Medical Center Obesity Surgery Bariatric Center

Dr. Harberg isn't one to joke around or take obesity lightly (no pun intended). He is very "to the point" and expects people to be serious when making the decision for this life changing surgery. He is an awesome surgeon who took VERY good care of me. His office staff are very friendly and helpful. If you don't do exactly what he recommends, he will let you know how disapointed he is. He made it clear in the beginning that this surgery is merely a tool. It isn't the magical fix. I rate him as an excellent choice for anyone contemplating this surgery. His surgical competence outweighs his bedside manner. But then again I am a very friendly person who tends to joke around a lot. That just isn't his personality.

Dr. Harberg was a wonderful surgeon. Bedside manner comparable to none!Office staff was friendly, patient and weight sensitive. He was thorough in his explanation of surgery techniques and aftercare was insightful also.
Overall I'd give him a 10. His competence as a surgeon was fine. My PCP was a bit disturbed by his seemingly lackadaisical attitude when my surgical site became infected(I'm diabetic). My PCP is overly protective and cautious which is why she had me report to her prior to returning to work after the two week period. I only had to remain home one additional week before returning to the office. Basically he's a good doctor in my opinion.

My first impression of Dr. Harberg, is that he is a no-nonsense type of person. He gives you the facts and does not sugar coat it. I respect his directness and honesty. His staff is personable, efficient and professional.

I would tell future patients, Dr. Harberg is very proficient in his work and you are in good hands with an experienced and skilled doctor.

I believe that both surgical competence and a bedside manner are both very important when it comes to taking care of patients.

These are my own personal impressions of my experience with Dr. Harberg and I am making no statements about what other people may experience.

DR HARBERG IS A ONE AND ONLY. HE HELP WITH LEARNING HOW TO EAT. HE IS A 10 IN MY WORLD.

I met with Dr. Harberg today (3/8/04) and he seems great. I was really nervous and was under the impression he was grumpy. However, he came across very nice, informative, and had a great sense of humor.

Dr. Harberg is all business. He sits you down and makes darn sure that you know what you are getting yourself into. He lets you know that WLS is NOT the easy way out. He asked me WHY I wanted the surgery. I think he was trying to make sure that it wasn't for cosemetic reasons, or that I thought being thinner would "fix" something in my life. I assured him that my #1 reason for having this surgery is so that I can be around for my children. He has a dry sense of humor - he seemed to have warmed up (a little) to me by the end of our meeting. He spent an hour and a half with my husband and I. He even asked my husband if HE thought I was ready to make the lifestyle committment. He weighed me, measured me, took my bp (himself). Told me how much I would need to lose overall and how much I can expect to lose in the first year post-op (70-75% of my excess weight). Overall, I'd recommend him. Just don't be put off by his gruff character...he just wants to be sure that you know what you're getting yourself into. I can respect that.

I am 10 years "post" open VGB surgery that was performed by Dr. Harberg. I lost 150 lbs. over 12 months and have maintained the weight loss over these 10 years. My first impression of Dr. Harberg was that he was a man who knew what he was doing and was concerned abour his patients and their health. I could tell he had a very dry sense of humor, but I loved it. My impression of him changed only in that I gre to respect him even more, because he was awesome after the surgery. I went to see him last year due to some unrelated health problems I was having and nothing has changed........he's still great! He had a no nonsense attitude about the aftercare......even back then.......and couldn't emphasize enough how important it was, as well as how important my attitude was and that I would have to change my lifestyle. I left his office feeling confident in my knowledge of what I would be going through both with the surgery and aftercare. His staff has changed some since my surgery, but I have never had anything but pleasant experiences with the office. They are always pleasant, concerned and eager to help. I would rate Dr. Harberg a 10+++++++, and have recommended him to several people and will continue to do so. His surgical competence is the best. I also enjoyed his bedside manner.......but I enjoy people with a dry sense of humor and never felt uncomfortable with his bedside manner.

From previous patients, I already knew what to expect. I heard he was very harsh, to the point, no nonsense kind of doctor. And that he was... He was tough. I guess that is just his way. However, I appreciate the fact that he is very honest. I got alot out of the first meeting. The thing that you must remember is that you must be confident that Bariatric surgery is what you want. Don't waste his time. I thought Dr. Harberg had alzheimers, because he just kept repeating hisself. He made you watch a video, sit for 30 minutes (I guess to let it sink in...)Then we met and he went over the same things again. But it is all ofr your benefit. He wants to make sure that you totally understand what you're getting into. The staff was terrific, very compassionate.
Rating: 9

My first impression was a dry one. After being in his presence a couple of times I figured out his dry sense of humor. He's straight to the point when it comes to his work. and his patients. His office staff is great. Very caring and the staff have a great sense of humor. Hard to say because I was in his presence for only a short period of time. Hes very thorough and precise. Asks lots of question and answers question. He is a very good doctor. No doubts to any information that in given to you. He puts emphasis on his instuctions and how to make the surgery work in your best interests. Besides my first impression, the overall care I received form Dr Harberg was good. He's good at what he does and would recommend his services.

rude, intimadating and patronizing. Have not had to interact with him since consultation. Office staff is wonderful, very kind and helpful. I like least his rudeness. I hear he is a very good doctor and takes no nonsense if you are not committed which I think is good. Have not had aftercare yet. Did not pull punches with risks but stated risks were small but still there. I would have to rate him on surgery and I haven't had it yet. I would rate him 0 on bedside manner. If I didn't think surgical competence was better, I would not allow him to do the surgery.

WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE OPINION OF DR. HARBERG. THINK HE WAS RUDE IN BEGINNING TO SEE HOW COMMITTED YOU ARE. HAS TURNED OUT TO BE WONDERFUL SURGEON. JUST LOVE HIM. HE REALLY SCARED ME AT THE BEGINNING THOUGH.