Valeriu E. Andrei MD Bariatric Associates Bariatric Center

Dr. Andrei is a quiet professional man. He took the time
to make sure I was informed about what this surgery is all about.
He never once made it sound like it would be an easy ride.
I love the office staff. The answering service leaves a bit
to be desired. I never seemed to get a call returned after
leaving a message with them. I found that it was easiest for
me to fax the office with whatever I needed from them in the afternoon
then I'd call them the next day and they would have my answers ready.

Dr. Andrei took the time to explain everything very clearly. I only saw him for one visit back in January and one support group afterward. I am still awaiting a surgery date so I have not had much to base an opinion on since then.

I thought Dr. Andrei was great. He was very caring and listened.

My impression has changed, I know he is wonderful and still very caring.

His office staff is great and very helpful if you have any questions.

There is nothing that I don't like about him or his staff.
That he is a very caring and concerned dr.
I was in the hospital 5 days instead of 3, I saw him two days later to remove my drain and give me my diet. He called me at home to see how I was feeling and if I had any problems. I will see him again 9/17 for my 3 month check up. He told me all the risks involved. I would rate him on a scale of 0 to 10 as a 10+++++

I had my initial consult today (7/30/02). My appointment was for 10:45 a.m. and I arrived about 10 a.m. After filling out a form (they sent me a large package to fill out which I returned prior to the consult), I waited for approx. 45 min. Then a nurse called me and my vitals were taken. Then I waited again to see the dietician. After that I waited to see Dr. Andrei. I was finished by about 1:00 p.m. which from what I understand is not bad. In fact, waiting provided an opportunity to mingle with some of the other patients (I've already made a couple of friends). The office staff was VERY NICE and VERY HELPFUL. Dr. Andrei was a sweetheart as well. Dr. Andrei and the entire staff seem to really care about the patients. That really impressed me because a lot of times a Dr. in such demand can forget what's important. I had researched WLS a lot so I didn't have many questions. He really emphasizes aftercare and went over the risks of surgery.

As far as next steps, I have to have the H.Pilori test done, see the shrink and go to a cardiologist. I also have to attend a mandatory seminar because I want the Lap Band.

The only things I would improve are the following...1) Coordinate referrals to insurance (one doesn't participate in my insurance so I'll have to pay out of pocket), 2) Provide 1 sheet with the next steps (it could be a sheet where items are checked or not checked based on individual patient needs but at least the patient would have 1 piece of paper to walk away with). After I got home I wasn't exactly sure if I had everything straight and wasn't missing something(and I'm a pretty detailed person), and 3) Provide details of what happens next. I'm not really clear if they wait until I complete all the referrals or if the insurance process begins right away. I'm going to wait a couple of weeks and then call the office to see what's happening.

Overall I am very happy with my choice at this point. I'm very fortunate that I have such a talented surgeon only 20 min. away from my house.

My consult was fine. The only difficulty I had was getting used to his accent, he is from somewhere in eastern Europe. He is very thorough in actually diagramming the surgery on a piece of paper to show what he will do. He took time to discuss all the pros and cons. I had gone to a support group meeting before my consult, and loved the strengh of those who were post ops giving their info to the newbies. This group is amazing. It is quite large, altho the "active" bunch is a manageable size. There are many members who come to the meeting once a month, but don't participate in the additional gatherings that are available.
Aftercare is very structured from what I have gathered. Which is a good thing for me. I have spoken to many post ops who absolutely adore Dr A, and have utmost confidence in him, both surgically and as a person. He has a bariatric doctor that sees the patiens post op, which allows Dr. A to do more surgeries. He has quite a wait!!
If you are thinking about surgery with Dr. A the first thing you should do is come to a support group meeting the first Thursday of the month, at the Hyatt in New Brunswick. You will meet him, and many post ops too!!

My first impression of Dr. Andrea was concern. My impression did not change over time. His office staff is efficient, caring, compasionate, knowledgeable and friendly. I honestly cannot say there is something I dislike about Dr. Andrea. He is very thorough. He puts a great deal of emphasize in aftercare. There is also a support group that meets once a month and an online support group. He explained the risks associated with surgery. His surgical competence and beside manner were both excellent.

he was very nice and answered all my questions.

I feel the same

wonderful

he was great

he is a very understanding man and will listen to your fears

very important
yes
well he explained everything good and bad
10
both great

I had an appointment with Dr Andrei in Feb. and until recently had not made my choice between him and Dr Brolin. Dr Andrei was very kind and understanding..compassionate. He answered all my questions and gave me a brief into to him, his staff and his practice at RWJMCH. He told me he was having an associate join him in the practice..not as a surgeon but as a bariatric physician who would be in the office to help with any pre or post op problems. This way you are dealing with a physician and not one of the 'girls' in other practices. Even though I had approval for both Dr B (in network) and Dr A (out of network and cost to me of $3000) I chose Dr A for his experience and after going to several monthly support group meeting for both MD's and meeting all the staff of each office I felt that this was the right choice. The surgery is set for July 29th at RWJMC. Here's hoping!!!

My 1st impression of Dr. Andrei is that he is a kind and caring man. He took a great deal of time answering my questions. He and his office staff were very pleasant and quite easy to deal with. During the consultation, aftercare was greatly emphasized and it appears to be structured. There is a monthly support group for all pre and post-ops. He explained surgery risks slowly and carefully. I will update this as my surgery date is scheduled.

My first impression of Dr Andrei was that he was a knowledable and very expreianced surgeon. He did not rush me through my appointment,was compassionate and to the point.
It has been eight months since the start of my wt loss journey. My impression has not changed about him.
The office staff is very caring and pleasent and always answered my questions. However, they do not always call back when they say, you must keep up on them (I think due to the amount of patients they have)
The least thing I liked about my surgeon was his lack of avaiability to answer my questions. The way my 2 prior cancellations were delt with. Telling me that I would be reschuled with in a certain amount of time and then falling through with it.
Dr Andrei has a wonderful support group we meet once a month for meeting, the members hold functions also. And we plan outings together.
He has a schedule for aftercare that insures that his patients are getting the best possible care.
On a scale of 1-10 I would rate him a 9,the hospital he uses a 5, his office staff 5.
Both Dr. Andrei's competence,bedside manner are great,he really does care.