Medical Center Obesity Surgery Bariatric Center

My first impression of Dr. Harberg was that he is a no nonsense kind of man. He will not let you BS him. He will tell you like it is no if's,and's or but's. While I appreciate his frankness, I do not appreciate tactlessness. My impression of him has not changed after more than one visit. As far as his skills are concerned...he has performed many of these surgeries (well over 2000 ) and I trust his abilities. I personally know 3 people who have gone through him and they are doing well. The staff seem very helpful, They take care of everything for you. The thing I like the least is that at times he is condescending and that simply does not mesh well with my personality. He stresses the importance of following his post-op maintanence. He addressed the risks in a point blank matter. He told me how I will be miserable if I did not stick to the strict nutritional and eating habit advice HE has provided. He also said If I had any doubt NOT to go through with it until I was ready if ever. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate him an 8 only because he can be a bit rough around the edges. other than that a 10. I will keep you posted. Surgical Competence is definately Dr. Harberg's strong suit.

**please note that this is strictly my impression of him.

DR. Harberg was very professional, no nonsense type of guy. Very thorough, explained everything,outcome,possible complications. He made me feel relaxed, answered all my questions. I had a note pad with several questions,and he kept asking me
what other questions I had. He answered mine and my husbands questions. He cracked a few jokes and made us laugh. His office staff is really great, very professional and helpful.
I went for my consult on Fri 8/3, his office
contacted me on the following Tues 8/7 to let me know my insurance was requesting a psych eval. I had my psych eval on 8/9, pyschs office mailed letter out on Fri 8/10.
Dr. Harberg's staff called today to let me know I'd been approved. I would recomened
Dr.Harberg to anyone interested in wls.

Dr. Harberg was very caring and showed a genuine concern about my desire to have the surgery. His office staff was helpful and maintained open communication with me while I fought my insurance company for over a year.
The only problem I had was there was no follow up after the final post operative visit with the doctor. I had no idea how to eat or what to eat that would stay down. I found it on my own and my diet is anything but healthy.
All in all, pre-op counseling was great. Post op not so.

I just met with Dr. Harberg...and I'm glad I read up on him first. All of his patients that posted their opinions of him really helped me. REALLY!!! My first impression of him was that he was very abrupt and it kinda seemed like he was rushing me. It was almost borderline rude actually. But I read that was the kind of person he is. I've learned from various telemarketing jobs to mimic the customer you talk to and they will feel more at ease with you. So I took that experience and applied it with my appt. He would be abrupt me, and I would be that way with my answer! And he actually kinda softened up. I was actually amazed! From then on I felt less intimidated and the appt. started going more smoothly. Future patients should NOT walk into his office expecting Mr Rogers...I'll tell you that!!! Be prepared for a VERY SERIOUS professional. He is kinda no-nonsense..but if you give him a few minutes...he'll soften. BUT ONLY A LITTLE. The office staff was very kind. They seem like they will be helpful in the future. Dr Harberg stressed and stressed and stressed that I will have to change my eating habits for THE REST OF MY LIFE!!! He stressed that soooooo many times I will NEVER forget it. He makes sure if you have any shred of doubt, then you need to wait until you are either ready or that maybe you need to find another alternative! He stressed that this operation is NOT A QUICK FIX! He will thoroughly explain the risks of surgery! Still if you have any doubts, he tells you make sure this operation is for you...he makes sure there is no pressure as far as you thinking you HAVE TO go ahead with it since you are there. I would give him a good rating because even though he is a little rough on the outside,but somewhere in there is an affectionate person...somewhere.But to me I would rather have a very knowledgeable and experienced doctor than to have him have a good bedside manner. It helps to have both, but I'd take experience ANYDAY!!!

I had my first visit with Dr. Harberg on 7/26/01.
He had me watch a video for about 20 minutes in which
he went over the procedure, the risks involved and the
importance of aftercare. Shortly after the video
finished Dr. Harberg came in to get me. We sat in his
office for about 40 minutes discussing my history and
the operation itself. He answered my questions candidly.
Dr. Harberg's office staff is EXCELLENT!!! Dr. Harberg
is a nice man, straight to the point and very knowlegeable
in this area. He really discusses all the Non-negotiables
when having this type of surgery. He goes over in detail
the commitment that is required and why. Aftercare is
emphasized tremendously. I would give him a 10 on a scale
of 1-10 for his experience and attitude.

I was seen by Dr. Harberg on June 29, 2001 - he did a very simple physical and asked me many questions regarding and relating to problems caused by my obesity. He has a very dry sense of humor and seemed to have the system down pat. He was going to submit the request for approval to my insurance company on July 2, 2001. I don't expect to hear for several weeks. One thing I was concerned about was the scar that is left after the surgery - It looks like a ladder. I have had two abdominal surgeries (c section and a ovarian cyst) and the scar for both of those is a very thin white line - is the scar for all of these surgeries the same?? Would I rather be thin and scarred or fat and not scarred??????

My first impression of Dr Harberg was that he was very frank and did not mind if you were going to like what he had to say or not! I think he is one of the most highly rated surgeons doing this type of surgery....( I checked ) His staff was great....I never had to fight with ins....they took all the info and with in a week or two at the latest....I was approved. I would tell anyone thinking about doing this to speak with Dr Harberg....he is a great Dr....told me all about the risk......and made sure that I knew what to expect. I have had no troubles...so far it has been just like he said.

Gruff






still waiting



nice



sarcastic, sardonic


think he's a good surgeon, but I am only 2 weeks poat op and am in a lot of discomfort


I
ll fing out at my follow up

Don't know

bluntly, directly

not ready to rate him yet. So far surgical competence seems to outweigh bedside manner

DR. Harburg was very staight forward. Did not change. Very helpful and polite. Nothing at all. He is very nice and caring. He emphasizes it alot. Yes he does. He explains every thing step by step in terms that you can understand.He is the best. Both are very good, he is very caring.

I met with Dr. Harberg on April 20th, 2001. He was very informative and answered every question that I or my husband could think of. Did not rush us. In fact, we were in his office for a hour and a half. If the insurance approves the surgery, he will perform the VBG.