North Jersey Laparoscopic Associates Bariatric Center

Thought she was a nurse/secretary I was speaking to, I was shocked to learn she was a surgeon ! She could pass for a high school student.
Found Dr Ibrahim/Dr Vailakis to be very informative and patient. When I asked about scar tissure from previous surguries posing a problem I was assured I would still wake up with a lap procedure; the extra time would be taken. Since the last surgeon I spoke to told me flat out if there was a lot of scar tissue I'd wake up with an "open" procedure, I am very very glad I ended up with the docs at Bergen Bariatric. They took the extra hour and a half to work around the scar tissue and keep it a lap. I am VERY grateful.

I only spoke to Dr Ibrahim once before the surgery; most of my dealings were with Dr. Vailakis. She was the once that came to my room post op and checked on me. I thought Dr Ibrahim very personable at the info session but he seemed nervous/annoyed before surgery; kept asking, "why are we starting so late" and that made me feel uncomfortable, like I was inconveniencing him.

In spite of having a really mean recovery room nurse (Holy Name) whose response to my every request (pain meds, ice chips, wet rag to suck on) was "DON'T THEY TELL YOU PEOPLE ANYTHING!", yes, the Staff at Bergen Bariatric told us LOTS. I was shocked the week before when I spoke to a friend the night before her surgery in Hackensack to hear that she knew absolutely nothing about what to expect, wasn't told about vitamins until released, and was troubled by the mystifying pain in her shoulder post op. She was not directed towards any reading material, information seminars, and apparently had absolutely no clue about the actual procedure being performed. I read everything I could get my hands on, including a book recommended and sold to me by Devorah at the Clinic: WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY, by Barbara Thompson. (Invaluable!)
Of course, some of the onus of being informed is always on the patient - ask questions! Look online, read books! Knowledge isn't gained through placid osmosis!

As for After Care, I'm not there yet; my first appointment is a week from Monday (12 days after surgery) and I'll find out more then about nutritional counseling, vitamin testing, etc.

You don't really see much of the doctors themselves, so I would have to say surgical competence is absolutely the most important qualification. However, since the office staff are your liason, and your lifelines, having a kind, non-judgemental, supportive staff is also essential. The surgeon I almost used, was working 1 day a week out of a regular surgical clinic and the staff there despised the "bariatrics" - I ended up canceling my surgery plans with that doctor because his staff was so rude and ugly.

I think a good hint is to find a center or clinic or surgical office that specializes in bariatric patients, if you can find one close by that's covered by your insurance. The staff there are more likely to be understanding and supportive; and the doctors more experienced.

Overall I think I'm in the best hands I could be in.

I went to Dr Abramson b/c my surgeon, Dr Michael Leitman, referred me to him. My close friend, Michele, used him for a Lower Body Lift and her arms in November and also my friend Allegra and Tessie (from my support group) have used him also. I am planning on having a Lower Body Lift. I am EXCITED and am considering havinc my arms done too. I am scheduled for Friday, March 12th. BCBC Personal Choice Denied me for "COSMETIC"...as I had no skin breakdown or rashes. I am self-paying. I will post more after my next consult and again after the LBL!

Dr. Abramson is a wonderful plastic surgeon.He is very kind and caring and wonderful answering any questions.

Dr Abramson was very nice and extremely knowledgable. I mustr say that his staff was incredible and managed to get me approved for a breast lift which NEVER happens so THANK YOU!!!! My surgery is 9-20 so I will let you know how it all goes.

He was recommended by my bariatric surgeon, and has handled quite a few of his post op patients. So I feel confident he is able to concentrate of my areas of interest. His office staff was extremely friendly and helpful in obtaining insurance approval. They took the initiative without me pushing. A very knowledgeable staff.