Surgeons on Long Island

Hi Jennifer.....when I was new to this site and prior to WLS....I too had an unknown surgeon.....I asked if anyone knew him and no one did......I was encouraged to see Dr. Spencer Holover and it has been the best decision I had every made.....I know that if you do not have an excellant surgeon and follow up care....and its about the follow up care that is very very important......this is a big decision and don't just go to a nobody.....check your doctor out....talk with his patients.....how is the staff....do you call and they know you by name....if you have to speak to the doctor for any reason his he available....I know my doctor is available for me 24=7......even when I had problems he called me immediately and acted immediatley.. when I had revision surgery I had complications and my lung collapsed.....he saved my life. this is the kind of doctor you want on your team......don't just accept someone because he takes your insurance.....not a good way ....in my thinking .....to select a wls......

Hope this helps.....Susan

i do know of dr gabriel. in fact he was my first choice of surgeons. when i went to see him, his office staff was very nice, and so was dr gabriel. however i just wasn't sure. there was something i did not like about him. went and investigated some more and found dr geiss out in syosset. loved him!!!! i had my lap banding done on Jan 8th. am very happy with my choice.but you need to choose a dr that you are comfortable with. if that means searching and visiting several dr's then so be it. do what is right and comfortable for you. good luck!!!!

 I never heard of them and Dr. Gabriel is a DO and not even a MD.  I wouldn't use someone with no experience.  You should go see Dr. Garber and Dr. Holover.  They are the best practice on Long Island by far.  The are only surgeons on long Island that do the Lap-Band through a single incision instead of 5 incisions like the other doctors on Long island.  They have the best bedside manners and are available 24/7 and answer emails very quickly.  Definitely check them out. Good luck and email me any questions.

I have heard wonderful things about Dr Garber but not for lap band... He is the top guy in NY for RNY and if that is the surgery i chose i would have gone to him 100%.... Like mentioned above.. you have to find a doctor you are comfortable with.

Good Luck keep us updated!

Hope this doesn't come too late. I have heard of Dr. Gabriel but not Dr. Kaczmarski. He was among the many docs I spoke to when I initially started thinking about having this surgery. But something about him didn't click with me. On Jan. 14,2009 I had my VSG done by Dr. David Buchin in Lake Success,NY at LIJ. GREAT office staff! He takes the time to explain each procedure and the time he takes to answer questions is amazing. My consult lasted more than 30 min. So when I left out of there, I truly felt informed. His PA Sophia is the greatest too. It's just a really good experience overall.  Good Luck!