Anyone have experience with UMDNJ?

Hi ....... Has anyone had any contact with UMDMJ or any of it's surgeons,particularily Dr. Tucker or Dr. Abraham? I called this morning and talked to their co-ordinator who was very helpful and answered all of my questions...most of the pre-op testing is done right there and after your initial consult,surgery is generally scheduled a mere 6 to 8 weeks afterwards~! Any feedback would be appreciated...Thanks

Dear Dee, I had my gastric by-pass at Virtua Memorial in Mt. Holly, but I have other specialists I see at UMDNJ and I find them excellent. My concern for you is after care. UMNDJ is quite a hike, if you are going to New Brunswick, and support groups and aftercare are crucial to good result. I am very pleased with the New Beginnings group that meets at the Virtua Fitness Center in Vorhees every Thursday Night. We have both support group and a nutrition class. The surgeons who do the procedure at Virtua require their patients to do all of their testing and after care through this group. At first, I was annoyed by the whole thing. But I have gotten such support and care, not only from the Staff of New Beginnings, but from the men and women who are part of the group. The surgeon who is doing most of the procedures at Virtua is Christopher Boyton. He is excellent. ( He did not do my procedure, his partner did, but Dr. Mulkalian is not accepting new patients.) It does take some time to get scheduled, but I think the time was useful. I learned more and more about the procedure and the after effects. I couldn't have been more informed and I was truly ready when my time came. Whatever you choose, the aftercare is as important as the procedure itself, and it needs to be something to which you can committ. Its a lot to think about, don't rush into anything. I saw four surgeons before I committed. Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose. Kelly

Dear Kelly.... Thanks alot for replying...As far as I know,my surgery will be nearby,at one of the JFK hospitals and the surgeon will be either Dr.Michael Abraham or his partner..UMDNJ is located at JFK,Statford division,in nearby Voorhees,which is only about 15 miles from me.As for the support group,I'd enjoy that but after returning to work,I'll have to find an alternative as I work 4pm-12midnight,Mon-Fri...Thanks so much for the info.