Michael Schuhknecht Bariatric Surgeon MD

I was originally scheduled to have surgery with another surgeon fortunately that surgeon left and I had the honor of meeting Dr. Michael Schuhknecht, one of leading surgeons of the Cori Centers Warren office in MI. My first impression of him was that he was very down to earth and that he actually cared about my well being even though this was our first meeting of one another. Not only was Dr. Schuhknecht very kind so was the staff of the Cori Center, since I have been dealing with the staff much longer than I have been dealing with my surgeon. The staff has been so helpful to me, they got my insurance approval on the first claim, they answered any questioned I had about the surgery before and after, and they also has been a great support for me because there was a time before surgery I wanted to give up and they did not let me. Only thing I did not like about Dr. Schuhknecht was his availability because he was working in the New York office half the week than the Warren, MI office the other half of the week, but he did make sure I had his contact information along with his colleagues contact information. For future patients I recommend Dr. Schuhknecht because I think he is a great surgeon and he is also human, he lets you know what he expects of you after surgery, and he gives it to you straight.

Dr. Schuhknecht is a very knowledgeable person. He knows a great deal about bariatric surgery and has performed many of them, and stressed the point that aftercare is greatly needed! Just know your facts about the Cori Centers. If you want Laparoscopic RNY, let them know that and don't get talked into the open procedure! Just know it's your choice and your body! His office staff are great, but I wasn't thrilled with my patient care coordinator. Make sure you check to make sure your docs are submitted with the insurance companies, and stay on top of all aspects of the surgery. These were just my experiences and I did not weigh the office staff against my opinion of the surgeon.

I work with Cori Center.Dr. James Sapala is very nice and curteous.My opion of him did not change over time.The staff was very polite and answered any question that you still may have.There is nothing I dislike about James Sapala.He is not selfish.He had one of the best surgeon in Michigan ,Micheal P. Schuhknecht to fly in on Feb.22,2005 to do my surgery at Victory Memorial Hospital.James Sapala is willing to work with you and your health is very important to him.He is not just out to make money.When i left the hospital i was surprise they gave me blood thinners so i will get any bood clots.His staff contact you and you can contact them to make sure that you have an structured after care program.he makes sure you under stand the risk of the surgery.Dr.Sapala is a 9in my book.he is competent, great personality.oh i forgot to mention the only thing I dislike about Sapala Schedule he is so popular that it is hard to get an appointment because he only have certain days when he can see you.

My first impression of Dr. Schuhknecht was that he was a "real" person. He didn't hold back on the negative or the positives of the surgery. His office staff is great for the most part. There where a few that I didn't feel comfortable with. The thing I liked least about the Dr. was I never saw him post op, and he personaly didn't go out and tell my family how I was doing. The after care program is a bit sketchy. It is up to you to ask question.

He was knowledgeable and well informed. Very confident in his abilities. I wished I could have seen more of him but I understand he is currently in the process of moving to New York for a year. His associates provided excellent care. Thanks Dr Wood and Dr Kole. He was straight with the information, risks and complications. I wanted to know his mortality rate, it was the first thing he spoke of at the seminar. His numbers are EXCELLENT!!!! Over 20 years of experience is in this practice when the other physicians are included. The office staff is very polite, although sometimes I was on hold a little longer than I would have liked. Can't think of any negatives other than the fact I will miss him over the course of the next 12 months.

My first impression of Dr. Schuhknecht was great, he is very personalable and has no problem in talking with you like you are a person, not just a patient. My respect for him has only grown over the last year and a half as he is a brilliant surgeon and a great person. His staff is wonderful, they all are similar to Dr. S in that you are not just another file, another patient, you are an individual and they treat you as such. What future patients should know is that if you have a question or a problem, ask, he is always open to questions and will always give you a straight answer. He emphasizes after care in that what you should do but listens to you if you don't do something and why you don't. He will give you alternatives but all in all, will give you the advice you need to succeed. He will tell you the risks of surgery up front, and give it to you straight on how he thinks you will do but also that everyone is different. I would rate him as not only one of the best doctor's i have ever met, but also one of the best people I have ever met. He is an excellent surgeon, very attentive to details and his bed side manner is second to none, he will sit there and joke with you if you need to smile, listen to you if you have a concern, and always have a hug ready for you.

My first impression of Dr. Schuhknecht was that he was a caring and concerned individual with strong moral values. I was totally impressed with his knowledge of the procedure and his ability to put it into terms that the average non-medical person could understand. He took the time to answer all questions and concerns I had.

My impression of Dr. Schuhknecht has not changed one bit and I have even more respect for him after the surgery. He is just as caring and concerned about my post-op care as he was when I first met him.

The Harper Hospital staff was great!!! The attended to my every need, and knew what I needed usually before I did. They were kind, courteous and friendly. I really can't say enough good things about my experience there.

There is absolutely nothing I dislike about Dr. Schuhknecht. Future patients should know that I believe they can have complete confidence in him and that he will make the WLS journey the best it can possibly be.

Aftercare is a crucial part of the program. Be ready to have a long (5 years) relationship with him or his colleagues at the CORI Center. In addition to the patient-doctor relationship, you will also be meeting with a dietician on a regular basis during your weight loss and they have an excellent support group that meets once a month, and I would very strongly recommend attending.

Dr. Schuhknecht addressed all the risks of surgery and answered any and all questions in relation to that subject.

On a scale of 1 - 10, I would rate Dr. Schuhknecht an "11". Besides being an excellent and highly trained and competent surgeon, he is also a really great person. I truly can't say enough good things about him.

I felt he was very a confident surgeon.

Havent got to meet him yet but heard alot of good things about him. Cant wait.I met him on May 21 04 what a great man would trust my life with him and very caring all around very nice Dr.Had surgery on the 6/3/04 at Harper I still cant beleive i had surgery.I would recommend Harper and Dr. SchuhKnecht to anyone in minute.I would rate Harper and DR.S a 10.

I met Dr. S at the CORI warren office first at the small group session that was provided to all the patients coming to see him that day, and then during the actual individual meeting with him. He explained things well and listened to the questions that people asked him. The individual visit was short--but i guess he figures by the time you make it to him so many other people have asked you questions, that you would have been weeded out! grin The office staff has been very nice and supportive--although i didnt realize when i came for my appointment with him that there would be a group session first and that would have helped me to know that in planning the rest of the day. Chuckie was great setting up the surgery--worked around some issues i had. I am hoping that after the surgery there will be reinforcment about after care. The notebook with explanations was great--i was surprised how many other places dont provide that type of resource for their patients...So far i am very happy i chose Cori and Dr. S and that i got Jen as my PCC! with regard to bedside manner and competence.......i would like both-----but if it comes to the point of dying.i will be happy to have a grump at the other end of the knife as long as she/he knows what she/he is doing! Being an educator of medical students and residents, I have a firm belief that both are necessary----there is no reason for someone not to have a good bedside manner unless she/he does not value it. Glad Dr. S does!