Howard Simon Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I first met with Dr.Simon on March 31st and have been to see him once a month since.He is up front about the surgery and takes his time answering all of my questions.The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable as well.My opion of the bariatric center in Syracuse is that I could not have chosen a better place or staff to have this procedure done.

Nov 5, 2002
I had my initial visit today at the Surgical Bariatric Center, Syracuse NY. I met with Dr Howard Simon. He was very easy to talk to. He explained everything in detail, including the risks, and was open to any guestions or concerns that I might have. I also met with the nurse practitioner and dietitian. I was given a appointment to attend a information session at the Center, plus a invitation to a support group meeting. I will be keeping track of my diet in a booklet that I will go over with the dietitian on my return appointment which is Dec 4, 2002.
Nov 2, 2003. Its been a year since I first posted, But I am still a patient of Dr Simons. My insurance had required therapy, which has now been completed. Now my request for surgery has been submitted to insurance. Dr Simon and his staff have been very supportive and helpful this past year and have always encouraged me not to give up or get discouraged.

Dr. Simon is a devoted,educated,& caring surgeon, who seems like he's rushed all the time, which can be disheartening.But,he does come highly recommended and is very experienced in this field.He is also a preferred trauma doctor at University Hospital. Dr.Simon's staff are nice & seem knowledgable,but appear disorganized, which I attribute to the demands on their office. They very much stress the importance of following the pre and post programs.
His team make sure that you are well versed in this procedure and are sure that WLS is for you.

I havn't yet met with Dr. Simon. I have my first appointment with him scheduled for March 19. I am hoping that all goes well. After the meeting I will definately post my feelings of the appointment and the Doctor.

3-19-03
Today, I met with Dr. Simon, his nurse and the nutritionist. They were all both very pleasent and helpful. They were a bit disapointed that I didn't have very many questions....LOL!! He seems very caring and supportive of people who are looking into this surgery and makes it very clear that this is not to be used as a "cosmetic surgery". I will post more about him after our next visit.

7-17-03
I have come to like Dr. Simon alot and I believe that he will be a very good doctor for me. I have been told that his bed side manner is good, so that is a relief. If you choose Dr. Simon, I think you will be very happy with your choice. I will post more about my opinion after the surgery. All of his staff in his office are very nice, helpful and caring...

8-20-03
While in the hospital, I heard nothing but EXCELLENT comments about him from his collegues. He has a very good bed side manner. Very kind, sensitive, loving, will anwser anything you need. I would rate Dr. Howard Simon a 11+ out of 10...:) He is my lifesaver and I will never forget him for giving me a new life. Anyone who is looking at him as their doctor, you will NOT be disapointed! He and his staff are EXCELLENT!!

I was expecting someone different but he was nice he was in a hurry I think they were really behind. The staff I met before at the info meeting, and they are all nice,serious but nice.Know what you are doing! He and his staff talk alot about aftercare and they have awsome aftercare as before care.I knew the risks of the surgery and he added a few.I will add more when I see him again in May. I have to loose 5%of my weight and keep a log for them.

My first impression of dr simon was that he seemed very excited about this new bariatric group that he was starting. I checked with my general practioner and anyone else I knew in the medical field in our area. Everyone I asked said in their opinion I could not find a better surgeon.I still feel he really believes in what he is doing. My biggest complaint with dr simon is his office staff. Individually, they are all very nice but as a group they seem very disorganized. I know they are very busy as their's is the only group in our area doing the roux n y at this time. But one really has to be aware of what one's needs are because they don't seem to keep track of this for you. I have met several people in our Support group who feel the same.
Dr Simon did emphasize aftercare as being crucial to the success of this program. So far I am very happy with DrSimon and his care.

I first saw Dr. Simon in September of 2002. He is a very energetic man who really seems to like helping people. I did a lot of research before deciding on Dr. Simon and Upstate. I think Dr. Simon is a brilliant surgeon and has a wonderful staff available even when he isn't. His nurse practitioner, Marcy, is wonderful -- very helpful and knowledgeable.

My first impression of Dr. Simon was he was very caring a real people person, he is not only htere for me but he is there for my family, he is one of hte greatest men i know!
My impression has NOT changed at all it only gets better!!
Dr. Simon's office staff well what cani say they are the greatest people they are so much like Dr. Simon they are a family there and they make you part of the family!!
If you are a patient of Dr. Simon just remember if you need anything he is there!!!
Dr.Simon is very open and honest about the surgery he holds nohting back he tells you all the risk that are involved he wants to make sure you know everything about the surgery before you decide to go through with it.
I rate Dr. Simon 150% hes great!!!!

I met Dr. Simon last week, he answered all the questions my husband and I had, explained the basic points about the RnY procedure, and discussed open vs. lap surgery. He did stress the need for gastric bypass patients to change current eating patterns, to get geared up for the physical changes by practicing proper nutrition and exercise now. We did discuss the risks of surgery, but only briefly as I have done a lot of research online already .I think Dr. Simon is professional, experienced and compassionate.

My first impression of him was good,he is a good doctor and knows his stuff.The office staff was good and they treat you with respect.He addresses all of the risks and the after care,with specific diet after surgery that you must follow.I would rate him as a 10,i haven't had surgery yet but i'm hoping to have surgery soon at least feb.I had four visits with dr.simon thus far and i'm not scheduled to see him anymore because iv'e completed my visits and my tests.I had a stress test done and that went fine,i had blood work done and a pulmonary test done and now i'm having a gallbladder test done and i guess that will be it before surgery.I'm waiting for authorization from my insurance company now and a surgery date.Debbie thr receptionists was very helpful and great,marcy the nurse practionor was great as well and the nutritionist too.He emphasized about after care and what you should do and also the risks.