New York Bariatric Group Bariatric Center
I should have done it sooner! Its the best thing that ever happened to me! I finally feel like a human being. I can hop, walk, skip, dance and have a good time! I've added years to my life. I was always in the ER for my illnesses and they were always obesity related. I used to weigh 335 and now I weigh 175! Dr Garber is next to GOD! HE SAVED MY LIFE!
Dr. Garber is very professional, personable and highly skilled, especially if you are looking to have revisional surgery, gallbladder removal and hernia repair. Few bariatric surgeons are skilled in all these procedures, so beware and be sure to question their prior experience. Dr. Garber's office staff are very accomodating. Donna the PA is excellent and very helpful. Sometimes there is a long wait, but it is worth it to wait for the best Doctor possible. If he wasn't busy, I would be more concerned - since obesity is on the rise. AND - Lots of time is spent with each patient to explain the procedure, risks, what to expect and after care, in addition any questions are answered honestly. REMEMBER - NO SURGERY IS WITHOUT RISK and EVERY PATIENT IS DIFFERENT! Mercy Hospital was excellent and the 1/2 day explanation of the process, procedure, risks, and what to expect afterwards, was extremely well handled and very thorough - the nurse was excellent. If you were never operated on or have any qualms about the surgery, this session is a tremendous help! The procedure is probably the best thing that you can do for yourself if you have tried to lose weight many times over the years - it is life changing and saving! Do your homework, but you will not be sorry if you proceed. You will not only look better, but feel better and have more energy. Better health was my reason for proceeding with the surgery. Surgery is no picnic and not to be taken lightly. The initial pain is not terrible and it is well managed in the hospital. You are more sore than anything. I also lost blood since I had several procedures at once (removal of hernia, gallbladder, adhesions, scar tissue - as well as the lap band, plus my surgery was revisional, which is way more risky and subject to more complications - I also had 2 prior surgeries that were unrelated, so lots of scar tissue!). I had to have 2 blood transfusions during my stay.
Dr. Garber was the RIGHT CHOICE for me -He and his staff are Top Notch!! Great follow up care! MUCH Better experience than my first time (by pass) - I was more sick with that one, vomiting, endoscope to widen passage, lots of scar tissue - big cut, stomach will always stretch too - and I had a Top NY Dr too!! I lost a lot of weight, but gained back 25 lbs..and I watched and dieted too..
NOTE: This review is for informational purposes ONLY - no surgery is without risk and each patient is different - so do your homework - the decision is YOURS and YOURS ALONE. I offer this review as a summary of my experience only, my thoughts on Dr. Garber and his office - which were very, very positive from my perspective. Best of Luck to you and with your decision. This is not a panacea, but is a big help - you must stay diligent, watch what you eat and exercise (not stuff that I love either - but without it your result will not be as good!!!)!! Regards, JMD
The staff at the new york bariatric group is amazing. they were super helpful and always so kind. Dr garber is not only a GREAT surgeon, he is a nice guy as well! i couldnt be happier. i'd recommend this office to anyone looking for excellent bariatric care!
I was very impressed with the Free Information Seminar and the doctor's track record. I had to see a lot of doctors before the surgery to get approval but it was all worth it. it made me feel confident that i was going into the surgery well prepared. i felt very safe in the hands of Dr Garber
It's been one year and two days since I became born-again. I don't mean that in a spiritual sense; what I mean is that my new life began on August 10th, 2009. That's when I had gastric bypass surgery performed by Dr. Garber.
It is now one year and two days later. I'm down 108 pounds, and I've developed into a new person.
I still have a sense of humor, but it's not used now to compensate for being obese. I enjoy life, and I enjoy doing things I could no longer do.
When I first met Drs. Garber and Holover, they were quite patient with what seemed to be hundreds of questions that I had. But they addressed them all, and over the past year, they take the time I need when I visit their office for post-surgical care.
During their preliminary seminar, the doctors are sure to mention the negative aspects of surgery, the risks of surgery (any surgery, for that matter), and back up their statistics with easy-to-understand graphs. They are precise and knowledgeable about both types of surgery; lapband and bypass.
I have been treated by both doctors, Dr. Garber and Dr. Holover. They are competent, patient, and spend time with each patient to address concerns. In addition, the office staff is highly professional, knowledgeable about insurance issues, and makes you feel comfortable. Further, they go out of their way to help you, whether it be choosing foods to address your needs, or making an appointment to accommodate your schedule.
If I had one regret about the surgery, it is that I hadn't had it done earlier!