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

I have known Dr. Schirmer for years. I used to be a surgical intensive care head nurse. He has always been polite, compassionate, and supportive. He took my gallbladder out in 1991. I asked about bariatric surgery then. He would not consider it, because even though I was overweight, he did not feel the cosmetic benefits were worth the risk. 12 years later, he said "I think I can help you." I had ballooned to 323# and developed multiple chronic illnesses. I had already decided Dr. Schirmer would be the ONLY physician to do my surgery. In my book, he is the best. His support team (RN coordinator, dietician) are extremely busy and sometimes are slow to respond, but are extremely competent. My only negative experience was with his surgical team. New chief residents, interns, and medical students come in July, and unfortunately I had surgery on 7/30/03. It took me 7 months to get insurance approval. The "new team" were extremely nice, eager to learn , and to help, but lacked experience (disadvantage of a teaching hospital). The chief resident has the most experience, listened to my "problems", but in my estimation did not pass on what I considered critical information to Dr. Schirmer. I developed post-operative complications. I also made the decision to have surgery even though I knew Dr. Schirmer would be going out of town while I was still in the hospital, because of work commitments. I would not personally make that decision again. Please consider that I am biased in favor of Dr. Schirmer and it would be tough to find anyone to take his place.

He was real nice and took time to answers all questions, about the laproscopic gastric bypass surgery. He was very helpful in explaining the surgery, so I didn't have to many questions to ask. Isaw him for the first time on Jan 23,2003 On May 29th,2003 I had my pre-op tests and saw him that day. He was just as nice and polit as the first timeI saw him. He really takes time with all of his patients. He has a joking around, sense of humor as well, and I might add, very nice looking. There is nothing I dislike about him. He is a great surgeon, and I would trust my life with him all over again. I had surgery on July 16th, 2 days after my 6oth birthday. I went for my post-op check up on July 31st,2003. I did great with my surgey, and I was only in hospital 3 days. I've lost 22lb's. as of today Aug.3,2003 His knowledge of this surgery and the fact he has been doing it for 20 some years, and he has a one year waiting list, speaks for itself. I highly recommend him and UVA Hospital. All of his staff are equally as nice. Especially, Anna, his nurse. When you go for a check up with him, plan to spend about 3 to 4 hr's to see him. Take a small, soft cooler, pocket book size and carry your meals with you, if this is a post op check up. I had to wait 3hr's 10min's. But is is soooo worth the wait, to know you are being seen by the best in his field, and next to God's hands his hands are second. I Love Him!!!!

They don't get any better than Dr. Shirmer and his staff. Not only is he an extremely competent surgeon, he's caring and concerned about his patients and has an outstanding bedside manner.
He and his staff are very up front and open about both the risks and the benefits of WLS. He's been performing this surgery for a long time and has a great deal of experience.
The only negative thing about the whole process would be that he only holds clinics on Thursdays and you end up waiting for a long time some Thursdays to see him. If emergencies come in they take presidence over office visits. I always take a book and read or talk to the other patients there.

After a traumatic experience with Dr. King in Fredericksburg, VA... I found my saving grace in Charlottesville. They say things happen for a reason, and now I am a firm believer in that notion. Dr. King cancelled on me the night before my surgery because he had some serious complications and deaths from 3 or 4 patients. I was devastated to get so close and then have the rug pulled out from under me, but then the wonderful secretary at Dr. Schirmer's office, Mary Cummings, saved the day. She got me an appointment within 20 days of calling (it usually takes almost a year to get an initial consult) and actually listened to what I was saying. I had my appt with Dr. Schirmer on July 26th, went to their wonderfully informative info clinic directed by the docs nurse Anna. Anna went over the whole surgery, the insurance gu-ru guy came in and talked about insurance, and then the nutritionist came in and talked all about what we'd be eating. It took quite some time.. if you are going, plan to be there all day. I got there at 745 and left at 4 o'clock. But Dr. Schirmers who staff is wonderful, I felt like hugging and kissing them all. Because I had already done all my preop work with Dr. King, he gave me a surgery date of July 28th. Dr. Schirmer is internationally known for his laproscopic abilities, and it shows. He has a cool confidence that made me sure I was in good hands. I cant wait to go through the rest of this experience with him and his staff and I now know it was a blessing that Dr. King cancelled on me!

I'm a 37 year Old Female I go for My first consultation on may 1, 2003, I am so hoping for this surgery, As of right now I have no medical problems, I'm afraid if I don't do something about my weight that I will have problems in the furture.

1/3/2002 - Initial Appointment

My appointment was scheduled for 8:30 am. I was one of the first patients in the office that morning. Dr. Shirmer was approximately 1 hour late for my appointment due to bad weather (ice and snow). However, I did not really mind because his office staff made my wait comfortable. I met with a resident of the hospital first, who ask all the pertinent questions and then met with the office nutritionist to go over my knowledge of bariatric surgery and the nutritional requirememts Post-Op. Also while I was waiting, they sent me over to the lab for blood work. Finally, I met Dr. Shirmer. He seemed very nice and willing to listen to what I had to say, as well as answer any questions I had. He made me feel that he would stay and talk with me until I was satisfied. I did not feel rushed at all. He went into great detail and told me about all the possible complications after surgery. At the end of the appointment he said he felt I was a good candidate for the surgery and pending the results of my psychological evaluation, he would recommend approval to my insurance company. Overall, I have a really good first impression of Dr. Shirmer and his office staff. I look forward to meeting with him again soon.

12/12/02 - Final meeting with Dr. Shirmer. My surgery date is scheduled for January 13, 2003. Things were a bit more rushed at this appointment, but I am sure that has to do with his overwhelming case load. He and his staff continue to be both consideratate and accomodating. Be sure that you allow yourself at least 1/2 a day for your final appointment prior to surgery. This will give you time to complete all paperwork and any applicable tests (ultrasound, x-rays, etc.).

1/16/03 - Dr. Bruce Shirmer is a miracle worker. I feel truly blessed that he was my surgeon and look forward to working with him in the coming months, post-op. I had my surgery on January 13th and was in the hospital only 2 nights! I was visited by both Dr. Shirmer and then his nurse, Anna Miller. They seemed generally interested in my well being and made me glad to have such a dedicated team behind me during this process.

I felt that he was a very careing doctor. He still seems to be, but is overloading himself, since people has found out about the surgery. the only thing that I was lacking in was being educated in what happens before and after surgery. If there was classes to inform you, I was not told about them. I live about 6 hours away, so it would have been hard for me to go to them regularly. I learned from trial and error. I would do it all over again though, even without the info. He did inform me of the risks. The team is great to answer any questions and have a 1-800 number that I can call 24 hours a day. I rate him and the team very highly to anyone interested in this surgery.

I was very impressed with Dr. Schirmer. His staff has been very helpful.

I found Dr. Schirmer to be very down to earth.My first consultation from start to finish(including blood work)only took an hour and a half.I will have another appointment with him before surgery.

Dr. Schirmer is a patient and kind man. He has 30 years of experience with gastric bypass surgery. He instills a lot of confidence in his patients. The office staff is interested and helpful. The only negative thing I've experienced so far is the amount of time patients must spend in the waiting room. Be sure and bring a good book to help time pass. There is a great deal of emphasis placed on aftercare and Dr. Schirmer expects to see his patients yearly , for life. I have met with two of his nurtritionists and have been told that I will see them again in the hospital. Dr. Schirmer was honest and upfront about the various risks of the surgery. I felt I had a true overview of the risks and benefits which certainly made my decision making easier. I will have my surgery on June 17th, so I can't speak to bedside manner and surgical competence. I rate him very highly from my experiences to date.