Dr. Gandsas - good or not?

I am looking at having my surgery done by Dr. Gandsas at the Sinai Bariatric clinic and I wanted to know if anyone else on here had their surgery done by him or Dr. Li? I would like to know about the surgery and a also how they felt about the before and after care of the rest of the staff. hopeful patient Kymme

I'm also looking into Dr. Gandas and Dr. Li and I want the know the good, the bad, and the ugly....

My suggestion would go to Dr. Gandsas' patient forum. There are a lot of good references there. I will tell you that he's strict with a pre-surgical weight loss if its required. I fought it all the way but now that I'm post-op I'd worship the ground he walked on for making me go through it. Post-op I think I'm having an easier time adapting to the diet and food restrictions. I haven't gotten sick at all and I'm losing at a sufficient rate. I haven't been this weight in 14 years as a matter of fact. If you want not only a supportive surgeon but a top-notch support staff, no question that Dr. Gandsas' office is the right choice. I may be biased but I do know others who've gone through other programs and I have to say that I am confidant I picked the A #1 surgeon in the Balt/Wash Metro region.

Hi marcia I just read your post and was wondering what the pre surgery diet is and how much were you expected to lose-(if you dont mind sharing,if not is ok thanks l.W

Sorry back atcha...I just saw this posting. I had to lose 40lbs and Dr. Gandsas was REALLY REALLY STRICT. At one point I lost 36.5lbs and Nancy was sure he was going to schedule me. He made me come back 2 weeks later and didn't schedule me until I was 38.5. Yes its hard to lose weight before the surgery. Isn't that why we are having the surgery in the first place? But I just followed the guidelines of the post-op (about 6 mos. out) diet and it worked great for me. Also, I think I had an easier transition into direct post-op process because of it. Good luck! If you need, email me anytime at [email protected]

Kymme, Congratulations on your decision for better health! I am almost 2 1/2 years post op. Dr. Gandsas did my surgery (actually his second here in Baltimore at Sinai). Dr. G. and his program will give you all the tools and support but they expect you to do your part. And, if you do, you will see better health. Both his pre- and post-op programs are excellent. I still attend post-op meetings, particularly on subjects I am interested in. I can tell you I learn something new or it gives me the extra motivation I may need. Attend a pre-op session, fill out the packet, ask questions. You have to feel comfortable with your surgeon and program. Dr. G. say's you are "married" for life to your surgeon. Meaning, after 2nd year you still go annually for follow-up forever. Feel free to email me with any questions. Best wishes on your journey. /Lisa

Thank you all for your comments. The reason I went with him in the first place was the extensive support I saw that he had. I feel more comfortable now.

Kymme - I first saw Dr. Gandsas and then Dr. Li and decided I felt more comfortable with Dr. Li. Why? Because she has a personality similar to mine and she exudes warmth and comfort. I suggest going to a support group and meeting them both. I think you will find that they are both wonderful doctors. Personally speaking, my after-care was incredible. The hospital, the staff and everyone else I came in contact with were fabulous. I know I made the right decision for me to have surgery there. Feel free to email me with any questions... - Heather

Dr. Li did my surgery. Like the others who have posted, I think the support staff is great both pre- and post-op. Dr. Li was very careful to explain the risks of this surgery, as well as the records of complications at Sinai compared to "norms." I needed to lose 20 lbs before surgery, and with Nancy's help was able to do so. My care in the hospital went very well. The nurses were very familiar with Dr. Li's way of doing things, and were quite competent. I had a pump for pain med the first day, and oral meds after that. I had my surgery on Friday morning, and went home on Sunday around noon. I did not need any further pain medicine, but I did have a prescription in case I did. I was able to go back to work in 3 weeks. I just had my 9 month followup, and I have lost 125 lbs so far. I agree with the others -- go to the seminars. They are held every month and you will learn a LOT. You have the opportunity to meet both doctors and the support staff, as well as other people considering this surgery. In addition, you will most likely also get to meet some post-ops who can tell you their stories in person.

I have been to one of the seminars so far and will be attending the next one in April. I enjoyed it thoroughly and it was very informative. I met both of them but it was for a brief time and I want to get a feel for what everyone else thought. Sometimes when you are excited about something, you tend to overlook the negative because all you want to see is the positive.