I had my Surgery in May of 1986 and mine is the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty. I am now 54 and I weighed 248 and still weigh 135; I'd say that's success. I will always love Stephen Schechner for giving me my life back. I haven't seen him in so long and would like so much to see him. I can only say great things about him and his care and concern. I was never made to feel like I didn't count. I was so sorry to hear he is retired. Thank you so much Dr. Schechner--you will always be top on my list! Cathy Jessee

I did research on the internet and found Dr. Schechner on your site. Shortly after, I found out that my pastor has had gastric bypass surgery and had many nice things to say about Dr. Schechner. What better reference can a girl hope for. :) Lastly, when I went to my PCP, she too said he was the best. Well today (8/15), I met Dr. Schechner and his staff and everyone was absolutely fabulous. My first impression of him was that of confidence and very personable. The staff was extremely friendly and well informed about WLS and they have an excellent aftercare policy which includes a weekly support group.

Dr. Schecner was an excellent physician his bedside manners were impeccable? Dr. Schecner has since retired but I will always be in debt to him for giving me a new start?

He was the most amazing surgeon. He actually cares about you as a person, not just a surgery. He has a wonderful aftercare program.

I call him \"Papa\" Schechner...he is absolutely the BEST! He has been doing these surgeries since 1978, is an EXPERT in the field, and has the best and kindest personality!rnI found out this past Christmas, that Dr. Schechner has finally retired. It's a huge loss for the bariatric world, but we can look to him as a pioneer of the surgeries we are all experiencing now that so wonderfully change our lives. I'll owe him forever.

Love my surgeon, did such a great job. made my pouch big enough that i don't get sick, still enjoy food... just don't overindulge. I was one of his last patients, he's retired now,, but he's still great in my eyes.

My frist impression of Doc. Schecner was that he knew what he was talking about an didn't waste any time. He was very quick an to the point. I went with doc yancey for over 1 yr an still didn't have my surgury date. I seen doc Schecner in Oct 2006 had a date in Nov 2006 he did my surgury Dec 11, 2006. His Office staff where all very helpful an nice. about future patients should know about Doc. Schecner is that HE DON'T WASTE TIME. My aftercare with Doc. Schecner is very short because of him ret. in 2007. But If I would rate Doc Schecner he would be a 10. his bedside manner where GREAT THE SURGICAL COMPETENCE WAS ALSO GREAT. HE DID MY SURGERY EXCELLENT . I LOVE DOC. SCHECNER FOR GIVING ME MY NEW LIFE AN HELPING ME SPEND MORE TIME ON THIS EARTH WITH MY 2 SONS..THANK YOU DOC. SCHECNER...

Dr Schecner and his staff are awesome. They take the time to answer any of your questions whether it is my appointment or a last minute phone call. After I had my surgery I moved out of state. Everytime I know that I am going home to visit, I just call and they work me into their schedule. I would highly recomend him to anyone interested in having surgery in the Norfolk, VA area.

My first impression of Dr. Schecner was that he had an awesome bedside manner and I was right. His staff is extremely supportive and positive and not at all fake. They seem to have a genuine interest in each of the patients. They staff puts a HUGE emphasis on aftercare. They let you know that this surgery is a tool and the results are truly up to you. Dr. Schecner did a great job and I very glad I chose him as my life changer!

Ok I have to think of something negative.... the pain was definitely underrated. The staff said I'd be up and around at 4 days... It could have just been me but I was NO GOOD for about 2 1/2 weeks.

I researched this for a long time and chose him based on his experience. He seems to be the "Yoda" of Bariatrics in Virginia Beach. I also spoke to my PCP about him specifically and confirmed his reputation.

The office staff is wonderful, very helpful and knowledgable. There are definate procedures and steps pre-op. The staff is wonderful in moving this process along and doing whatever they can to expedite it. The 3 hour consult went quickly and was very informative of all aspects of the surgery.

I am very impressed with the doctor thusfar. He seems down to earth, polite and very experienced. I do not mesh well with doctors that are overly cocky with experience. For his resume and experience, this is non-existent. I have only talked briefly to him so far, but will be meeting with him soon one-on-one.

Funny, this says "Did you have anything negative to say?' because 100% positive reviews are generally less informative or even suspect." No, I have nothing negative to say and I think I can tend to be more critical.