I. Michael Leitman Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I met Dr. Leitman on June 10, 2003. I waited in his office only about 35 minutes. I found the staff, especially Joan, to be very warm and welcoming. Joan gave me some forms to fill out and some material to read. Then she took me into an examining room and asked some questions and then Dr. Leitman walked in! He was warm, kind and I could tell he was sensitive to my nervousness. He explained the surgery in great detail. He took his time with me, I did not feel rushed at all and felt like I was his main priority for that 1/2 hour. I was very impressed with his professionalism, his excellent bedside manner and his incredible sensitivity to obese people. I think he is a very knowlegable Doctor and am very happy I have made Dr. Leitman my choice as the surgeon to help me gain the tool to live a healthier life!

I had one meeting with Dr. Leitman. he was very professional as well as caring. He was thorough in his work up and his assessment of me. I feel confident in his hands and look forward to having the surgery.

What do I really need to say about Dr. Leitman? He is a highlyh regarded doctor both in the medical community and on this website. If you are looking for a doctor who is kind, understanding, compassioante and very good at what he does, look no futher. In addition, he has close ties to many insurance companies greatly decreasing difficulty in getting approval. Once you find him, you should lookno further!

One month since my surgery. Eating almost anything but using my head about my choices. Have had no bad experiences with food. Lost 31 lbs. after 22 days. Experienced ZERO PAIN after surgery. Two days on morphine drip and then off with no additional painkillers. Walking a mile after 2 weeks.
If this doesn't convince you that Dr. Leitman is the best in the field, talk to Joan, his right hand and make an appointment to meet both of them. They are warm, kind people.
Dr. Leitman makes you feel comfortable immediately when you meet and you will leave the initial visit with complete trust and confidence as you wait, impatiently I might add, for the big day.
Joan walks you through the whole process and mothers you along the way. Their attitude and demeanor allowed me to walk to the operating table with NO ANXIETY and properly so, given the COMPLETELY PAINLESS recovery that followed.
I know Dr Leitman has thousands of grateful patients. My guess is that mine is only one of many great experiences.

I was recommended to Dr. Leitman by my daughter Kelly. Dr. Leitman performed her surgery 3 years ago this month. She loves Dr. Leitman and has been encouraging me ever since her surgery to pursue my own. I finally had the pleasure of an initial consultation in February, 2003 and have to agree with Kelly. Dr. Leitman is very cordial, professional and thorough. After examining me, he spent quite a while explaining the pros and cons of the surgery and told me that the decision was now entirely up to me that he felt I was a candidate for the surgery. I would rate my experience with Dr. Leitman and his office staff a "10". I feel that a patient has to not only like the Dr. but have a great deal of faith and confidence in him to take this major step. I have finally been approved and my surgery is set for July 17, 2003. The only negative comment I can make is that it took 3 months to get an appointment but that only proves to me how busy and obviously how good he is.

June 27, 2003 I have only visited for the first consult. Initially I was a bit perturbed how long it took me to get into see him (3 looooong months!) but I now know it was because he is quite qualified, therefore, BUSY! I really did like the office staff. They seem quite helpful. Joan did hasten me that it is best to email her any questions, as that is the best was to get an answer. (they are quite busy there). Dr. Leitman was very straightforward. He told me all the risks, and what to expect. I felt that he is quite qualified, and I am in great hands. Looking forward to the journey at hand!

Dr. Leitman was everything everyone said he was. He was very straight forward and direct. He answered all me and my husbands questions .My husband and I felt very relaxed and comfortable with him.
Dr. Leitman never made us feel rushed. It has been a pleasure and I feel that we have made the best choice possible.

Seeing that this was my third doctor in the passed two years.( Insurance problems)I was a little up tight when I went to see Dr. Leitman.I guess that I was waiting for another let down.All that changed in a matter of moments.He was very understanding and supportive.I decided to go to one of the support group meetings at Lenox Hill Hospital. No one had any thing bad to say about Dr. Leitman.Even though I had heard about all the risks and surgical procedures before he still went through it all again.I've only met with the doctor once so after the surgery I can tell you more about Dr. Leitman. Right now I feel that I'm in good hands. If his office staff is any reflection of how he works. I should have nothing to worry about. They have been wonderfull also.

Dr. Leitman was very nice and he told me everything i needed to know about the surgery. I liked him alot and felt very comfortable with him he told me what the surgery is all about and the consequences. the staff is very nice, joan helped me alot and i felt like i wasn't a bother to her, and believe me i called alot...lol

My First impression of Dr. Leitman, was that he was a professional with a geniune concern for his patients and helping them to take back their lifes, I didnot get the impression that it was about the money.

During our meeting, I was basically interviewing him, unbeknown to him. I knew he would be my surgeon after our 1 hour visit in which he answered my prepared questions without blowing me off.

I emailed him at least once a week with questions in the 3 months prior to my surgery. He answered each and every email to my likings. He was always available.

On surgery day, he spent time with me for any final questions to calm any fears and spoke to my family about their questions. He made absolutely sure I was comfortable in the O.R. inquiring on what type of music I would prefer, (although I would be out like a light). He assured me as I continually stated I must have a petite scar and wanted my procedure to be the best one he'd ever done and to make sure nothing was left inside of me. (He didnot take offense to anything I said, was very accommodating). Dr Leitman, has impressive surgical skills, he is also a breast cancer doctor. Not only are his surgical skills impressive, he has a bedside manner, that's second to none (rarely do you find that these days.) After surgery, He found my family explained how I was feeling and what to expect, and escorted them to see me in recovery. While in the hospital Dr. Leitman made it his business out of his busy OR schedule to visit me each and every day as well as his other patients on the floor. I was honored, as most Drs send their understudy's or resident drs to check up on you, and they were there everyday as well.

Thank you Dr. Leitman of Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC for the wonderful experience. You will be my Doctor for Lif