Hi -- Looking for Surgeon in the SWNJ/Philadelphia Area

I live in Maple Shade, NJ, and am looking for a local doctor, highly experienced and recommended in the laproscopic RNY procedure. I had wanted to, and was going to, attend a seminar for Dr. Abdkin's practice, as he had done my cousin Roselle's surgery in 2004 with great success. She loved him and the people in his office and the plan was for me to stay with her while I was in the initial stages of recovery. Her and I were very close, she died last April and I became very depressed as a result of her death and put aside my pursuit of the surgery. I have recently come out of my depression and am now looking for someone that comes equally skilled and well thought of closer to my own home, since the distance from his offices (Dr. Abdkin's) in case of emergency, etc., would be minimum of 2 hours each way. I would appreciate recommendations based on the criteria of skill (number of successful surgeries performed) and good patient care in my immediate area. Thank you for your help.

Hi Laureen: I am so sorry for your loss. I'm glad that you were able to overcome your depression and pursue your desire for surgery. I live in Lumberton. I honestly could not find what I was looking for in a surgeon in this area. I decided to go with Dr. Gristus in Lincoln Park, NJ (2 hours north). I am 14 months post op, and I am glad I had my surgery with Dr. Gritsus. Honestly, the distance is / was not a problem. I am always able to get the first or last appointment of the day, so that I do not have to take too much time off from work. I did have an emergency situation in February. I developed a perforated ulcer that required emergency surgery. I did make the 2 hour journey to my surgeon's hospital to be treated. It was not a problem. If you were comfortable with Dr. Abdkin's you may not want to rule him out because of the distance. Good luck in your journey!!

I am so sorry about your cousin, how did she die? Love, Jade

i used dr. earl noyan in hamilton, he was great good luck, jacki

Laureen, I am so sorry for your loss. It is a good sign that you are pulling yourself together. I live in Philadelphia by the Betsy Ross Bridge, but do almost all my shopping and activities in NJ. I had my surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital. Several people on this board have also been done there. There are three excellent surgeons who have been around for 20+ years and they are all gastrointestional experts. The Hospital care and sensitivity are also above reproach. What ever you do my best wished for you. I look for you on the loser's bench. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Jeanne

Hi! My name is Ana. I had my consult with Dr. Slotman in Cherry Hill and am planning on having my RNY procedure done with him within a month or 2. He is an excellent surgeon with many recommendations from freinds, etc. However, he does not perform any surgeries Lap, he only does Open. If you are in need of a local Lap RNY surgeon, its worth the travel over the bridge into PA. Try Penn Hospital or Temple or even Barix Clinics in Langhorne. If you need any additional info on Slotman, let me know. Take care! Good Luck. Ana*

Hi Ana, Thanks for your response to my post. I appreciate your suggestion, but I definitely don't want the open procedure. I am looking at the Bartrix Clinic in Langhorne. It's nice that there are so many helpful and informative people on here. I wish you the best with your surgery the the future life you will have. Please let me know when you have your procedure and how it goes for you, I am only beginning, so I doubt I'll get a date before the Fall. Take care, Laureen

Laureen, My husband & I are/have both used Dr. Bertha/Dr. Abkin in Florham Park. I know it is far, but they are GREAT. I saw him for the 1st time on 4/4 & have all my pre op stuff complete & was offered a date of 5/7. I went with 6/11 for other reasons but you should definately check them out. It shouldn't take too long to get a date. Good luck with whatever you decide. Amy

Hi Amy, Thanks for the encouragement and I made an appointment with the Bariatrix clinic in Langhorne, as it is closer. I still will consider Dr. Abkin, but being single and having no family members who live close by to drive me should I need assistance going and coming is the problem for me. My cousin loved him and he is highly skilled and very nice from what I've heard, so good luck and let me know how it goes for you and I'll let you know what I find out after I meet with the clinic in Langhorne. Laureen.

hi lauren i'm one of the people who used Penn Hosp over in Philly -- nothing like it!! i've had surgeries done at other very good hospitals in boston and i would recommend Penn Hosp too -- there are 3 doctors who work together in bariatrics at Penn Hosp if you have a complication later or if you need a different type of gastro/intestinal surgery later then you might want to consider a local hospital and a gastro/intestional surgeon at 11 month out my husband just found out he has a hernia -- back to the same surgeon -- if we went to barix we would be looking for another surgeon since they only do bariatrics -- just something else to keep in mind please keep in mind that even though someone can perform the Lap RNY there is a risk that something could happen and they may need to open you up anyways -- so please keep that in mind when making your decision EDUCATE your self and do your RESEARCH good luck roberta