My wife and I had weight loss surgery 4 years ago with Dr. Lee Schmitt at Alabama Weight Loss Surgery in Birmingham, Alabama. He and Dr Miles are pioneers of gastric surgery, and the facility is classed as a Center of Excellence, and to our insurance that definitely a winner also! The program they have in place is remarkable. From the start we went in and talked about our weight loss goals, which was exceeded. They have you go to a class that is well thought out and teaches you what and how to eat to maximize your weight loss. They also have support groups that are wonderful. So about our journey- I was a whopping 283lbs size 44 and 2x, my wife was 265 size 22 and 2x and she said to say her bra size was 44DD and the ladies will know what that means. About 9 months after surgery we both lost 100+ lbs. the new us- I'm 170, size 32, M/L and my wife says 170, size 9/10, L/XL and bra is now 36D. This is somewhat personal information but when you know it will safe someone's life, u don't mind telling your testimony! We have tons of energy, even running is fun now, the beach, water parks, large parks like Disney where you will work an average of 10 miles is EASY! Who knew a tool like this would give us such a life. We can't say enough of how surgery went. We had one night in the hospital and armed with all the knowledge they taught us we was ready to start our new life. We encourage you to watch their video and start your new life. Good luck~ The Childress read more

I am only 5 days post op from my VSG surgery. My husband took time to do much research on what surgeon and/or hospital to use. First of all St. Vincent East in Birmingham is by far the best hospital I have ever been to. The staff is so passionate and caring. They truly treat you as a patient which I have never experienced at this level at any other Hospital. This review however is focusing on the surgeon, Dr. Schmitt. To put this as brief as possible. When Dr. Schmitt walks into your room it is all about you, not his time, not what he has to do next, it's about what you are going through, why your there, and your health. He sets the foundation for what a doctor truly should be. He treats you more like a friend or family member then a patient and talks to you with the most personable and down to earth demeanor. He was the first to perform the VSG in the state of Alabama and brings that knowledge and experience. I just ask for anyone on here looking for a surgeon for Weight Loss surgery. Do the research, check out Dr. Schmitt's and/or Alabama WLS facebook page and check him out on review sites like Health Grades you will see that others feel the same read more

Stop suffering the life of obesity and decide to make a change! After much research, I selected Dr. Lee Schmitt and his medical team at Alabama Weight Loss Surgery to help me get control of my life...and I absolutely know extended my life! The surgical skills of Dr. Schmitt are excellent and I have had no post-surgery problems with my gastric sleeve surgery. My pre-surgery questions and concerns were all addressed in a respectful and considerate manner. If you are scared and uncertain about having weight loss surgery, as I was, I can only tell you that having the surgery was the best decision I have ever made for myself-- I love the freedom I now have in my life! The truth is, like me, if we could help ourselves, we wouldn't be investigating this weight loss procedure for a healthier life...so do something about it! I trusted Dr. Schmitt with my body and I don't regret it one bit...he actually saved my life! read more

Researched for many years locally and was denied due to the way weigh ins were documented. Started asking different patients around my size from the website some common questions not thinking anyone would respond. I never met anyone that never answered and welcomed any more questions I had. After doing my phone conference with Dr Schmitt and him being truly honest up front I had felt at peace and was ready to make the decision to travel over 5 hours. From the start with the phone call to the office staff and especially Saint Vincent East wonderful staff I knew I made the right decision. Would definitely recommend and it's worth the drive. Care credit is easy to work with and I'm Thankful for finding Dr Schmitt. He's answered multiple questions I've had the past almost two years. I've still got about 25 pounds to go for my personal goal but my shirt says it all! read more

I had gastric sleeve surgery at Alabama Weight Loss Surgery on August 8th 2017. Dr. Lee Schmitt was my surgeon. Their approach to the surgery, the staff, everything about it was absolutely wonderful. I was a self pay patient so my surgery was outpatient. We stayed in a hotel near the office and a nurse checked on me after surgery. This is the honest truth, my recovery from gastric sleeve surgery was easier than any surgery I ever had. I exceeded the weight loss goal Dr. Schmitt recommended for me and am maintaining it. Dr. Schmitt is not just a doctor but he is a cheerleader for his patients. The success and struggles are shared. I would recommend Alabama Weight Loss Surgery to anyone and everyone that is even considering weight loss surgery. read more

Went through the initial consultation, and online seminar. Did my legwork getting everything together for my insurance. You have got to get this done! and you are the best person to do it! About 3 months later I had the surgery. Prior to having the surgery I had high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea. 1 year after the surgery, I am down over 200lbs. No blood pressure or diabetes medications and no more cpap machine. Not saying everyone will have the same results but for me, Alabama Weight Loss Surgery and Dr. Lee Schmitt are the greatest. If you are considering having weight loss surgery don't wait, go the their website take the online seminar and get the ball rolling! http://www.alabamawls.com/patient_resource.php read more

I am currently 7 months post-op and I have lost 100 pounds. That alone should be enough for a 5 star rating! But I not only have seen success from the surgery Dr. Schmitt provided, I have also received great personal care throughout the entire process. From the initial visit with him as my surgeon he explained in detail the process and follow up. I have never felt like I was in the dark about any part of the journey. When I had questions they were answered promptly. Dr. Schmitt feels more like a friend than a doctor. He truly cares about his patients. read more

I chose AWLS after researching for the best bariatric surgeons in the Southeastern U.S. From day one, the staff took charge of directing me on the requirements of my insurance. To say these ladies know their stuff is an understatement! Dr. Les Miles performed my gastric sleeve procedure February 2017. One year later, I'm down 100 pounds.! I could not have chosen a more professional and caring team to help me on this journey! I'm forever grateful to Dr. Miles and the outstanding team at AWLS for giving me a life I never dreamed possible! read more

Dr. Schmidt and his staff are wonderful with their help. Dr. Schmidt talked with me from the very beginning, giving me the pros and cons for surgery. He eased my mind on all issues. Even during surgery, he made me calm and took away all nervousness. After surgery he and his staff have taken care of all issues and concerns! Thank you Dr. Schmidt for everything you have done for me in giving me a new life! read more

Getting my life back I have been wanting the gastric surgery for a long time. Life happens and you go through rocky times and put on weight. My SurgeryPlus paid for this and I chose Dr Schmitt.Him and all his staff were amazing from the moment I 1st went. I'm 3 months post op and down 48 lbs. Let me say, I haven't had any complications and feel better everyday. Thank you Dr Schmitt. Your the best! read more

Down 120 pounds in 3 1/2 months. It has been a rough road to get use to but it is saving my life and allowing me to stayed around for my wife and 4yr old. Was 520 on my scales when I started and now 399. I haven't seen that number in 10yrs. Hopefully I will see sub 300 within a year and get my back worked on and get back to work. Thank God first and Dr Schmidt second. Josh Mitchell read more

I am so pleased with Dr. Schmitt and Alabama Weight Loss Surgery. This has been the best thing I have done for myself. My high blood pressure is gone and I'm close to being off my diabetes medicine. Dr. Schmitt and his staff are very knowledgeable and professional. They take great care of you and give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. read more

Dr. Schmidt is a great doctor. He listened and understood my concerns for wanting to have the surgery. I would recommend him to others! I also like the fact that he interacts occasionally with his patients via the Facebook group. You will not be disappointed if you choose him to help give you a better quality of life. Thank you Dr. Schmidt! read more

Dr. Schmitt and his staff are wonderful to work with. They make you feel good about your decision to have weight loss surgery with them. Dr. Schmitt is a very informative and caring dr. Anyone considering weight loss surgery should definitely set up a consultation with them. You will be happy you did! read more

Dr Lee Schmitt changed and saved my life. November 23 will be the 4 year anniversary of my surgery date. I have lost amd maintained a 130 lbs weight loss. My Type 2 Diabetes has been reversed. My cholesterol is normal. My sleep apnea is gone. I can't say enough good things about this practice. read more

Dr. Schmitt and his team were absolutely amazing during the grueling insurance process. My sleeve surgery went perfectly and his team has always provided the support necessary to aid me as needed during this new life journey! I can't evem begin to express mu gratitude! read more

Dr. Lee Schmitt and the entire staff at AWL are excellent! From all of my pre-surgery requirements to my after-care follow-ups, everything went smoothly. No complications and feeling great! I would highly recommend to anyone who is considering weight loss surgery. read more

Dr. Schmitt and his teaming are absolutely amazing!!!!! I had sleeve surgery in Aug and everything went great!!! His team was always there if I ever needed them and he answered all of my questions and concerns about the surgery. I can never thank him enough!!!! read more

Dr. Lee Schmitt and his staff are truley amazing! The hospitality that my family and I received was the best I've ever experienced. I was kept very well informed and new what to expect before, during, and after my surgery. read more