Stephen A. Schechner M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center

I had bariatric surgery under this man's care because a bunch of my friends had done it and spoke highly of him. The truth is they offered lots of support before--in fact, it almost seemed like the support meetings were brainwashing people considering the surgery into having it.
After watching how myself, my friends and a family member did after the Roux En Y which he performed in me, I can say that I would not do this again unless death was imminent. I lost 100 pounds, regained 75 the next year and have since worked really hard to get my weight down below 250. I have serious back issues and other pain issues which would have gone better had I found a more healthy way of losing the weight. The office told me and other people to lie on the paperwork and say that we had tried EVERYTHING including Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and other programs when we hadn't. I believe that Dr. Shechner was, at that time, running a bariatric surgery mill. I believe they don't care what happens to the long-term health of the patients that were under their care in the early 1990s and I suggest that NO ONE have surgery umder this man. I followed everything he told us to do, just like my friends and family member, and did not lose the weight that they promised and ruined our long-term health. I have had two bowel collapses in recent years and they say that they were caused by the bariatric surgery. Other friends have had similar issues. Since then I was diagnosed with a chronic fatigue type illness which would be easier to deal with if I was getting all the nutrients that the Roux-En Y took away lime B-12.

I can not blame all of my issues on Dr. Schechner and his staff. Because I wasn't in the correct state of mind when I had the Gastric Bypass surgery in 1997. There were a lot of circumstances behind my failure. At the time of the surgery, the education and all of the steps post op programs like support groups were out of reach for me. The staff did not do a good job with educating me. I also was looking at the surgery all wrong. *Quick fix not a tool. As a result I gained all my weight back plus over the last 14 years after the surgery.

But the most heartbreaking part was when I went back to Dr. Schechner's office to try to get back on track in 2001 after I had gain at least 25 pounds back; The staff laughed at me and told me that there was nothing they could do to help.
I lived in Hampton, VA and the Dr's office was in VA Beach. So that is about a 35 minute drive for me. I cried all the way home. At the time I did not know that revision surgery was available. I still remember the hurt and the pain I felt that day. I can't remember the nurse's name, but I still can remember her face after 14 years.

But I have visited Dr. Schechner's website and it seems from the reviews that he has improved his services and program since 1997; which makes me feel like a test subject.
I certainly hope that no one else experience the pain I felt that day.

Helen

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, (2007) 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.