New York Bariatric Group Bariatric Center

This is my personal opinion and in no way reflects anyone else's opinion. It it based solely on my many emails and two consultations with Dr. Garber. He was very professional, informative, personable, and understanding on my initial visit. My impression only got better. He answered all of my silly emails with my many questions. He fully explained any issues or problems. The staff are very nice and professional. They explain as much as they can when they can. Future patients should now that there are many hours of consultations, evaluations and tests that must be completed. It is your responsibility to make sure that the reports are sent to Dr. Garber's office before you see him for a 2nd consult. You will have to call, cry, and visit in person to either get the reports faxed. Aftercare is emphasized with the doctor, lab work, nutritionist and psychologist. All part of a professional surgical followup protocol. As with any surgery the risks were explained fully and any questions were answered. Surgical competence is definitely more important than bedside manner, however, in Dr. Garber's case he appears have a good "bedside" manner as well. My only negative comment but one that has been addressed with him directly is that every test that is a presurgical requirement has to be put in writing on the information sheet for patients to be fully aware of what they need to have done. In my case, I also needed a specialized test due to a problem with my stress test. This only took me 5 days to complete but could take others longer.

My first impression of Dr.Garber was that he seems to be very concerned about his patients and is willing to take the time to make sure you understand the decision that you are making. I must also note that he had a very warm smile, which made me feel very comfortable, which is no easy task. His office staff were all nice and helpful. His PA, was very informative, explaining pros and cons and well asbeing very honest about the possible risks of surgery and the efforts that their team makes at trying to the patients as comfortable as possible.
When I met with the nutrionist, I thought she was just the best. She is very easy to speak with, again very informative and very honest about what to expect after surgery. All of them stressed that this decision would forever affect my life and that I progres will be monitored closely, which I do appreciate. Thus far I am feeling very good about my decision to have the surgery and to have with Dr.Garber. It has been over a year since meeting Dr.Garber and his staff and I must say that they have maintained there level of professionalism throughtout my journey. I definitely appreciate the close follow-up care that he and his office provide for the 1st year of being post-op, I believe that this has made a difference in the success of my journey, and it has helped me remain heathy. And contrary to the opinions of a few Dr.Garber, Dr.Holover and Donna care very much about their patients and I will continue to recommend Dr.Garber to anyone interested in WLS.

I JUST RECENTLY HAD MY SURGERY. WHEN I FIRST MET DR.HOLOVER I THOUGHT THAT HE WAS JUST GREAT. HE TOOK THE TIME AND WENT OVER THE WHOLE PROCEDURE. WHAT EVER QUESTIONS I HAD HE ANSWERD ALL OF THEM AND MADE SURE THAT I UNDERSTOOD EVERYTHING.
HE IS A GREAT DOCTOR VERY CARING AND CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR WELL BEING.
I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM TO ANY ONE WHO WAS HAVING WLS. MY THANKS GOES TO HIM FOR GIVING ME A 2ND CHANCE AT LIFE!!! A HEALTHY LIFE..:)THANK YOU!!! DR. SPENCER HOLOVER YOU'RE #1 IN MY BOOK.

Dr. Gritsus and his staff are super! They are efficient, extremely knowledgeable, compassionate and thorough. I spent one year researching a surgeon choice. My choice was excellent. I hit the jackpot!

Very good, caring and competent. Process was equal to expectation. Staff super helpful. Did a great job with Insurance co.
After care is good and very happy with Dr. Gritsus

The first impression I had of Dr Garber that he was really busy and had a lot of patients. Would I get the attention that I needed and deserved? As I began all the consultations and exams with other doctors I got to know Dr Garber and his staff. They have been extremely supportive and helpful before and after surgery. Even at times when I was upset or frustrated they would call me back to try and get everything worked out.

I would say that the hardest thing about being Dr garber's patient is that he does tend to fall behind. A lot of that has to do with the him spensing the necessary time with each patient. Dr Garber has always nswered my questions and addressed my concerns. I always try to research my questions prior to visiting him so if I misunderstood anything or have additional questions on what I researched he always explains everything.

Dr Garber and his staff make sure that all his patients understand exactly what the surgery is and it entails. You wake up in the recovery room knowing what to expect.

He fully explained the risks of surgery and that the surgery is a tool. Its up to you what you do with that tool.

Would I have this surgery again? 100% yes.

Would I use Dr Garber again? 100% yes again

I would say that Dr Garber's,surgical competence and bedside manner were both great.

My first impression of Dr. Garber was a great one. He was very thorough in explaining the proceedure, recovery, prep, etc. He was up-front and honest. He was very open to questions and I did not feel rished at all. He was a personable doctor and I feel very confident with him as my surgeon of choice.

The staff was great...friendly, helpful, and worked to get me appointments as soon as they could. I can't wait to see the specialists and get back for my 2nd meeting with him!

First impression was good. Young smart doctor. Office staff could be better, not that orgainized, but friendly enough! Post-op was fine, but after final visit (to remove drains) haven't been able to get a word out of Dr. Asked for some advise, was ignored. He is probably one of the best surgeons in the field. No surprises, no problems. 100% sucess for me! Aftercare program is available, I live too far away to participate. His surgical competence is best. Bedside manner's are limited. Hi, fine, see ya!! But he does so many a day/week/month it must be hard to keep track for him. Of course his busy schedule is what makes him SO GOOD!! His hospitals are also "The Best". Overall impression is "I selected the right man for the job" and I interviewed other surgeons.....

Dr. Gritsus is the best!! He is very understanding, and very patient with all the questions. I highly recommend him to anyone in this area considering WLS. His staff and assistant Dean, are the best bunch of people. Everyone is so helpful. Dean and Dr. Gritsus made me feel very calm on the day of surgery. I've had no complications at all, and I can't thank him enough for giving me back my life!

First impression, at seminar Oct'04, was that he is very genuine, willing to focus on aftercare as much as the surgery itself.

One-on-one consultation Jan'05, feel extremely comfortable with Dr. Gritsus. Encouraged me to ask my LONG list of questions, thoroughly answered each and every one, even said he was excited to have such good thorough questions.

Aftercare is strongly emphasized and encouraged.

Staff was friendly and efficient.

Surgery was 2/9 - perfect, no complications. Dr. Gritsus saw me in OR holding area just before going in for surgery - he was warm, friendly, and very upbeat and confident. A very good manner just before surgery! Also saw his PA Dean in the holding area, who was able to spend a little bit more time. He happened to stop by just as I had been starting to get teary-eyed, and he was very sweet and reassuring. He took some time to talk with me and boost me up a bit and that was great.

At this point, I'd highly reccommend Dr. Gritsus. He is surgically quite competent (zero deaths, very low complications) and, while I would ideally have had a little more one-on-one time with him, the time that I have spent with him has never been rushed at all. In the hospital, he had a wonderful bedside manner. Also, I must mention he seems to monitor patients in the hospital VERY closely, so even if he's not there at that moment, I felt confident that he knew exactly how I was doing at all times.

Will continue to update more on Dr. Gritsus as my journey progresses!