Bruce Schirmer Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

I have several friends who have had Dr. Schirmer as their surgeon and I also knew him professionally through our clients at my work. He is one of the best and I was very fortunate to have him as my surgeon. His office staff runs like a well oiled machine. From the front desk staff to the insurance back to the nurses who weigh you when you come into the office, everyone has a part and they couldn't be more friendly and efficent. I was very impressed. I had a complication from my surgery (bleeding). There was nothing that he did, this was just one of of those rare complications. He saved my life. He and my fantastic anesthesiologist, Dr. Bob. Many patients sailed through this surgery yet I was the one to have this rare complication. I think this was less that 5% of a chance and to tell you the truth, I was concerned about a bloodclot, never bleeding out. I thank God that he was my surgeon that day. If not, I may not be here today. I know they have given me a second chance at being healthy and I know this is a tool. It is up to me now, Dr. Schirmer and his staff have done what they promised. It is all up to me now.

Dr Schirmer was very kind and supportive, seems to be very knowledgable, has been doing surgery over 23 yrs..made me feel comfortable in his capable hands. Answers all questions in a quiet direct manner that is really understandable and is honest about risks associated with surgery.

FIRST IMPRESSION of Dr Schirmer-very polite and informative!! very personable!!rnOFFICE STAFF-1)Mike Miller(insurance) doesn't really have an outgoing personality, BUT he gets the job done and is very through in what he does!! he is very to the point and blunt. 2)Anna Miller (nurse and educator) AWESOME!! does a great job at educating and makes sure all aspects of the surgery are understood before leaving on the consultation day!! 3)NUTRITIONIST- can't remember her name, but she was very nice and very realistic. took each person into consideration and gave them food guidelines based on their individual needs. rn4)Dr. Schirmer's PA- very through in examination and had great bedside manners! 5)lab girls- Awesome sticks!! barely even felt the needle go in!!rnAFTER CARE- after care is stressed at this facility!!! they tell you up front what is expected throughout the WLS journey and stress the post-op things like diet, activity, nutrition, supplements, check-up visits, labs, etc. rnDR.SCHIRMER has wonderful surgical competence and an excellent bedside manner! my surgery went well with no complications and i could not have asked for a better surgeon. there is nothing i would change as far as dr schirmer is concerned!!rnRISKS OF SURGERY- are fully explained. not only are they listed in the packet you get prior to your consultation, but then they are explained during the consultation class and again when you see the surgeon and again when you go for pre-op to sign your consent and meet with the anestheoligist.

First impressions of Dr Schirmer and his staff were great!! Anna gives a great educational class meeting , the nutrionist is very helpful if you have questions about what to eat and such. Mike the insurance specialist is very blunt and to the point but he gets the job done and that was important to me. Mary the office admin is just an angel, she listens to me and I am sure a lot of other patients and never makes me feel like she is in a rush. I would highly recommend Dr Schirmer and UVA. The wait can be a long drawn out process but he is the best in my eyes and very much worth the wait.

I was really impressed with Dr. Schirmer. He was very genuine and open during the consult and the clinical team is exceptionally friendly and helpful. I had a wonderful first impression!!

Dr. Schirmer and his team are absolutely top of the line. He is a very busy man, however when he met with me he was not rushed and answered all my questions with thorough answers I could understand. He has a very quite and comforting beside manner. He just makes you feel like you are going to get the best care that you possibly hope for. Mike, who does the insurance, I have nothing but great things to say about him as well. He somehow got me approved when I didn't even know my information had been submitted. Anna, Dr. Schirmer's nurse, is very lively. She did a presentation on the surgery that was very thorough and entertaining, believe it or not. I would recommend Dr. Schirmer's team to anyone who is interested in WLS.

03/20/05: I have only met Dr. Schirmer once at my initial consultation. We only spoke for a few minutes, but I felt he had my best intentions at heart. His resident did my brief examination, but he was caring as well (though I don't remember his name).rnrn03/10/07: I saw Dr. Schirmer again on 3/8/07. He approved me to have Lap-Band surgery on April 9. He was just as friendly and caring as I rememberd him. I also met with his chief resident, Dr. Smith. He also has a very good bedside manner. So far, my only complaint has been the length of time I've had to wait on my visits to the clinic.

I am very impressed with Dr. Schirmer. He took his time with me, answered all my questions. His office is doing all the leg work with my insurance company, so all I have to worry about is completing the tests needed for approval.rnrnI like the fact that the UVA team will be following up with me at least once a year for the rest of my life. It's nice to know that what I am doing now will, one day in the future, help other people have safer WLS.rnrnThe only negative thing I can say about my experience was that we were there from 8 am until after 2 pm. However, we got a lot accomplished in that amount of time. Lab work was completed, a class about the different weight loss surgeries, and consults with a dietician, surgeon, and the insurance man (he who saves me much trouble).

Dr. Schirmer took plenty of time to answer any questions for me. He seems like he really cares for his patiets. The classes before the initial consult are very informative and interesting.

Dr. Schirmer is a good surgeon. It is my understanding that he has performed the Gastric Bypass procedure a\" hundred times\" UVA is a \"teaching facility\" so there were lots of interns/residents coming and going. But I found them to be respectful and sensitive people. The Staff in his office are also good people, especially his nurse, Anna who has been with him for over 15 years. I have begun seeing him again for the routine follow ups I should have been involved with all along. I also see a Nutritionist in his office. My experience with this surgeon and his office staff has been positive and I would recommend him.