner. He was truly the best Doctor I have ever had. In fact I have become a bit spoiled by him. He was always very attentive and seemed to really care about me and what was going on. Not once did he seem distant and cold like many doctors can be. I never knew a doctor could be this caring and generous.
I think future patients should know that Dr. Steiner is a great surgeon with excellent bedside manner. With Dr. Steiner I never felt alone in this even after I developed very serious complications. He has the ability to comfort you and explain things very clearly.
Dr. Steiner very much emphasizes aftercare. His entire philosophy and practice seems to be devoted to aftercare and education. These are major changes for your body and mind. It takes effort and a lot of learning to stay on track. Dr. Steiner and his team know this and really push aftercare.
The aftercare program is extremely structured. It was great when I first had my surgery and has now developed into an excellent program. The center has put a lot of effort into the aftercare program. They have great facilities to help. They have a wonderful staff of professionals to help you with your eating, exercising and any other concerns you may have.
Dr. Steiner was sure to go over the risks of surgery with me very carefully as did the rest of the staff. It is hard to get someone like me to focus on risks when they are excited about the possible outcome. However, Dr. Steiner made sure we went over each and every risk together. One of the risks I was personally affected by. I developed a gastric leak. I knew the risks ahead of time and that didn't make it any easier to deal with later, but I did know that it could happen and what to watch out for.
I would give Dr. Steiner an excellent rating over all. I had a gastric leak which caused a bad infection and an abscess in my abdominal cavity. I knew this was a risk going in and I do not blame Steiner. I did have a follow-up surgery and was in the hospital an additional 41 days. Dr. Steiner was wonderful, caring and comforting through the entire process. There were only 2 days that I can remember that I did not see him in my hospital room. He was present for every test ordered and was quick to explain what they meant, even when it wasn't good news. He was very involved in every aspect of my care till I was COMPLETELY well. His compassion and caring helped me so much. He was respectful and compassionate even when I or my family was not in return. I am thankful that Dr. Steiner was there and that he and his team knew what to do.
I think Dr. Steiner's surgical competence is excellent. I had a complication, but this is a risk one takes with any surgeon. Dr. Steiner identified the complication early and knew the best way to treat it. Dr. Steiner's bedside manner was phenomenal. Like I stated earlier I have never had a Doctor show me so much understanding and compassion. He never seemed rushed or too busy for me, no matter how small the concern. I never felt alone in this. I had a rough time, but I think it would have been a lot worse without Dr. Steiner by my side.
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