Helmut Schreiber Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

My first impression of Dr. Schreiber was somewhat jaded. I had a co-worker go and have a consult with him and he said he was extremely friendly. I on the other had found him to be in a rush,and rather stand-offish. But the more I thought about it, he was doing the "cattle-call". You know the one, you have your consult, listen to all the information, then you get to speak with the surgeon for a few minutes. You and about 25 other people!!! So I understand his time is at a premium.
The office and support staff at CCBS has been wonderful. They really care and take the time to help you through whatever problems or questions you may have.
The staff at CCBS has been VERY informative. Anyhting and everything(and some you didn't even want to think about)was answered or asked. They told me of the risks, downfalls, drawbacks, exceptions, and of course the good things too!!!!!
I would rate CCBS so far, on a scale of 1-10 an 8. Not a perfect score because the wait is so long to get from the consultation stage to the actual surgery date.When I finally made the decision to go ahead with this surgery, I wanted it NOW!!!!! Not a few months from now. I have been carrying around this extra person for so long that I just want it gone now! hahaha

I liked him because he was easy to talk too.And he told you like it was he left nothing out. It's still the same for me I beleive in him and his work. He is very will spoken of by my own M.D. We haven't had a chance yet to because I go Nov.16, for some testing I beleive? Like I said I,m new at this also. So aftercare I will find out Nov.16. He said surgerys have some risk like any other surgery. I rate him as being good by what I hear. Both!!!!!o

Very informative, thorough. I feel very confident in this surgeon. Very serious about why/need for you to have surgery. Takes job very seriously. I had an intensive learning experience with the staff there, they tell you EVERYTHING A-Z, and answer any questions you have.

He was very business-like, but seemed gentle and genuinely interested in helping me.

My impression hasn't changed yet. But it has been so long since I met him, I live over 75 minutes away, and my surgery is still not to take place for 3 more months, I am hoping that I am able to maintain my confidence.

The staff seems nice, overworked. Lots of patients want this surgery!

Dr. Schreiber was one of the original pioneers in the RxY surgery, and he does other types of gastro-intestinal surgeries, i.e., cancer patients.

He emphazises a follow-up but also the patient's responsibilities are made clear.

The risks involved were covered very simply like any other type of major surgery. It is talked about and also given in written pamphlet.

I would rate Dr. Schreiber 98% - I trust him.

Both his surgical competence and bedside manner seemed very good at my visit.

Dr. Schreiber was very easy to talk to. He answered all of my questions, and gave me straight answers. I feel very comfortable putting my life in his hands. He is professional and very intellegent. I like a doctor that will give me information and not sugar coat it. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Dr. Schreiber. The office staff is wonderful. I can understand and respect the fact that they have this procedure down to a science. Everything is scheduled, and they can't take time out to answer every non-emergency question a patient has. They will answer questions 2 days a week, or the best way to communicate is via e-mail. I certainly understand this procedure. The more time they spend on getting the insurance approvals and the scheduling for seminars and consultations, the quicker they get the surgery dates scheduled.

I have been very lucky. God has played a very large part in me getting this surgery. From the time I called the Bariatric Center until my scheduled surgery date is 3 months. I go in this Friday 8/31 for surgery, and I am very excited about it. I do not have any reservations. I realize this is a life altering surgery. I will probably never look at food the same way again, which thrills me to no end. Dr. Schreiber told me this is a 60/40 proposition. The surgery will do 60% of the work, and I have to do 40% of the work. It is imperative that you walk after surgery. I just purchased a treadmill today, so I will be ready when I return home from the hospital. I am mentally ready. I know several people that have lost a lot of weight after this type of surgery, and they feel great. I am very optimistic. I'll let you know how things go.
Remember the aftercare is very very important to the success of the surgery. Don't be afraid to email the center with questions.

8/27/01 Went to Clevelan Center for Bariatric Surgery on 8/21/01. Did not get to meet with Dr. Schreiber (he had to leave) so instead met with Dr. Sonpal. I really enjoyed my meeting with him. He made me laugh and comfortable.

The staff there seemed nice, it was a busy day so it was hard to get a real impression. But I wasn't disappointed.

Dr. Sonpal stressed the need for aftercare and that he expects you to follow up as directed.

Over all I must give them all an A+!

Dr.Schrieber was very professional yet somewhat rushed. I think we connected better at my 3 week post check-up. The office staff are wonderful and very supportive,I believe that they are a testament to how god these Drs. are. In a world as busy as the Drs. at the Cleveland Center for Bariatric surgery St. Vincent's Hospital are, the people you surround yourself with and the program you set up may be a greater measure of your dedication to something, than how you come across in a rushed visit. This program inspires condfidence in the attention to detail,from your initial contact to the clinic, to your aftercare. There was not a single thing that was not addressed in some fashion ,multiple times throughout my WLS journey. I feel that it was overall a good experience so far.

VERY PROFESSIONAL AND DOES NOT "BEAT AROUND THE BUSH". TELLS YOU EXACTLY WHAT TO EXPECT. HIS STAFF: PROFESSIONAL ALSO AND VERY LIKABLE.

He is the "BOMB". He is very easy to talk to he answered all of my questions in great detail. I felt he was very concerned about me! He made sure that I was ok before just releasing me from the hospital. I even had to stay an extra 2 1-2 days. I would do it again. I love him for what he has given me.

Dr. Schreiber came across as a very intelligent and no-nonsense individual. He was very patient and thorough in answering all of my questions. He even provides his patients with a bar graph showing the rates of post-surgical complication he has experienced in his practice. While answering my questions, he made constant eye contact with me, which is an admirable trait I hold in very high esteem. While very busy, his staff is very friendly and answered all of my questions. He DEMANDS participation in aftercare and keeps very detailed statistics from all of his compliant patients. During our initial meeting, after a 1 hour slide show and question/answer session with his nurse, my husband and I met with him. He is very forthright about all possible complications and the seriousness of the surgery. It is almost as if he wants to paint the "worst case scenario" for you in order to ensure you are sincere in your comittment to take this life-changing step. I have been told that his success rate is very high and his rate of complications are low. I came away feeling very good about him. He was never evasive or unclear and never came across as if he had anything to hide. He seemed genuinely dedicated to assisting in his patient's journey to a better life.