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

I live an hour away from Dr. Simon's office but it is well worth the travel. Dr. Simon is very pleasant, friendly and extremely qualified. He is cautious and does not approve everyone for surgery. His patients have to prove to him that they understand every aspect of the surgery, are willing to make the necessary life changes and will succeed long term. This is a weight loss program, not just a surgery! There are appointments with a Registered Dietician, the nurse manager, monthly support group meetings, a strict after-care program, in addition to MD appointments. The office staff is understanding and compassionate. The only negative that one might see is that there is a long waiting list to schedule a consultation. But I see that as a positive because I didn't feel rushed and got the attention that I needed. I personally have had a very positive experience with this office and I feel confident that my surgery will be successful.

When I met with Dr. Simon, he was accompanied by a Resident and a student Physician's Assistant. The Bariatric Surgery Center at University Hospital in Syracuse is affiliated with the SUNY system, so it's a teaching hospital. He was very nice and professional. I spent a bit more time with the Dietician and Nurse Practitioner, so I'll have to comment further when I have another appointment. I do know he was featured on the front page of our Local Newpaper for performing a laparoscopic (his specialty) live kidney transplant. The Bariatric Center has a Dietician and support groups, and emphasize behavioral changes and aftercare testing for success.

because i have family health plus i was unable to go to dr. oh because he doesnt except this right now its fairly new.under united health care. so i was quit upset because my appt(consultation) was feb 11th and i found this out at the last min. 6 days before appt. and i made my appt. in november and couldnt get in until feb. if that tells you how good he is so thre fore i did some research and found dr. halverson in syracuse who excepts this and he as a patner that does the rouen-y bypass as for he only (halverson ) does the vgb which i am not interterested in that way so i am gonna be going to meet with him so i will keep you all posted, wish me luck thanx Well its 5-7-02 and i met with dr. simon on the 26th of april. he was a very nice guy and to the piont type of dr. because he is fairly new to the office he was a little confused on his surgery dates but he did assure me that i was aperfect canidate for the laproscpoic and as soon as he got a preceptor the office would be calling me. the office was a little unorganized too as the whole thing is all new but i can understand a lot of confusion but they all were very nice right now i would give the office and the dr. a 8 due to the unorginization but i am sure the hospital stya and the surgery will bring it up to a 10 his secertary fran is wonderful and his scheduler pat is awsome and a very good listener and so understanding so after the surgery i will be back to say how the rating is from there well, i am 3 and a half weeks post now and all i can say about dr. simon is hes great hes got awsome bedside manners and he was so great to my family who was waiting for me in the waiting room hes a little in a hurry to the point but hes a busy man alot of people want to visit him so after all this he definatly derserves a ten he was great