LifeBridge Health Bariatrics Program Bariatric Center

My first impression of Doctor Li was that she is a very likeable person and a competent surgeon who is serious about helping obese people. She was very clear about what was expected from me before the surgery, including how much weight she wanted me to lose. She had a packet of referrals for all of the pre-op testing stapled together, which was incredibly helpful, and she explained what each test was. As I was leaving her office she gave me a hug and said “Welcome to the program”. I am not a “huggy” person, however I took this as a reassurance of her sincerity as a Bariatric surgeon. rnrnFuture patients should know that she is very serious about the program, and if she tells you to lose 10 or 15 pounds before the surgery, she means it! It benefits you during surgery and it makes the surgery easier for her. Dr. Li is a big advocate of exercising as it aids your weight loss and provides wonderful health benefits after your surgery. The nutritional program is also wonderful and Dr. Li works closely with the nutritionist to provide an excellent aftercare program. Both of them go over blood test results separately, which makes me feel confident that nothing is being overlooked.rnrnShe always makes herself available for any questions you may have, whether you leave a phone message or send an e-mail. I highly recommend Dr. Li!rn

When I first met Dr Li, I found her to be very friendly and concerned about me as a patient. She didn't look at me as another obese patient, but as a future healthy person that she was willing and able to help achieve that goal. She was and is very supportive and she made goals for me that were reasonable and achievable. Her overall personality is super and I like that when you finish your sessions, she continues to encourage you and she offers a hug afterwards. Dr Li stood by me every step of the way and I would refer her to anyone who is looking to have lap band surgery. She explains everything thoroughly and make sure you understand. She also tels you what your different options are.

I had heard great things about Dr. Li @ Sinai in Baltimore,Md. I was a little nervous because I didnt want to go this way, I wanted to lose my weight on my own. I tried other ways but it failed. So I went to Dr. Li's office. After talking to Dr. Li she made everything feel at ease. Her office staff (Katrice, Phylissa, Nancy) was very supportive and answer all your questions in a mannerly time. I Know every question I had for them I call them no matter what. And everytime I call they help. Dr. Li explained everything to me about the procedure step by step. Its nothing negative I could say about Dr. Li and her office staff. I would rate Dr. Li excellent I have no complaints about her, She is a doctor that cares about her patients. I am glad I have chosen Dr. Li for my by-pass surgery.

I would recommend Dr. Li to everyone. She is warm and friendly. You feel completely safe in her abilities. She is direct and doesn't beat around the bush. Dr. Li tells you how it is. If it's going to be tough, she'll tell you. If you need to step up your commitment, she'll tell you but she also won't hesitate to tell you when you are doing well. I can't say enough wonderful things about her. I'm 15 days out and the beginning was tougher than I had imagined. Dr. Li was always accessible and ready to recommend/comment on the next step. She didn't miss a beat and oh by the way, she's 8.5 months pregnant!!! Other than the tiny belly that she wears so well, you would never know. She is my surgeon fo life. It's a great partnership for your health.rnrnCheryl, the nursing coordinator is an angel in disguise. Cheryl called me every day after my surgery until I was feeling better. She was always encouraging even in my darkest hour. Cheryl is a great role model on your amazing journey.rnrnHer nurse, Phyllis is equally great. Always pleasant, knowledgeable and quick to call you back!rnrnThe nursing assistants are fantastic as well. Tammy especially. Tammy is a great example of what you can do with your life both personally and professionally. She has been an inspiration on my journey.rnrnNancy Lum, the nutritionist makes your new life easy to understand and put into play. She'll support you every step of the way.rnrnThe billing department.... These faceless HEROES should be commended too. They have the insurance process down to a science. There was NO stress/worry that I wouldn't be approved. If you follow the instructions that they give you, it's seamless. You know that your Insurance company is involved but it's never at the forefront of your mind because it doesn't have to be.rnrnDr. Li and her staff have thoughtfully accounted for every step in the process. From the seminars to give you knowledge of the available procedures, to the support groups for before, during and after. The pre-op nutrition, vitamins, pre-op appointment outlining risks to post-op surgery protocols. It's very methodical and also a huge time commitment.rnrnThe Sinai Bariatric Team is home run! Total 10! I had a very positive experience with them.rnrnIf I had to make one recommendation, it would be to have appointments and nutrition seminars available on the same day. It can be challenging when working FT but you have to be prepared to completely commit yourself to improving your health and quality of life.rn

My surgeon, Dr. Christina Li is AWESOME. Aside from the fact that she has such an incredibly sweet and tender bedside manner, she is a brilliant surgeon. Her practice has such an organized process and everyone in the office is knowledgeable about the process. Dr. Li guides you personally through each and every step of the process...from the manditory presurgical support groups, to the meetings with the dietician, to all of the presurgical testing and consultations, and through all of your post surgical processes. She and her team have made this journey safe and pleasant. I am 1 and 1/2 week post op, and I am so glad that I chose Dr. Li, who is positive and encouraging. rnSinai is a beautiful facility. The anesthesia team gave me a sense of comfort before the surgery (and obviously during the surgery:~). The 5th floor nursing staff was excellent and my room was very big, clean, and comfortable. Dr. Li made several visits to me after surgery, and when she couldn't visit, \"Bari\" the Robot (with Dr. Gandsas on a web-cam) came to visit me! (this was soooo cool ;~) What a great experience!

I was truly impressed with Dr. Li from our initial consultation. She took the time to explain the entire procedure with me; what to expect and what I needed to do. Overtime, I just came to adore her even more. Before going into the operating room she gave me an encouraging hug and that meant a lot to me. I've never had a surgeon be so personable with me. Overall, I'm more than satisfied with Dr. Li as my surgeon. I couldn't have made a better choice.

My first impression of Dr. Li was that she was extremely nice. Her office staff treats everyone well. There was nothing I didn't like about her. Future patients should know, don't be nervous to meet with your surgeon because they are here to help you, I was nervous at first and after a little bit, I felt very comfortable around her. Dr. Li went over every risk thoroughly and made sure I was aware of everything. I would rate Dr. Li a 10, she did a good job with my surgery. I think surgical competence and bedside manner are both great!

Dr. Li is magnificent. The first thing she said to me at my initial consultation with her was something like \"You're carrying a whole other person\". [I didn't like that] Then she said \"I want to help you get him off your back\". [I loved that]. She showed so much understanding of what my struggle as an obese person was like. I wasn't used to that level of insight from anyone, let alone someone who is not obese. She ended the session with a hug. People don't touch me very much and I don't touch many people. That she hugged me, showed me an acceptance that I desperately want but am so fearful of never getting. She attended to that part of me that was wounded emotionally as well as my physical needs. rnHer office staff are wonderful. They held me together when I was falling apart. They were always available to me. They tuned into my need for a cheerleader through this process and they were the best cheerleaders. rnrnWhen Dr. Li said I had to lose 15lbs. She really meant it. When I wasn't as successful as I wanted to be, that broke my heart. rnrnI have nothing bad/ unpleasant to say about my experience with Dr. Li.rnrnFuture patients should know that Dr. Li is fun to be around and supportive etc...AND she takes her job VERY seriously. She is very professional and extremely competent and efficient. She is nurturing and an expert both at the same time.rnrnAftercare is stressed very heavily right from the very first informational meeting. At that first meeting a member of the support group was present and spoke about the group and invited potential patients to attend a support group meeting whenever they would like.rnrnThere is extensive follow up with visits to the surgeon and the Nutritionist. Also, there is the support group which is extremely active and supportive. They sponsor tastings of different protein sources so the post-surgery patient may try as many as they can to see which they prefer. [There are so many choices and each person's stomach tolerance is so individual that it can be hard to choose the right protein source for you. To be able to try them before you buy a 6 pack or a case is a great help.]rnThere are also transition classes after surgery to help with the new lifestyle the patient is living.rnrnDr. Li was very upfront and honest and knowledgeable about the risks of the surgery. She explained the risks on several occasions. She drew pictures to show me what was going to happen and what and how a complication could occur and she showed me and explained how she was going to prevent that complication from occuring. Also, at the informational meeting a short film of a bypass is shown and complications are discussed at that time.rnrnI understand that totally \"positive reviews are generally less informative or even suspect\", but, it would be a disservice for me to say that there was anything that I have to complain about about Dr. Li. The most negative thing that happened between she and I was that I lost 12 of the 15 lbs she asked me to lose pre-surgery and then gained them back and more before my surgery. Dr. Li was annoyed with me. I was annoyed with myself. Dr. Li even turned that into a positive situation. She leveled with me. She showed me how much she REALLY cared about me and she continued to supported me. Sometimes \"completely positive reviews are generally less informative and suspect\". And sometimes the stars do line up perfectly, sometimes you do receive devine intervention, and sometimes you do meet the right surgeon, at the perfect time, and in the perfect situation and your surgery does go like a dream. That was my experience with Doctor Li. [I feel like the poster child for gastric bypass surgery]. I only wish everyone could and will have the same experience. I rate her 100/100!rnrnDr.Li's surgical competence is only matched by her bedside manner. Both are great!rnrn

My first impression was that Dr. Li was super sweet and informative. I met her at a seminar. Her smile is huge! I learned over time that she is pretty strict - which is a good quality to have when you are working with bariatric patients (who by nature) may need a little more structure and discipline. rnrnFuture patients should know that she is having a baby and that at 71/2 months, she looks terrific....no swollen ankles for her. rnrnShe is very encouraging. She will answer any question. She will tell you the truth about the risks for surgery. rnrnrnThe aftercare is moreso managed by the nutritionist who offers many support groups and is very hands on during the one-on-one follow-ups. rnrnThe one \"negative\" thing about Dr. Li is that because she is strict, I thought she would reprimand me about my weight loss after surgery. I was nervous, but instead she said that she was very proud of me. So, I guess she can be a little intimidating until she smiles at you.rnrnI really, really like both Dr. Li and Nancy Lum, the nutritionist. rnrnSincerely,rnValerie Bricernrn

I was very impressed with Dr. Li when I first met her. She was friendly, competent, informative and answered all of my questions. The office staff is also very friendly. My only thing is that I get to my appointments early and they are ALWAYS running late. Majority of the time I need to wait for someone to even show up. Once they get there, they are very pleasant, however, you are never in and out - even for a 15 minute weigh in appointment. Aftercare is very important in this office and very well organized. There are many support groups available to the patients. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone who is looking to have the surgery.