Valeriu E. Andrei MD Bariatric Associates Bariatric Center
My surgery was December 10th and I honestly feel that the time I spent coming in for the few months beforehand were a heaven sent. They teach you all that you need to know moving forward. I was on the fence but my sister was in the process of scheduling her surgery and had nothing bad to say about Dr. Andrei's group. I looked into it and everyone in the office made me feel 100% comfortable. Dr. Andrei is awesome and looks into each and every case to make sure you choose the correct surgery. I have Crohn's Disease and didn't know much about how each surgery would affect me. Together we decided on the Gastric Sleeve surgery. To date I am down 30 pounds and look forward to every meeting with Dr. Andrei's team. They make it easy and possible to lose the weight I have been looking to get rid of! THEY ARE AMAZING!!
Just a brief update on my progress. To date I have lost almost 80lbs and optimistic that by my one year anniversary, April 2nd, I will hit the century mark...YAY!!! I honestly could not have done this without the support of Dr Andrei's staff. The journey has not been easy, and with all things, it had it's bumps. However, I can definitely say having gastric sleeve surgery was one of the best decisions I ever made.
I have been a patient of Dr. Andrei's since August 2011, and had my gastric sleeve done by him in April 2012. I decided to persue other bariatric options, as my lap band surgery (performed by another doctor) seemed like a total failure.
Upon meeting Pamela (his on staff dietician)and having her explain the program and my options, I felt like I made the right decision in coming here. Meeting Dr. Andrei and his assistant Andy were the icing on the cake :-) Everyone in the office helps make you feel confortable and are very friendly. I don't think I have ever met a more caring group of people. The pre and post surgical follow-ups help you stay and focused on your goals. Even when you may feel discouraged, Pamela is always there to help you refocus and get back on track.
To date, I have lost almost 60lbs and would not change a thing about this journey. It's one of the best decisions I have ever made.
The decision of whether or not to have weight loss surgery is incredibly personal, and a choice that everyone must make for themselves. When I began the process of researching procedures and selecting a surgeon, one of the things that proved most helpful was being able to read about the experiences of others. It’s my hope that in sharing a little of my story, I can provide this same type of support for others.
Having successfully undergone and lost over 100 pounds with gastric bypass, I know firsthand how weight loss surgery has the potential to change most everything in one’s life for the better. In my opinion, the most critical piece to consider when making the decision lies in the careful selection of a surgeon you can trust, and with whom you feel most comfortable. Dr. Andrei was that surgeon for me.
When I first contacted the office, I hadn’t yet made a firm determination on the type of surgery I wanted and knew nothing about how to begin the process of getting the surgery covered by my insurance. Dr. Andrei’s staff assisted with both of these tasks. In fact, I couldn’t have done either without them. It was a time filled with many questions and as a result, I relied on most everyone in Dr. Andrei’s office (Pamela, Sherry, Carrie, and Alixon to name a few) to help make my surgery become a reality. Dr. Andrei and Pamela took the time to carefully describe each procedure and made their recommendations based on what I felt I could most successfully incorporate into my lifestyle. There was no pressure to make a quick decision. In fact, it was extremely important to Dr. Andrei that I thoroughly think through my options and make an educated decision that I felt comfortable with. Every question I brought was carefully answered (and continue to be) and I always felt I was being treated with respect, with the necessary time given to address my concerns.
In May of 2012, I underwent the Roux-en-y procedure. And, for the most part, my surgery went very well. However, when I did face complications (through no fault of Dr. Andrei’s) Dr. Andrei, Pamela and Andy were there with me through the entire process. As a patient, when something goes wrong, emotions can run high, and it’s very easy to feel vulnerable and scared. It meant so much that during the time I needed the help most, Dr. Andrei and his staff were a constant and supportive presence. I was always able to reach someone when I needed to, and I received daily “check-in” phone calls from Andy or Pamela for weeks after my surgery. Even now, over 7 months after my procedure, I know that I can contact the office at any time and still receive the same exemplary care.
Dr. Andrei and his team were a vital part of my success with gastric bypass, and if I had the decision to do over, I would most certainly choose them again. I’m so incredibly grateful for all they’ve done and continue to do for me. They’ve proven time and time again to be consummate professionals. Anyone in the office whom you encounter will most certainly be attentive to and supportive of your personal struggles and goals as well.
Today, I’m thrilled to report being a much happier and healthier version of myself! In fact, I often wonder why I didn’t make the decision to do it sooner. I wish you the best of luck in your weight loss journey.
Dr. Andrei and his staff have changed my life in every single way being so kind and caring since day one. I was explained every detail about surgery and any other procedures related to it, making me feel secure and confortable. After sugery follow ups were grate and they've always had an answer for questions even during non office hours. Their service is GREAT!!!! I would recomend them to anyone and would never regret to have chosen their team.
Dr. Andrei and his staff were top notch. They all were available for questions at any time during this process. I was sent to many other doctors over a period of 5 months before my actual surgery date. Although frustrated at first, it became clear that this was for the benefit of my health. I found I had a few medical "issues" I was unaware of. I had my surgery in early Novemeber and am continuing to see Pam at Dr. Andrei's office on a weekly (sometimes more) basis. The post surgery care has been comforting. I would highly recommend Dr. Andrei and his staff to anyone I know. This includes Kerri and Robin and the front desk. To Andy who calls to check on you almost everyday after surgery. To Pam who is caring and and easy to talk to about anything.
First let me start by saying I tried 5 years ago to have the surgery and was not able to because of insurance issues but now having a different insurance enabled me to have the surgery which was like a dream come true. Dr Andrei along with the whole staff truly made my experience a dream come true, Dr Andrei never leaves you a minute from the minute you get in until you are discharged whether in person or by phone, some negative issues arise with the hospital surgery department not informing the family as you are moving thru the process but this is out of Dr Andrei's control. Now thanks to Dr Andrei, I am on my way to a much thinner and healthier life. Thank you Dr Andrei and staff.
I feel that this office is a very careing group, they are a family type group, they care about you when you come in the office they care about you when you leave the office they still show you they care. after my surgery Dr. Andrei, said to me you did great, he never left me without saying how do you feel, or is there anything you need to discuss. they are all great people here, if i had to do it over again would I yes, only with him and his staff. there is nothing negative that I can say about Dr. Andrei, or his staff. Thank You Dr. Andrei, and Staff
God bless you All.
SML
I am so happy to have come here to Dr. Andrei's office in Livingston, NJ. I did not come alone, I also brought a family member. Together we have lost more than 160 lbs and we are still losing and toning. The staff and Dr. Andrei himself are the best you will ever find. When we started coming, we were at our wits end and through the classes led by Pam we learned to curb out eating and listen to our bodies true needs. Due to the loving and expert care of Dr. Andrei and the staff at Bariatric Associates, our lives will never be the same. Thank you Dr. Andrei and Bariatric Assoc you have made our dream of being healthier and smaller come true.