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

I fell in love with Dr leitman immediately. He gave me a firm handshake, made eye contact, and was very reassuring, to me and my nerves. He has an assistant Joan who is an absolute doll. She is like your older sister, or mom through your journey, always calming your worries and fears. The only thing that I didn't like about Dr. Leitman was that he couldn't spend more time with me. I didn't feel rushed, but I wanted to monopolize all of his time. He's funny, and caring, and has a lot of patience with you. He's very detailed in answering your questions, and very knowledegable on the surgery. He's also very funny, and that was a great comfort to me! He also warned me that this surgery is not something to be taken lightly, and that due to complications DEATH is always a risk! I knew that alreasdy but was very glad that he didn't hide that from me. I WAS diabetic before my surgery, and he explained in full all the risks involved with my situation, and told me that if I went through with the surgery that there was the possibility that I may come off of my insulin. HE WAS SO RIGHT! Before surgery I took 100 units of insulin. Since my surgery on Dec 6, 2001, I have not had 1 drop of insulin, and have lost 30 glorious lbs. Dr Leitman has a great bedside manner, and I looked forward to him coming to see me everyday to tell me about my progress. I had the surgery at Lenox hill hospital, and they were really good with my care, a nutritionist will visit you before you leave, and give you specific aftercare instructions, and to date I've had only a very few problems, and those were all my fault.

I was referred to Dr. Leitman through my cousin Lisa who also had the surgery. She raved about how genuine and caring he is. Dr. Leitman takes his time with the people who come to see him and also with his patients in the hospital. The day that I went to see the doctor he was held up at the hospital with his patients which set his office appointments back 1-2 hours. But he was very apologetic and concerned with having people waiting for him. I unfortunately, had to return to work so I didn't actually get the hour to hour and a half that everyone else was getting. But he tried to answer all of my questions and fill in the gaps surrounding the things that I was misinformed in. We talked about the research that I had done and I told him that he was the third doctor that I've visited. One of the doctors he told me that he knew very well and that he too was a good doctor. At first I thought hey he's trying to get rid of me. But then I saw that he was just being sincere and honest. I probably would have been turned off if something negative was said about the other doctors but that was not his response at all. His assistant Joan is great. I explained to her my need to get back to work and she just spoke to me with calming reassurance. I mean, I knew that I had to wait but impatience was setting in. But Joan let me know when my turn was coming and really tried to help me understand just the kind of time and attention that Dr. Leitman gives to his patients. Dr. Leitman is the doctor for you if you are looking for thorough care and efficiency. Even with the wait I wouldn't go to another doctor. And this by the way I was told is not the norm. He's not rushing this process and I have access to him day and night, by phone or email. What more could you ask for?

I HAD MY FIRST CONSULTATION NOVEMVER 20, 2001. HE WAS VERY NICE AND PROFESSIONAL. HE EXPLAINED THE SURGERY AND THE RISKS. HE DID NOT RUSH ME AND SEEMED PRETTY CONFIDENT IN HIS ABILITES TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SURGERY WITH ME. I EMAILED MY QUESTIONS AND RECEIVED PROMPT RESPONSES. THEN WE HAD A TELEPHONE CONSULTATION. HE CONNECTED ME WITH THREE PRIOR PATIENTS. JOAN WAS ALSO VERY NICE. SHE SAT WITH ME AND SCHEDULED A TENETATIVE SURGEY DATE. I ATTENDED THE SUPPORT GROUP AND FOUND IT TO BE A GREAT RESOURCE.

Dr. Leitman was everything I expected. I've spoken to past patients of the doctor, who brief me on him. He answered all my questions and perform a short examination on me. Dr. Leitman has an excellent record and he knows his business. I feel confident in his expertise. He let me know if I had anymore questions, to feel free to e-mail him. I rate this doctor a 9, if I'm still kicking after surgery, then I'll rate him a 10. His office manager Joan was very friendly.

When I went to Dr. Leitman's office the first person I encountered was Joan his assistant. She was very friendly and helpful. I then had an hour long consultation. During that time I didn't feel rushed. He answered all of my questions in detail. He explained how different my life would be post-op. he also let me know that there are support groups that are in place to help me make this transistion smoothly. The only thing that bothered me was that after the consultation I wasn't sure what the next step was. I received a call from Joan the following Tuesday letting me know she was faxing my paperwork to the insurance company. By 12p Thursday I received I call from Joan saying I was approved. My surgery date is 12/27/01

Dr. Leitman was the best. He was patient, kind and caring. He explained everything to me and whatever I was unclear about, he made clear. I would recommend him to anybody seeking this surgery in the NY area. Joan, the office manager is a saint. It is amazing how nice she is. Today was my first visit with Dr. Leitman and I have a date scheduled for 1/17/02! I am just waiting for approval from my insurance company to really celebrate. God bless you all!

10/8/01, I had my first consultation with Dr. Leitman. He was very informative and was able to ease my concerns regarding certain apsects of wls. Joan, his office manager was very helpful and caring. I have a surgery date tentatively for 01/10/02. Joan assured me, my paper work was sent to Cigna PPO on 10/12/01. Waiting........ for a decision.

The first time I met Dr. Leitman was at the Lennox Hill Support Group. I had already been to two other support group meetings and was very impressed to find out that he attends the meetings himself. After talking with him afterwards I realized what a caring and understanding person he was. I spoke with Joan his office manager (a real doll) and made my fist appontment. During my appointment with Dr. Leitman he went over the operation and all side effects in great detail and made me fell very comfortable. I truly beleive this doctor has both an exceptional bedside manner and years of excellent surgical competance. I would recommend Dr. Leitman and his staff very highly. It is not often that you can find a doctor with all his qualities who also has such a great staff and support team.

DR LEITMAN WAS REALLY NICE. HE ANSWERED ALL MY QUESTIONS AND JUST SEEM SO FRIENDLY.HE HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR 11 YEARS AND I TOTALLY PUT MY LIFE IN HIS HANDS.

I have met my surgeon Dr. Leitman for the first time today. He was soooo nice and informative. He acurately described the procedures and told me the positives as well as the negatives that could happen. My sister and mother came with me and they were very impressed as well. My sister is suspcious of everyone and she really felt that he was a great doctor. His assistant Joan, was also great. Very nice and friendly. I am so glad that she will be handling my insurance company because she seems to know just how to handle them.

I would rate him a 10 out of 10. This is even though I had to wait 30 minutes to see him. Nothing major - I have waited this long what's another 30 minutes.