New York Bariatric Group Bariatric Center

Where should I begin - my journey has only just begun - but the path to my obesity started practically at birth. I have always been overweight. My decision to consider WLS actually happened about a year ago. I began doing extensive research about different procedures, before/after surgery requirements and attending seminars.rnrnI attended Dr. Gritsus's seminar on Sept. 18th and was immediately convinced that bariatric surgery was the right decision and that he was the surgeon to handle the procedure. His seminar was the most informative, he was open and honest in answering all questions. He was sure to provide answers and in instances that warranted give the response that individual medical history and condition could and would have different formal answers. He never made me feel as if obesity was disgusting, it was always about a better, healthy life. He was very forthcoming about the demands of post operative diet, exercise, support and counseling. He cleary explained all bariatric surgery options, procedures, complications, potential results, etc. rnrnThe next day after a long night of talking with my husband - we agreed to move forward and schedule a consultation with Dr. Gritsus. That meeting was terrific. At that time I met Dean Mellas, PA-C who spent much time going over my medical history, reviewing the procedures, completing a brief exam and overall making me very confortable about the decision that I was making and affording me and my husband undivided attention to our questions and concerns. The time and care given each time I visit the office is the best care ever. From the first consultation to the day of surgery and beyond, his office has always been available for questions, handling all insurance information, test scheduling, etc. rnrnDuring my surgery there was a minor complication that was handled immediately. As soon as surgery was completed, Dr. Gritsus spoke with my husband and I to discuss what occurred and set us to ease that it was not an issue. For me, it is as if every patient of Dr. Gritsus is family. His office staff are the best and they are a total extension of his superb service and caring.rnrnMy new life journey has just begun and I am happy that it will be taken with Dr. Gritsus and Dean and all the staff at Advanced Surgical Solutions.

When I attended Dr. Gritsus' weight loss seminar on August 21, 2008, I was immediately impressed. He was very calm and patient. He answered everyone's questions without any hesitation. His staff has been very good with insurance matters, follow up appointments and general concern for your individual progress. The doctor offers a dietician, counselling and support groups. His approach both pre and post surgery has been very good thus far.

hello, i had my first appt with dr. garber yesterday 10/23/08 and i was a nervous wreck because i had my surg. 05/2003 with another doctor and after the surg. its like the dr. and his office just didnt care anymore. the dr never showing up for appts most of the time and not caring so i was prepared for the worst. BUT!!!!!!! that is not what Dr. Garber is about, he explained what had to be done. i have a fistula and he gave me a solution to my problem instead of wondering what the heck i was to do with no doctors help. he is patient and understanding and a very thorough. he explained to me what no one else would. and i thank him for that. and his staff........... congrats they are amazing, friendly and a pleasure to deal with. thanks again for a great experience

Dr. Gritsus is a skilled, caring surgeon and his staff is great; always helpful and pleasant.

Dr. Garber helped changed my life. He is the best doctor I have ever seen. He has a complete aftercare program with nutritionist, psychologist and even weekly support groups. Most surgeons only do them monthly. He is always available 24/7 especially via email. His office staff is also amazing. He has a state of the art office with its own endoscopy suite. He is also on the forefronts of new technology like stomaphyx and the Restore trial. At a recent support group meeting I was told he has done more than anyone in the world. If you are thinking about weight loss surgery or a revision definitely go see Dr. Garber you will be happy you did.

Just met with him once so far and he seemed extremely knowledgable. Will post more after the ball gets rolling.

The following is based on my own personal experience with this surgeon:rnI thought that Dr. Garber was very informative & professional. His office staff was extremely nice & VERY helpful in all of my preliminary calls. He took the time to go over all aspects of having the surgery. The success rates, the possible complications, aftercare and the list of Dr's he requires you to see to get some preliminary testing done to assure your ok to go through with the surgery. At first I saw a surgeon who didn't even require any preliminary testing and I felt that to be inappropriate. Dr. Garber always kept asking if I had any questions after anything he explained and he answered all of my questions. Dr. Garber DIDN'T rush me through answering my questions... which was reassuring considering he did have other patients waiting be seen. <br> Make the most of your wait! At time there were several people in the waiting room that were post-op who shared a great amount of positive feedback about Dr. Garber and were more than willing to answer questions and help in any way possible. Many of the Post-op patients were extremely satisfied with him, the surgery, his bedside manners, and aftercare when I questioned them. He has a support group meeting each month which is great. I will keep you up to date when I find out for myself how his bedside manners are etc!rn********************************************rnJust wanted to report back: I am currently post-op & I'm so glad to inform you that Dr. Garber's is an extrememly caring surgeon. His bedside manners go Above & Beyond! His surgical competence is extraordinary. I trust him completely and would highly recommend using him for your surgery. He is truly a Doctor with compassion and always had reassuring words of encouragement to share when I was feeling scared. Dr. Garber is truly the best!

Well, I was nervous about meeting the surgeon but I was really put at ease. He is the nicest man and he has no \"doctor bossy\" way about him. He answered my questions, he asked me questions that made me think. He was actually my surgeon a month ago to take my gallbladder out and he was so great. I highly recommend. Future patients should know that is very much a serious man and takes everything into consideration.

My first impression of Dr. Cussatti was \"Wow, he is kinda young.\" But he was awesome to talk to and really cared and listened and made sure I knew what was going to happen and so forth. He also lowered my expectations of being approved since my insurance is usually hard to deal with. WHen his office called me with an approval I was very surprised and happy. The girls in the office are great, especially Iris. She never, ever gets annoyed, no matter how many times I call. Judi was very nice too...she is teh benfits coordinator. I feel very good in Dr. Cussatti's hands and I hope for a great surgery!

I was referred to Dr. Holover after having to leave another surgeon, Dr. Kurian whom I really liked, but she didn't take my insurance. My first impression of him was that he was knowledgable and confident. He took his time with me and my parents during our first visit, carefully explaining away our fears and concerns. Over time the only change I've noticed is that our office visits are usually rushed. His physician's asst Donna fills in for him and she operates at a slower, gentler pace which I appreciate. I think his aftercare needs a little improvement. That's not to say he isn't a polite, competent doctor, just that he doesn't seem to have more than 2 minutes per visit. These are just my personal impressions though. The staff is generally nice, but I don't get any warm and fuzzies from them (I guess that's NY for you).rnrnIn my opinion, surgical competence coupled with a professional, but warm bedside manner is a must. Dr. Holover achieves this, to a degree, but I'd work on his bedside manner a little.